Beat Win Sixth Straight In Preseason
March 28, 2011 - Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
Atlanta Beat News Release
KENNESAW, GA (March 28, 2010) - The Atlanta Beat of Women's Professional Soccer defeated the University of Florida 2-0 Sunday at KSU Soccer Stadium with back to back first half finishes by Beat captain Lori Chalupny off low, driven services from her outside backs.
On the Beat's first goal, left back Katherine Reynolds overlapped Lauren Sesselman on the left flank as Sesselmann played Reynolds into the final third. Reynolds took a touch towards the endline before slotting a ball back to the penalty spot for Chalupny's opening finish in the 15th minute.
Just over a minute later, right back and Atlanta Beat newcomer Analisa Marquez played a one-two with right midfielder Vendula Strnadova. Strnadova played Marquez towards the endline, and Marquez found Chalupny for a near identical finish.
The Beat opened the match with quick passing and building out of the back. Florida's high pressure defense kept the match fast-paced as the Gators stopped any further Beat finishes.
Starting the match for the Beat were Marquez at right back, Keeley Dowling and Cat Whitehill at centeral defender, and Katherine Reynolds at left back. Lauren Sesselmann stepped into a left midfield role with Chalupny and India Trotter across the middle and Strnadova out to the right. Up top, Meghan Lenczyk and Kristina Larsen rounded out the attack.
At the half, the Beat led 11 shots to none. Florida goalkeeper Kendall Graham made three saves while the Beat's Alli Lipsher was only forced to make clearances in the first half.
Second half Beat subs included Colleen Flanagan in for Trotter and Whitworth in for Lipsher.
The quick speed of play continued in the second half as the Beat utilized more and more patience in short passing to find open areas. Florida gained more confidence as the game progressed. However the Beat defense broke up most opportunities before they could break within 20 yards from goal. Whitworth did well off her line to snag the only corner and she grabbed other dangerous chances on the Gators' service.
The Beat ended the second half with seven shots to none and preserved an undefeated preseason record with zero goals against. The Beat return to action on Tuesday, March 30 at 7:00 p.m. against the University of Georgia in Athens. The team opens WPS play at home on Saturday, April 9 at 7:00 pm. against the Boston Breakers. Tickets are still available by calling 678-298-4780 or visiting the Beat online at TheAtlantaBeat.com.
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Women's Professional Soccer Stories from March 28, 2011
- Beat Signs Analisa Marquez - Atlanta Beat
- Beat Win Sixth Straight In Preseason - Atlanta Beat
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