Beat Vs. Bay Area and Marta
July 2, 2010 - Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
Atlanta Beat News Release
KENNESAW, GA (July 2, 2010) -The Atlanta Beat (1-5-3) Women's Professional Soccer team hosts the Bay Area's FC Gold Pride (7-3-1) at KSU Soccer Stadium on July 3 for the second match between these two teams.
This game marks the Beat's first match since hosting the 2010 WPS All-Star Game presented by the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve on Wednesday, June 30 at the KSU Soccer Stadium.
With several Atlanta Beat players among 2010 All-Stars including goalkeeper Hope Solo, defender Tina Ellertson, midfielders Aya Miyama, Lori Chalupny and Angie Kerr, and forward Eniola Aluko, each of Saturdayy's teams was well represented. FC Gold Pride sent six players including goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart, defender Rachael Buehler, midfielder Shannon Box, and forwards Christine Sinclair, Kelley O'Hara and Martas XI's team captain, Marta.
Martas XI defeated Abbys XI, 5-2 with Marta scoring the game's first two goals goals in the sixth and seventh minutes respectively. The Pride's Christine Sinclair also scored for the Marta XI in the 31st minute with a shot inside the six yard box taking her team to a 3-0 lead.
Atlanta Beat forward Eniola Aluko scored Abby XI's first goal of the game in the 35th minute when she rebounded Abby Wambach's header driving the ball into the net. In the 74th minute, Atlanta Beat midfielder Aya Miyama scored with an assist from Marta XI teammate Amy Rodriguez. Rodriguez laid the ball of for Miyama who then made a low shot into the goal past goalkeeper Jillian Loyden.
The Atlanta Beat's last match before the WPS All-Star Game was June 23 against the Philadelphia Independence. The match ended in a 2-2 tie KSU Soccer Stadium and was the third match-up between the two expansion teams.
Atlanta midfielder Mami Yamaguchi scored the first goal of the game in the 14th minute before Philadelphia's Amy Rodriguez tied the game in the 35th. An Atlanta Beat own-goal put the Independence ahead in 48th minute, but Beat defender Tina Ellertson finished a header in stoppage time and to end the match at two goals apiece.
FC Gold Pride's last match ended in a 2-0 loss against Sky Blue FC on June 27 at Pioneer Stadium. Sky Blue's Rosana scored in the 57th minute with a cross from Heather O'Reilly. Sky Blue made their second goal in the 87th minute with a shot from Tasha Kai. Although Gold Pride lost the game, the team outshot Sky Blue 13 to 2.
The last match between the Atlanta Beat and FC Gold Pride was their first meeting on April 24 at the Pride's previous stadium in Castro Valley, Ca. FC Gold Pride took the win with a 2-1 score and outshot the Beat 9 to 6. Pride Forward Tiffeny Milbret scored in the 11th minute. The Beat's Monica Ocampo notched a goal in the 24th minute when midfielder Angier Kerr made a pass to Ocampo, who shot past Pride goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart. FC Gold Pride came back for the win in the 89th minute when midfielder Carrie Dew scored with a header into the net.
The Atlanta Beat will wear purple jerseys in honor of the Well Star Foundation. The WellStar Foundation is the non-profit development and fundraising entity for WellStar Health System. The Foundation, comprised of more than 150 community leaders, is dedicated to serving our community and is committed to supporting the WellStar Cancer Program. Foundation members strive to develop a closer affiliation between the system and our community through communication educational programs and fundraising. By working in collaboration with the community, we can provide services which result in measurable health improvements for all.
To purchase tickets for the July 3 match featuring the Atlanta Beat against FC Gold Pride on Saturday, July 3 at KSU Stadium, call 678.298.4780.
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Women's Professional Soccer Stories from July 2, 2010
- Beat Vs. Bay Area and Marta - Atlanta Beat
- WPS Sky Blue FC Honored at the White House - WPS
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