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Beat Blanks Freedom 1-0; Takes Over 1st Place in WUSA Standings

June 28, 2003 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
Atlanta Beat News Release


ATLANTA (June 28, 2003) - The Atlanta Beat moved back into first place in the WUSA standings with a 1-0 win over the Washington Freedom on Saturday night. Charmaine Hooper scored the only goal of the game in the 2nd minute and the Beat held on for the victory. Atlanta's record moves to 6-2-4 with 22 points and Washington's falls to 5-4-2 with 17 points.

The Beat came out pressuring the Freedom from the first whistle and in the 2nd minute it paid off, as Conny Pohlers dribbled at the top of the penalty box, forcing Skylar Little to clear the ball to a wide open Hooper just inside penalty area. Hooper took a touch and slotted the ball into the left corner of the goal. The goal was Hooper's 5th of the season and 5th all time versus the Freedom.

The Beat continued to apply pressure to the Washington defense, but it relented as the game was delayed in the 23rd minute due to lightning. After a 36-minute weather delay, the game continued. Atlanta out shot the Freedom 5-1 in the first half.

At halftime the Freedom brought on Mia Hamm, replacing Kelly Golebiowski on the left side of midfield. The pace of the game increased as Hamm came into the game, energizing the Freedom attack. Hamm's presence on the field spurred the Freedom attack, but they still could not penetrate the Beat goal.

The best chance for the Freedom came on a Sandra Minnert shot in the 63rd minute. Minnert fired a shot from 18 yards out that hit the right post and bounded directly out towards the 18-yard box. The Freedom had another opportunity in the 78th minute when Hamm streaked up the field on the right side and delivered a low cross to the back post, but just out of reach of a wide open Emmy Barr.

The Beat finished the game with eight shots, three on goal, to Washington's seven shots, one on goal. Washington did create numerous chances, as they delivered nine corner kicks to the Beat's two.

The Beat took sole possession of first place and the Freedom now sits in a 3rd place tie with the New York Power. Briana Scurry earned her 6th win of the season and her 4th shutout, tying CyberRays' keeper LaKeysia Beene for the league lead.

The Beat goes on the road to face the Carolina Courage on July 4, and the Freedom heads to Boston for a match versus the Breakers on July 3. The Beat and Freedom meet in the 3rd and final regular season match on July 12, at 4 p.m. in Atlanta.

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