In terms of lead-ins for the Washington Freedom, D.C. United’s loss in the ancient broiler known as RFK Stadium wasn’t exactly a new episode of Seinfeld. Fortunately, the Freedom and St. Louis Athletica turned around with a game that entertained the few thousand who remained.

“The fans that stayed over were loud,” Washington’s Abby Wambach said. “I felt we had a good fan base behind us.”

“I think they enjoyed the game,” Washington defender midfielder Sonia Bompastor said. “It was a great game with a lot of intensity. We scored three goals, and both teams played well with a lot of heart.”

Bompastor moved up from left back to left midfield and responded with a 19th-minute blast for the Freedom’s first goal.

“To be honest, I don’t like too much to play left back,” Bompastor said. “It’s not my favorite position. I know some games we need me to be left back, but I prefer to be midfield. I’m more free, and I don’t have to think.”

Wait … don’t have to think?!

“When you are playing midfield, you just have to run,” Bompastor said. “You have to think, but I know how to do because I was midfield in France.”

Freedom coach Jim Gabarra wasn’t planning to shut down the French star’s brain. He had tactical reasons for the switch.

“We needed to get her more attacking but also get Becky (Sauerbrunn) on the back line. She brings a lot of calm and defensive ability. It helps (rookie defender) Nikki Marshall out, having a more defensive player next to her that’s going to talk to her.”

Both teams warmed up quickly to keep the crowd from getting too restless while many of RFK’s concession stands shut down. St. Louis’ Shannon Boxx didn’t mind.

“Preparation’s different wherever you go. I think it’s great that they did the doubleheader. RFK Stadium’s a great place to play.”

St. Louis keeper Hope Solo had mixed feelings about RFK: “It’s a great field, beautiful stadium, but I enjoy playing in smaller, intimate soccer-specific stadiums. But this is awesome – you can’t complain about it.”

After winning gold in Beijing, Solo told me she was looking forward to getting back and seeing Dave Matthews Band. During the Olympics, DMB saxophonist LeRoi Moore passed away from complications resulting from an ATV accident.

How has the band been since then?

“I love their new album, that’s for sure, and I can’t wait for them to come to St. Louis,” Solo said. “They played with so much passion after they lost LeRoi. Some of their best shows were live after that.”

Final note from RFK: Briana Scurry, injured in her lone appearance for the Freedom this year, doesn’t seem to be holding a grudge over the 2007 World Cup controversy. She came over and gave Solo a friendly hug after the game.