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Battle of Unbeatens

April 21, 2003 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) News Release


ATLANTA (Monday, April 21, 2003) - Only two WUSA teams remain unbeaten and untied, but that will change on Saturday, April 26. Atlanta (2-0-0, 6 pts.) travels to the Nation's Capital to take on first-place Washington (3-0-0, 9 pts.) in the second game of a doubleheader that features the U.S. women's team vs. Nigeria in the first contest at RFK Stadium. The U.S. vs. Nigeria match will kick off at 12 noon ET (ESPN) followed by Atlanta vs. Washington at 2:30 pm ET (tape delayed on PAX TV - 4:00 pm ET).

Bringing impressive streaks into Saturday's match, Atlanta and Washington are easily the hottest two clubs in the WUSA. Washington has won a WUSA-record seven consecutive regular season games dating back to the 2002 season. In addition, the Freedom has a 12-game regular season unbeaten streak (another WUSA record) and a six-game unbeaten streak at home. Atlanta has won two consecutive games, outscoring its opponents 11-0 in the process.

"Every game against Atlanta for us is a war," said Washington Head Coach Jim Gabarra. "I think we've had some of the best games in WUSA history. We're both extremely competitive and that's translated into some great games in the past."

On paper, this match could be a high-scoring affair, as Atlanta is averaging 5.5 goals per game and Washington is scoring 2.33 goals per contest. However, Atlanta's defense has not allowed a goal in two games and Washington is allowing just 0.67 per match. In fact, Gabarra credits his defense for the club's 3-0 start.

"Our performance defensively has been the difference," Gabarra said. "Siri's played well and our back four have done a great job in closing down some dangerous scorers."

How will the doubleheader factor into the contest? Atlanta has two players (Briana Scurry and Cindy Parlow) in camp with the U.S. national team and Washington has (Mia Hamm, Siri Mullinix and Abby Wambach) training with April Heinrich's squad. With Hamm and Parlow probable starters against Nigeria, they will likely play exclusively with the USA. Scurry, Mullinix and Wambach could play in the WUSA match.

"Whether we'll have Mia or Abby available will depend how they feel after playing for the national team," Gabarra said. "Siri should be able to start for us, even if she plays against Nigeria. A goalkeeper playing in two games isn't as demanding as it would be for field players."

"We have to get an idea of how much time [Heinrichs] expects Bri and Cindy to get as to whether they'll be available or not," said Atlanta Head Coach Tom Stone. "I'm sure the same will go for Washington. So, when we get more information it'll help us determine how we're going to play.

Stone is not too worried about the Beat having April 19 off as a bye week. Atlanta was able to schedule an exhibition against the University of North Carolina on Friday, April 4. The Beat downed Anson Dorrance's Tar Heels 4-1.

"I really don't think [the bye] will affect our rhythm at all," Stone said. "It's important we play a game (against North Carolina) so that we can train this week for a game. If we just had two weeks straight of training, with no games, I think it could be an issue."

Atlanta has the advantage in the all-time series with a 4-2 edge over Washington, but Stone's squad is just 1-3 at RFK Stadium. In the last meeting between these two clubs, the Beat lost a heartbreaker to the Freedom when Pu Wei scored in stoppage time for a 3-2 victory on August 4, 2002.

NOT QUITE HOME SWEET HOME: Following Saturday's games that saw all three road teams come away with victories, WUSA teams are now 4-5 at home in 2003. Take Atlanta (2-0 at home) out of the equation and WUSA clubs are 2-5 at home.

CAN BOSTON CONTINUE "THE STREAK"?: Although WUSA teams are struggling at home early in the 2003 season, the Boston Breakers hope to change that trend on Saturday. Pia Sundhage's club will host their home opener at Nickerson Field on April 26 against the Philadelphia Charge with a WUSA record 11-game unbeaten streak at home on the line. The Breakers went 5-0-5 at home in the 2002 season and won their final home game of the 2001 season.

DÉJÀ VU FOR SAN JOSE?: The CyberRays' difficulty in finding the goal Saturday in a 2-0 loss to the Washington Freedom was not unfamiliar. During the 2002 season, San Jose created a WUSA-leading 316 shots but tied for fifth in the league with 34 goals. During Saturday's loss at Spartan Stadium, the inability to find the back of the net resurfaced, as the CyberRays outshot the Freedom 19-10.

"That's our M.O.: lots of chances, no goals," San Jose's Brandi Chastain said after the match. "But we've got a lot of goal scorers on this team, and we'll work it out."

DANIELA BECOMES YOUNGEST TO PLAY IN A WUSA MATCH: San Diego's Brazilian midfielder Daniela made history on April 19 when she became the youngest player to ever compete in a WUSA match. At just 19 years, 97 days, Daniela was the first teenager to compete in a WUSA match. Philadelphia's Pavlina Scasna previously held the youth record at 21 years, 2 days when she played in a 1-0 loss at San Jose on April 5. Daniela broke Scasna's mark on Saturday. Born January 12, 1984, Daniela continues the Spirit's youth movement. Earlier this season, San Diego's Christine Latham became the youngest player to ever score in a WUSA match when she found the back of the net in a 2-1 loss to Boston on April 5. Latham was 21 years, 202 days when she scored her goal.

The oldest player currently in the WUSA to compete in a match was San Jose's Sissi, who started in CyberRays' 2-0 loss to Washington on April 19. Sissi, who is Daniela's teammate on Brazil's national team, turns 36 on June 2. However, Sissi still has another year to go to set the WUSA record for oldest player in a game. Former San Diego midfielder Trudi Sharpsteen was 36 years, 224 days when she played in her only WUSA game on June 17, 2001.

NOT EXACTLY FINER IN CAROLINA THESE DAYS: With their 3-1 loss to Boston on Saturday, the Carolina Courage is now 0-2. Last year's Founders Cup champs did not lose their second game of the season until June 19, the club's 10th game of the season. Carolina went 12-5-4 in 2002 during the regular season, compiling a 6-3-1 mark at home. Next up for Carolina is the 0-3 New York Power at SAS Stadium on April 26.

"I don't think we are shaken," said Carolina forward Danielle Fotopoulos after Saturday's loss. "We need a good kick in the rear."

Adding to Carolina's challenges is the fact that two-time All-WUSA midfielder Hege Riise injured her knee in Saturday's loss to Boston. Riise, who did not return but was able to limp off the field, is scheduled to have her injury evaluated today (April 21). Despite Riise's injury and the Courage's early struggles, the team realizes it is still very early in the season.

"It's still the beginning of the season, so I don't want to freak out yet," said midfielder Tiffany Roberts. "We can't get down so early in the season. We still have a lot to work on."

IRONWOMEN GRUBB AND BRYAN MARCH ON: Saturday's WUSA match in San Jose featured the league's two ironwomen, as Washington's Jennifer Grubb and San Jose's Thori Bryan continued their incredible streaks of never missing a minute an any of their team's respective matches. Grubb and Bryan have participated in every minute of every game. In addition, Grubb played 65 minutes in the 2002 WUSA All-Star Game, the only league match that she has not played the entire contest.

WASHINGTON'S SIRI MULLINIX TO BE ON WUSA.COM CHAT THIS WEEK: Washington goalkeeper Siri Mullinix will be the featured guest on this week's WUSA.com live web chat on Tuesday, April 22. The chat will begin at 8:00 p.m. (ET)/5:00 p.m. (PT) and will last approximately 30 minutes. Mullinix, who registered seven saves in the Freedom's 2-0 victory over San Jose this past weekend, will be on hand to answer fan questions. Fans can submit questions before and during the chat. For more information, log on to www.WUSA.com.

WUSA Game Previews (Week Four)

Saturday, April 26, 2003 - Atlanta Beat at Washington Freedom - 2:30 p.m. (ET) - PAX TV (National Broadcast - tape-delay at 4:00 p.m. ET); (Season Series: First Meeting) (All-time Series History: Atlanta leads 4-2-0)

Two of the hottest clubs in the WUSA square off this weekend looking to grab sole possession of first place in the WUSA standings. Washington is coming off its seventh consecutive regular season victory (WUSA record - dating back to July 27, 2002) after defeating the San Jose CyberRays 2-0 last Saturday. After a bye week, in which the Beat defeated UNC 4-1 in a training match on Friday, April 18, Atlanta will enter this weekend's match with the league's most potent offense (11 goals scored in two matches) and stingiest defense (0 goals allowed in two games). The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 3-2 victory for the Freedom on August 4, 2002. Former Washington midfielder Pu Wei notched the game-winning goal during stoppage time to give the Freedom its first-ever playoff berth.

Key Players to Watch: Atlanta forward Maribel Dominguez (4g, 2a, 10 pts., 1st among WUSA scoring leaders) tallied her first career hat trick on April 12 versus Boston. Dominguez was named the MET-Rx Player of the Week for the week ending April 13 after registering three goals and an assist in Atlanta's 6-0 rout of the Breakers. Midfielder Homare Sawa (2g, 1a, 5 pts., 4th among WUSA scoring leaders) continues to be an offensive weapon for the Beat. Sawa recorded her second career multiple-goal game on April 12. Forward Charmaine Hooper (1g, 2a, 4 pts., tied for 5th among WUSA scoring leaders) will look to continue to have success versus the Freedom. The Canadian striker has tallied four goals and two assists in five matches versus Washington. Freedom forward Jacqui Little (2g, 2a, 6 pts., 3rd among WUSA scoring leaders) has registered a point in each of Washington's first three games. Little recorded her first-ever multiple-goal game during Washington's 3-1 victory over New York on April 12.

Defender Jennifer Grubb has played in every minute of every match for the Freedom, including the playoffs (4,230). Grubb will enter her 46th consecutive regular season match this weekend. Midfielder Lori Lindsey (1g, 2pts.) registered her first goal of the 2003 season last weekend. Lindsey looks to get more involved in the Freedom attack with both Abby Wambach (1g, 2pts.) and Mia Hamm (3g, 1a, 7 pts., 2nd among WUSA scoring leaders) called to national team duty.

Key Matchup: (Atlanta forward Maribel Dominguez versus Washington defender Jennifer Grubb) Dominguez will look to add to her league-leading four goals this weekend. Grubb will anchor a defense that must shut down the potent Atlanta attack. Atlanta has scored 11 goals all-time (six matches) versus the Freedom and will look to score more with the Mexican striker.

The "Inside Scoop": Atlanta holds a 4-2-0 mark over Washington all-time, outscoring the Freedom 11-9. The Freedom holds a 2-1-0 edge at RFK stadium over the Beat, including a 3-2 victory on August 4, 2002 which earned Washington its first-ever playoff berth. This match will be part of a doubleheader with the U.S. Women's national team. Both teams could be missing players due to the United States' match versus Nigeria. Called up to the national team roster are Briana Scurry (Atlanta), Cindy Parlow (Atlanta), Mia Hamm (Washington), Abby Wambach (Washington) and Siri Mullinix (Washington). Both squads are riding win streaks heading into this weekend's match. Atlanta has won three straight regular season matches, dating back to August 10, 2002. Washington has won a WUSA record seven straight regular season matches, dating back to July 27, 2002.

They Said it: "She's a good fit for Atlanta because she complements the likes of Parlow, Hooper and Sawa. Teams are having to make adjustments and that allows a player like Dominguez to have some one-on-one opportunities. She's shown thus far that she belongs in this league." - Washington Freedom Head Coach Jim Gabarra on Atlanta's Maribel Dominguez.

Referee: Erich Simmons. Assistant Referees: Sandra Serafini, John E. Schmitz. 4th Official: Ken Kaplan.

Saturday, April 26, 2003 - Philadelphia Charge at Boston Breakers - 7:00 p.m. (ET) - No TV; (Season Series: First Meeting) (All-time Series History: Philadelphia leads 3-2-1)

Philadelphia has not seen WUSA action in nearly two weeks and will be looking for its first victory of the season. The Charge was shut out in its first match of the 2003 season (1-0 at San Jose, April 5, 2003), dropping the season opener for the first time in team history. Boston rebounded from the worst defeat in league history (6-0 loss at Atlanta, April 12, 2003) to defeat the Carolina Courage 3-1 on Saturday. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 1-1 draw on July 27, 2002 at Nickerson Field. A 90th-minute goal by former Breaker Allie (Kemp) Sullivan extended Boston's home undefeated streak to nine games.

Key Players to Watch: Reigning WUSA MVP Marinette Pichon will be looking for her first points of the 2003 season. In two career meetings with the Breakers, Pichon has tallied two goals and an assist for five points. Midfielder Melanie Hoffmann will also be looking for her first points of the 2003 season. The German international made her WUSA debut in Philadelphia's 1-0 loss at San Jose. Forward Kelly Smith played in her first WUSA match on April 5, 2003 since suffering an ACL tear in her right knee on June 1, 2002. Smith has registered a goal and two assists versus Boston all-time (three matches). Boston forward Maren Meinert (2g, 4 pts., tied for 5th among WUSA scoring leaders) notched her second goal of the 2003 season last weekend versus Carolina. Meinert has tallied two goals and three assists versus Philadelphia all-time (six matches). Forward Dagny Mellgren (2g, 4 pts., tied for 5th among WUSA scoring leaders) gave the Breakers a 3-0 lead over Carolina with her second goal of the season. Mellgren has scored more goals (4) all-time versus the Charge than any other Boston player.

Key Matchup: (Philadelphia defenders Heather Mitts and Jenny Benson versus Boston forwards Dagny Mellgren and Maren Meinert) - Both Mitts and Benson will have their hands full with Boston's high-scoring duo. Mellgren and Meinert have combined for six of the nine total goals scored by the Breakers against the Charge all-time.

The "Inside Scoop": Philadelphia leads the all-time series 3-2-1, outscoring the Breakers 11-9. The series is even (1-1-1) at Nickerson Field with the last (and only) Charge victory in Boston taking place May 27, 2001. Boston has not lost at home in a WUSA-record 11 straight matches, dating back to August 12, 2001. Five total players from both teams have been called up for the U.S. Women's national team match versus Nigeria at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. (Lorrie Fair - Philadelphia; Jena Kluegel - Boston; Kristine Lilly - Boston; Kate Sobrero - Boston; Angela Hucles - Boston). Philadelphia has never started the season off 0-2-0.

They Said it: "Pia is great. She and John (Natale) are excellent coaches. I expect them to have a tremendous amount of success in Boston. We are looking forward to the challenge of traveling up there and facing them. The Breakers are an excellent team that possess a number of dangerous attacking players. This game should be a challenge." - Philadelphia Charge Head Coach Mark Krikorian on facing Pia Sundhage.

Referee: Tony Russo. Assistant Referees: Karalee Sutton, Jessica Hyde. 4th Official: Jennifer Bennett.

Saturday, April 26, 2003 - New York Power at Carolina Courage - 7:00 p.m. (ET) - Triangle TV (Carolina); MSG (New York); (Season Series: First Meeting) (All-time Series History: Series Tied 3-3-0)

Carolina (the defending Founders Cup champions) will be looking for its first win of the 2003 season. The Courage has dropped two straight home matches this season (2-1 opening day loss to Washington and a 3-1 loss to Boston last week). New York dropped its third straight match of the 2003 season with a 2-0 loss to San Diego on Saturday. New York will be looking to snap a seven-game losing streak (dating back to July 27, 2002) with a win this weekend. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 2-1 victory for the Courage on August 7, 2002. Carolina's Danielle Fotopoulos and Birgit Prinz each tallied a goal and an assist in the match.

Key Players to Watch: New York forward Tammy Pearman will likely fill in for the missing Tiffeny Milbrett (U.S. Women's national team duty). Other than Milbrett, Pearman has had more success versus Carolina than any other member of the Power (2g, 1a, 5 pts. in five matches). Forward Christie Welsh is still looking for her first career WUSA points. The second-overall pick in the 2003 WUSA Draft has a team high nine shots and four shots on goal. Midfielder Margaret Tietjen (1a, 1pt.) leads the league in corner kicks (22). Tietjen has the Power's lone assist in 2003. Carolina's Prinz (2g, 4 pts., tied for 5th among WUSA scoring leaders) registered her second goal of the 2003 season with a 74th-minute score last Saturday. Prinz has now recorded a point in six consecutive regular season games, dating back to July 31, 2002. Forward Fotopoulos (2a, 2 pts., tied for 13th among WUSA scoring leaders) has tallied an assist in six consecutive games (dating back July 31, 2002) after recording an assist on Prinz' goal in 74th minute last weekend. Prinz, "Fotop" and midfielder Hege Riise (who will likely miss this week game versus New York after injuring her right knee on April 19) have each registered 10 points all-time versus the Power (most in team history). Prinz has four goals and two assists in three games versus New York. Fotopoulos has tallied three goals and four assists in six matches versus the Power. In six game against New York, Riise has registered two goals and six assists.

Key Matchup: (New York forward Christie Welsh versus Carolina defender Nel Fettig) - Facing her former club, Fettig will be the catalyst for Carolina's defense. They will face an offense that has only been able to muster a single goal so far in 2003. Welsh and the Power will look to take advantage of a defense that will be playing without Danielle Slaton (U.S. national team duty), Kristin Luckenbill (thumb surgery) and Carla Overbeck (maternity leave).

The "Inside Scoop": With the series tied 3-3-0, both teams will be looking earn the first three points of 2003 to take a lead in the season series and. Carolina is looking for its first home win of the season. The Courage is one home loss away from its season total of three in 2002. The Power is currently on a four-game losing skid on the road (July 27, 2002). Both Head Coaches (Jay Entlich - Carolina; Tom Sermanni - New York) are looking for their first career WUSA victory. Four players have been called up to U.S. Women's national team duty this weekend - Christie Pearce (New York); Tiffeny Milbrett (New York); Danielle Slaton (Carolina); Tiffany Roberts (Carolina).

They Said it: "Like us, New York is hungry for its first win of the 2003 Season and this game is huge for both teams. With several players missing from both sides, this game is going to be decided by some unlikely heroes. Whichever team has that "unlikely" hero show up, will win the match. It could be saving a ball off the line, battling for loose balls in the midfield, or scoring the game-winning goal." - Carolina Courage Head Coach Jay Entlich on this weekend's match versus New York.

Referee: Todd Perry. Assistant Referees: Kim Oberle, Steven Taylor. 4th Official: Charles G. Mitchell.

Sunday, April 27, 2003 - San Jose CyberRays at San Diego Spirit - 8:00 p.m. (ET) - Cox 4 (San Diego); (Season Series: First Meeting) (All-time Series History: San Jose leads 2-1-3)

The battle for California will take place this weekend. San Jose is coming off a tough loss at home to the Washington Freedom 2-0 on Saturday. It was the first time San Jose has been shut out at home since July 25, 2001 (2-0 loss to San Diego). The Spirit recorded its first shutout since August 7, 2002 (1-0 victory over Atlanta) with a 2-0 win at New York on Saturday. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 2-2 tie. A penalty kick in the 69th minute by Katia drew the game even, ending in a draw.

Key Players to Watch: Forward Katie Barnes (1g, 2 pts.) has registered the CyberRays' only goal of the season so far. The goal was Barnes' first of her WUSA career on April 5, 2003. Defender Brandi Chastain has not yet registered a point in the 2003 season and will be looking to record one against San Diego on Sunday. The Spirit is the only team Chastain has not registered a point against in her WUSA career (five matches versus the Spirit). Goalkeeper LaKeysia Beene (1-1-0, 1.00 GAA) dropped her first match of the 2003 season on Saturday, despite tallying five saves on the day. Beene has been in goal during every matchup with the Sprit (2-1-3, 1.00 GAA). San Diego's Shannon MacMillan (1g, 1a, 3 pts., tied for 10th among WUSA scoring leaders) registered the game-winning goal and notched an assist in San Diego's 2-0 victory over New York last weekend. The Spirit forward has one goal and three assists all-time versus San Jose (six matches). Forward Julie Fleeting (1g, 2 pts.) tallied her first goal of the 2003 season. Fleeting came close to a hat trick on Saturday, however, the Scottish international missed a penalty kick and had a goal called back for a hand ball. Goalkeeper Jamie Pagliarulo (1-1-0, 1.00 GAA) made six saves en route to her six career shutout on Saturday. Two of Pagliarulo's career shutouts have come against the CyberRays.

Key Matchup: (San Jose midfielder Betsy Barr versus San Diego midfielder Julie Foudy) - The history of the CyberRays-San Diego series is that the are matches usually determined by whether the CyberRays are able to contain Foudy, and that assignment likely will fall to Barr, a rookie, who was drafted specifically for the defensive midfielder role.

The "Inside Scoop": With the series in San Jose's favor (2-1-3), the CyberRays have never lost a match at Torero Stadium. San Jose has outscored San Diego 7-5 (3-2 at Torero). After its win on Saturday, San Diego moved to .500 for the eighth time in team history. The Spirit has never been above .500. San Diego midfielder Julie Foudy will face her husband (San Jose Head Coach Ian Sawyers) for the seventh time in her WUSA career. Seven members of the U.S. Women's national team were called up for the match versus Nigeria (April 26) but are expected to be on hand for Sunday's San Jose-San Diego game - LaKeysia Beene (San Jose); Thori Bryan (San Jose); Brandi Chastain (San Jose); Joy Fawcett (San Diego); Julie Foudy (San Diego); Shannon MacMillan (San Diego); Aly Wagner (San Diego). Three Brazilians will not be on hand for this weekend's match due to World Cup Qualifying - Katia (San Jose); Pretinha (San Jose); Daniela (San Diego).

They Said it: "It's going to be interesting to see what the fallout is after that game (USA vs. Nigeria on Saturday in Washington, D.C.). I hope my wife (San Diego midfielder Julie Foudy) runs her tail off Saturday and is exhausted." - San Jose CyberRays Head Coach Ian Sawyers on the impact of the U.S. Women's national team game on Sunday's Sprit-CyberRays match.

Referee: David Simon. Assistant Referees: Brenda Wright, Diane Driggers. 4th Official: Pat Novak.

TEAM INJURY REPORTS AS OF 04/21/03
ATLANTA BEAT: PROBABLE - F Conny Pohlers (L knee contusion); D Ifeoma Dieke (R hamstring strain).
BOSTON BREAKERS: OUT - F Ragnhild Gulbrandsen (L Foot Bone Bruise); QUESTIONABLE - F Maren Meinert (ankle).
CAROLINA COURAGE: OUT - GK Kristin Luckenbill (L thumb surgery); D Carla Overbeck (maternity leave); M Hege Riise (R knee).
NEW YORK POWER: OUT - D Sara Whalen (R ACL tear); D Kristy Whelchel (R ACL tear); QUESTIONABLE - D Jaclyn Raveia (Hairline Fracture - R Collarbone); Cheryl Salisbury (Calf Strain - R); GK Saskia Webber (Calf Strain - R); PROBABLE - Lauren Orlandos (Hamstring Strains); GK Meghan Frey (L thumb sprain)
PHILADELPHIA CHARGE: QUESTIONABLE - GK Hope Solo (Lumbar disc herniation); M Erin Misaki (R knee effusion); PROBABLE - F Trina Maso de Moya (R ankle tendonitis); F Deliah Arrington (R ankle sprain).
SAN DIEGO SPIRIT: DOUBTFUL - D Amy Sauer (L ankle sprain).
SAN JOSE CYBERRAYS: OUT - D Dianne Alagich (Bronchitis); QUESTIONABLE - D Kelly Lindsey (R knee contusion); PROBABLE - M Tisha Venturini-Hoch (R knee contusion).
WASHINGTON FREEDOM: PROBABLE - D Emmy Barr (R knee bruise); D Lindsay Stoecker (concussion).

NATIONAL TEAM DUTY AS OF 04/21/03
ATLANTA BEAT: F Cindy Parlow (USA); GK Briana Scurry (USA).
BOSTON BREAKERS: M Jena Kluegel (USA); M Kristine Lilly (USA); D Kate Sobrero (USA); M Angela Hucles (USA).
CAROLINA COURAGE: D Danielle Slaton (USA); M Tiffany Roberts (USA). NEW YORK POWER: D Christie Pearce (USA); F Tiffeny Milbrett (USA).
PHILADELPHIA CHARGE: M Lorrie Fair (USA)
SAN DIEGO SPIRIT: M Daniela (Brazil); F Shannon MacMillan (USA); D Joy Fawcett (USA); M Julie Foudy (USA); Aly Wagner (USA) - note The U.S. plays on Saturday (4/26); San Jose at San Diego takes place on Sunday (4/27).
SAN JOSE CYBERRAYS: F Katia (Brazil); F Pretinha (Brazil); GK LaKeysia Beene (USA); D Brandi Chastain (USA); D Thori Bryan (USA) - note The U.S. plays on Saturday (4/26); San Jose at San Diego takes place on Sunday (4/27).
WASHINGTON FREEDOM: M Bai Jie (China); GK Siri Mullinix (USA); F Mia Hamm (USA); F Abby Wambach (USA).

suspension Summary 04/21/03

Player Team Suspension Reason None

Warning Summary 04/21/03

Player Team Reason None

TEAM-BY-TEAM NOTES

ATLANTA BEAT: Coming off a bye week, the Atlanta Beat did defeat UNC 4-1 in a training match on Friday, April 18...Forward Emily Burt registered two goals in the match while forwards Cindy Parlow and Conny Pohlers each notched a score... Atlanta is off to the best start offensively in WUSA history... The Beat has registered 11 goals in two games, including a six-goal performance (tying the WUSA record with San Diego) versus Boston on April 12... Forward Maribel Dominguez leads the league in scoring (4g, 2a, 10 pts.) after recording her first career WUSA hat trick on April 12... Goalkeeper Briana Scurry has tallied a shutout in three consecutive regular season games (314 minutes)... The Beat has won three straight regular season games, dating back to August 10, 2002... Rookie Abby Crumpton leads the league in points per 90 minutes, averaging 8.78... The Beat forward has registered two goals in 41 minutes of WUSA action.

BOSTON BREAKERS: Boston registered three goals to knock off the Carolina Courage 3-1 on April 19 in Cary, N.C.... Three different Breakers scored in the match... Forwards Maren Meinert and Dagny Mellgren each tallied a goal in the match while defender Monica Gonzalez registered her first career WUSA goal... Boston enters this week's match riding a WUSA-record 11-game unbeaten streak at home (dating back to August 12, 2001)... This weekend will mark the first meeting between Head Coach Pia Sundhage and her former club, the Philadelphia Charge... The Breakers' victory was the second in the month of April... It was the first time in the teams history that the Breakers won two games in one month ... After only winning one road game in 2002, the Breakers have already captured two victories on the road in 2003 ... Meinert increases her career point total to 55 points ... In the two Breakers victories, Meinert, Mellgren and Kristine Lilly have all tallied at least one point ... Erin O'Grady made her WUSA debut when she entered the game in the 70th minute for Meinert ... Rookie Devvyn Hawkins started for the first time in her WUSA career, playing 90 minutes in the midfield for Boston.

CAROLINA COURAGE: The Courage dropped to 0-2-0 on the season after falling to the Boston Breakers 3-1 on April 19 at SAS Stadium... Forward Birgit Prinz recorded her second goal of the season in the losing effort... Prinz has now recorded a point in six consecutive regular season matches (dating back to July 31, 2002)... Forward Danielle Fotopoulos registered an assist on Prinz' goal to extend her league-leading regular season assist streak to six games (dating back to July 31, 2002)... Forward Kate Gordon tallied her first career WUSA point with an assist on Prinz' goal last weekend... Goalkeeper Maite Zabala made her first start for Carolina last weekend... The Courage ranks fourth in team offense (1.00 goals per game) and sixth in team offense (2.50 goals per game)... Head Coach Jay Entlich enters this weekend looking for his first career WUSA victory.

NEW YORK POWER: New York lost its third consecutive match of the 2003 season with a 2-0 loss to San Diego at Mitchel Athletic Complex on April 19... The Power was shut out for the second time this season and 10th in the team's history... Having lost last Saturday, New York has all-time record for the month of April of 0-2-1... The Power has won just five of 27 games (5-22-0) all-time when their opponent has scored first, and are 0-15-0 when trailing at the half... The injury bug has hit the Power, especially on the defensive end... As of Monday, April 21, defenders Jaclyn Raveia (hairline fracture to her right collarbone), Lauren Orlandos (hamstring strains) and Cheryl Salisbury (right calf strain) are all listed as questionable for the match against Carolina... Defenders Sara Whalen (R ACL tear) and Kristy Whelchel (R ACL tear) are out for Saturday's match... The Power will also be without the services of defender Christie Pearce and forward Tiffeny Milbrett, as they will be in Washington, DC due to national team obligations.

PHILADELPHIA CHARGE: Philadelphia will take the field for the first time in two weeks to face a WUSA opponent this weekend... Last week midfielder Lorrie Fair had a goal and an assist to lead the Charge to a 3-0 win over a group of college All-Stars at J. Birney Crum Stadium (Allentown, Pa.) in an exhibition match on Sunday afternoon (April 13)... Anne Makinen and Kelly Smith also scored for Philadelphia in that match... The Charge started the season 0-1-0 for the first time in team history after a 1-0 loss at San Jose on April 5... Philadelphia has never started the season 0-2-0 and will be looking for its first win of the season... The Charge will face former assistant coach Pia Sundhage for the first time on Saturday... The Charge ranks eighth in team offense (0.00 goals per game) and is tied for third in team defense (1.00 goal per game).

SAN DIEGO SPIRIT: San Diego defeated the New York Power 2-0 on April 19 to move to .500 for the eighth time in team history... Forward Shannon MacMillan registered a goal (the game-winner) and an assist in the match... Forward Julie Fleeting nearly had her first career WUSA hat trick on Saturday... The Scottish international recorded a goal in the 28th minute, missed a penalty kick and had a goal called back due to a hand ball... Midfielder Aly Wagner tallied her first career WUSA point on Saturday with an assist on MacMillan's goal... Midfielder Daniela made her WUSA debut on Saturday, becoming the youngest player to compete in a WUSA match (19 yrs., 97 days)... The Spirit recorded its first shutout since August 7, 2002 (1-0 victory at Atlanta)... San Diego has never been over .500... Head Coach Omid Namazi notched his first career WUSA victory with Saturday's win... San Diego ranks fourth in team offense (1.50 goals per game) and third in team defense (1.00 goals per game)... Julie Foudy will face her husband (San Jose Head Coach Ian Sawyers) for the seventh time in her WUSA career.

SAN JOSE CYBERRAYS: The San Jose CyberRays fell to the Washington Freedom 2-0 at Spartan Stadium on April 19... With the loss, San Jose falls to 0-3-0 all-time versus the Freedom during the month of April... The CyberRays set the WUSA record for corner kicks in a match with 19 on Saturday... San Jose will be without the services of Brazilian forwards Katia and Pretinha this weekend due to national team duty... The 17,032 who witnessed Saturday's loss was the largest crowd in CyberRays history... The large crowd ranks 10th all-time in WUSA history... Defender Thori Bryan played a full 90 minutes on Saturday to move her all-time minutes played total (including playoffs) to 4,155... Bryan has played in every minute of every match for the CyberRays... Despite being shut out on Saturday, San Jose outshot the Freedom 19-10... The CyberRays rank sixth in team offense (0.50 goals per game) and third in team defense (1.00 goals per game).

WASHINGTON FREEDOM: The Washington Freedom won its third straight game of the 2003 season with a 2-0 victory at San Jose on April 19... Forward Mia Hamm and midfielder Lori Lindsey each recorded a goal in the match... Hamm has now registered a goal in three consecutive games... The two-time FIFA World Player of the Year has now tallied a point in seven consecutive regular season matches (dating back to July 27, 2002)... Washington has now won a WUSA-record seven straight regular season matches (dating back to July 27, 2002) and has gone undefeated in a WUSA-record 12 straight regular season games (dating back to June 29, 2002)... The Freedom has not lost a match at RFK Stadium in six straight matches (dating back to July 3, 2002)... Washington ranks second in team offense (2.33 goals per game) and second in team defense (0.67 goals per game).



Women's United Soccer Association Stories from April 21, 2003


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