Beat Opens Preseason Exhibition Schedule with a Win and Loss

Published on March 10, 2003 under Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
Atlanta Beat News Release


ATLANTA (Monday, March 10, 2003) - The Atlanta Beat kicked off its preseason exhibition schedule this past weekend with games in Lincoln, Nebraska, versus the University of Nebraska and the Philadelphia Charge. The Beat came away with a 1-1-0 record, but more importantly the coaching staff got an early glimpse of 2003 Beat squad in game situations.

The Beat faced the Philadelphia Charge on Saturday night at 10 p.m. in a match originally scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Harsh weather forced the match to move indoors to the Cook Pavilion, where the Cornhusker's football team trains. Homare Sawa gave the Beat the lead in the 35th minute, taking a pass from Charmaine Hooper and blasting the ball in the net for the game's first goal.

The Beat held the 1-0 halftime lead, while soaking up a lot of pressure from the Charge attack. After making numerous substitutions, to give more players some field time, the Beat headed back onto the pitch for the second half. The Charge would get the equalizer in the 55th minute when goalkeeper Melanie Wilson fouled WUSA MVP Marinette Pichon in the penalty box. English international Kelly Smith stepped to the penalty spot and scored.

In the 75th minute, a Beat turnover led to the go ahead and game winning goal for the Charge. The Beat's defense turned the ball over in its own half, and Charge midfielder Stacey Tullock took two touches and put the ball by Wilson.

On Friday night the Beat faced the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers at Abbot Sports Complex and defeated them 3-0. Notching goals in the Beat's win were midfielder Marci Miller, forward Emily Burt and midfielder and 2003 draft pick Katie Antongiovanni.

Japanese National Team member Yayoi Kobayashi set up Miller's goal, in the 25th minute. Kobayashi is a teammate of Sawa's on the Japanese National Team. Burt scored in the 32nd minute off a cross from Hooper, who dribbled past the goalkeeper and crossed the ball to the back post. The final goal versus Nebraska was a penalty kick that was converted by Antongiovanni after Kobayashi was fouled in the penalty box.

Tom Stone quotes on the Beat's opening weekend: "The feeling in camp right now is very positive. We've got a great crop of players and the level of play is the best it's been in any of our preseason camps."

"Everyone is showing that they are committed to developing this team and it was evident as we saw improvement from beginning to end in each game this weekend."

"Ifeoma (Dieke) and Yayoi (Kobayashi) are two players that nobody had a whole lot of information on, but they are two that distinguished themselves and showed that they are not uncomfortable with the high level of play. From top to bottom the group of college players are very good and they are going to fight and really push some of the current starters for a spot on this team."

"This week is going to be a fun week. With four players out due to National Team commitments, we'll have the opportunity to give more playing time to many of the players. We'll also get a more extended look at Conny Pohlers."

Beat to Face the University of Tennessee Lady Vols The Atlanta Beat will head up to Knoxville to take on the Lady Vols on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at UT Soccer Complex. For directions to UT Soccer Complex go to this link . Ellen Dean, a goalkeeper vying for a spot on the Beat's roster, is a senior at the University of Tennessee and helped lead the Vols to the NCAA tournament in 2002. The match will be the third of a seven game preseason exhibition schedule. The Beat defeated the University of Nebraska and lost to the Philadelphia Charge in preseason action this past weekend.

Atlanta Beat Training Schedule (March 10-15, 2003):

Monday - Rose Bowl Field, 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday - Rose Bowl Field, 10 a.m. & 5 p.m.
Wednesday - Beat vs. University of Tennessee, 7 p.m. at UT Soccer Complex, Knoxville, TN
Thursday - Rose Bowl Field, 10 a.m.
Friday - Rose Bowl Field, 10 a.m.
Saturday - Beat vs. Auburn University, 6 p.m., at Fayetteville, GA
Sunday - Off
Times are subject to change. Practice is open to the media and for those wishing to attend practice or wishing to set up individual interviews, please contact Lee Kallman at 404-269-7357 or Stephen Rodriguez at 404-441-3030.

Directions to Rose Bowl Field

From North, Traveling South I-75/85: Take the "10th/14th St./Techwood Dr." exit. Cross over 14th St. and continue to 10th Street. Turn right on 10th Street, then immediately left on Fowler St. at the first light. Travel down Fowler St. and the practice field is on the right behind the brick wall.

From South, Traveling North I-75/85: Take the "10th/14th Street" exit. Turn left on 10th Street. After crossing the interstate continue through the first light. Turn left at the next light onto Fowler Street for parking. Travel down Fowler St. and the practice field is on the right behind the brick wall.

Additional Beat Notes

German National Team Player Conny Pohlers Arrives

After spending more than 13 hours in a plane going from her native Germany to Atlanta, Conny Pohlers was surprised by the next trip planned for her. The German National Team member arrived in Atlanta on Thursday afternoon, had some time to ride around the city for a few hours, and then boarded another plane to Nebraska, where the Beat was getting ready to face the University of Nebraska and the Philadelphia Charge. Pohlers was caught by surprise by the warmer climate of her new city, but quickly boarded a plane for chilly Nebraska. Pohlers did not play in the Beat's 3-0 win over the University of Nebraska, but logged 20 minutes in the 2-1 loss to the Charge and factored into the Beat's lone scoring play.

Four Beat Stars Competing in Prestigious Algarve Cup in Portugal

Goalkeeper Briana Scurry and forward Cindy Parlow are representing the U.S. Women's National Team, while forward Charmaine Hooper and defender Sharolta Nonen are representing Canada at the 12-team invitational tournament. The four Beat stars open the tournament on March 14 when they face each other in a rematch of the 2002 Gold Cup final, where the U.S. prevailed over Canada 2-1. Norway and Sweden are the other two teams in Group A, while China, France and Denmark, all in Group B, remain three of the remaining 12 teams that are among the favorites for the title. The round robin matches are March 14, 16 and 18, with the placement games on March 20.

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Women's United Soccer Association Stories from March 10, 2003


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