Beat Earn First Win Of 2011
April 16, 2011 - Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
Atlanta Beat News Release
The Atlanta Beat (1-1) defeated New Jersey-based Sky Blue FC (0-1-1) when Meghan Lenczyk scored the game's only goal in the 50th minute on Saturday night at KSU Soccer Stadium.
The game began with cautious play, but picked up quickly. Former Beat forward Eniola Aluko took the first shot of the game, followed by three more in the first half. Aluko's shots were matched by teammates Heather O'Reilly and Casey Nogueira.
The Beat answered with two shots from Kristina Larsen and a shot on goal by India Trotter. Despite the aggressive play and multiple shots, both teams went into the half scoreless. Beat goalkeeper Alli Lipsher recorded four saves in the first half, including one off a dangerous cross.
In the second half, the pace increased with high intensity for the remainder of the match. The Beat's Meghan Lenczyk scored in the 50th minute when she challenged Sky Blue keeper Karen Bardsley in the box. The ball snuck around Bardsley on the tackle and bounced towards goal. Sky Blue defender Carrie Dew slid to clear the ball off the endline, but it had already crossed. India Trotter had the Beat's second dangerous attempt of the second half.
Sky Blue's Aluko added to her shot total with another four in the second half, and two other former Atlanta players Tobin Heath and Angie Kerr each came off the bench to find shots on the goal. Casey Nogueira continued to be a factor for the Sky Blue offense, recording two more shots.
Beat keeper Lipsher played an amazing match to maintain a clean sheet as she recorded another seven saves in the second half to keep the New Jersey team scoreless. In total, Lipsher saved 11 shots.
Play became more aggressive as both Carli Lloyd and Lipsher were shown yellow cards late in the second half, and Beat captain Lori Chalupny also took some hard hits.
The Beat are back in action on Sunday, April 24 against Western New York Flash at KSU Soccer Stadium. Call 678-298-4780 for tickets to the next Beat home match or visit www.TheAtlantaBeat.com.
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Women's Professional Soccer Stories from April 16, 2011
- Beat Earn First Win Of 2011 - Atlanta Beat
- Team Falls Victim to Road Loss - Sky Blue FC
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