Beat Earn Two Weekend Wins
March 21, 2011 - Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
Atlanta Beat News Release
KENNESAW, GA (March 21, 2010) - The Atlanta Beat of Women's Professional Soccer defeated the University of North Carolina 2-0 in a preseason match on Saturday, March 19 during Fan and Media Day at KSU Soccer Stadium. The Beat's Meghan Lenczyk and Megan Jesolva had finishes in the 16th and 80th minutes respectively.
In a fast-paced first half, Jesolva found the better half of all fifty-fifty challenges on the left flank and sent dangerous service into the box. Lenczyk, a forward, took four shots in the opening period with three shots on goal. In the 16th minute, she netted the only finish of the half on shot placed in the bottom right corner off a pass from forward Kristina Larsen. Both Larsen and midfielder Lori Chalupny recorded first half shots of their own with Larsen placing one on goal.
Tarheel goalkeepers Anna Sieloff and Hannah Daly combined for a total of three saves in the first half to hold the Beat to a one goal advantage at the break. The Beat's Ali Lipsher started in goal, recording only a single save to maintain a first half clean sheet before Allison Whitworth took over in the second half.
In the second half, the Beat took a more deliberate approach to settle the tempo as players on both sides battled in the sunny, 80 degree weather. Despite the heat, Jesolva continued to dominate her side of the midfield as former Tarheel standouts Cat Whitehill and Chalupny controlled the pace of the game.
Jesolva tallied the second goal of the match in the 80th minute on a high arcing shot into the middle of the goal. The goal, off another Larsen assist, accounted for Jesolva's second of two shots on goal for the half. Both Larsen and forward/defender Lauren Sesselman notched shots of their own in the match. The Tarheels saw only two shots on goal, forcing Whitworth to tip a late shot over the top left corner.
The Beat defeated Florida State University 1-0 on the campus of Columbus State on Sunday, March 20. Kristina Larsen scored the game winner.
The Beat's season opener against the Boston Breakers is April 9 at 7:00 p.m.. Call 678-298-4780 for tickets or visit www.TheAtlantaBeat.com.
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Women's Professional Soccer Stories from March 21, 2011
- Beat Earn Two Weekend Wins - Atlanta Beat
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