Beat Undefeated Streak Snapped in 1-0 Loss to CyberRays

Published on May 3, 2003 under Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
Atlanta Beat News Release


ATLANTA - The San Jose CyberRays used a second half goal from defender Brandi Chastain to defeat the Atlanta Beat 1-0 on Saturday night at Herndon Stadium in Atlanta. The CyberRays broke a two game losing streak, by defeating the Beat, while Atlanta's undefeated run was snapped. The goal was the first of the season for Chastain. CyberRays goalkeeper LaKeysia Beene recorded her 2nd shutout of the season and the CyberRays move to 2-2-0. The Atlanta Beat's record moves to 2-1-1.

The Beat and CyberRays played a fast paced first half, with each team recording chances. The CyberRays had a scoring chance in the 6th minute when defender Michelle French sent a cross to Tisha Venturini-Hoch, but Venturini-Hoch's shot from close range sailed high.

The Beat's best first half chance came in the 24th minute when Charmaine Hooper broke through the defense and dribbled by Beene. With a defender in goal and a tough angle, Hooper's shot went just wide right of the open goal.

The Beat out shot the CyberRays 7-6 in the first half, but the score was knotted at zeros. Each goalkeeper made one save, on one shot on goal in the first half.

The Beat came out on the offensive in the second half, with an early chance going by the wayside when a Homare Sawa cross sailed just in front of the goal past a sliding Cindy Parlow. In the 55th minute the Beat nearly had the first goal as a Chastain back pass forced Beene to tip the ball over her head and towards the goal. Hooper raced to the ball, but closed too late as she shot the ball from a tough angle into the side netting.

The CyberRays notched the game's only goal in the 69th minute after a foul was called on the Beat 30 yards out from goal near the right flank. Sissi, who came on as a sub in the 60th minute, stepped up and delivered a cross into the penalty area. Chastain got free from a defender and headed the ball into the back of the net, for her first goal of the season.

The loss was the first of the season for the Beat and goalkeeper Briana Scurry. The goal allowed was only the second by the Beat this season. Beene recorded her second shutout of the season and now has 14 career shutouts, one behind Scurry.

The Beat will face the San Diego Spirit at home on Saturday, May 10, at 7 p.m. The Spirit tied the Boston Breakers 1-1 Saturday night in Boston. The Spirit's record stands at 2-1-1. The CyberRays face the Carolina Courage at home on May 10. The Courage, the defending WUSA champions, are off to an 0-3-0 start this season.

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