Breakers Look To Rebound vs. Spirit

Published on May 15, 2003 under Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
Boston Breakers News Release


NEEDHAM, MA (May 15, 2003) - The Boston Breakers are in second place with a 3-2-1 record and 10 points, three behind the WUSA leaders, the Washington Freedom. The Breakers lost a heartbreaker to New York, 3-2, last week on a late goal by Krista Davey. Boston heads west to San Diego to take on the Spirit for the final time this season on Sunday, May 18th at Torero Stadium (8 p.m. ET).

The Breakers and San Diego has already played twice this season. Just two weeks ago the two teams battled to a 1-1 tie at Gillette Stadium. The first meeting took place on April 5th in the season opener at Torero Stadium. The Breakers escaped with a 2-1 victory on goals by Maren Meinert and Dagny Mellgren. Since losing to that game, the Spirit has not lost a match (2-0-2).

"We have to stay focused for 90 minutes against San Diego,'' said Breakers head coach Pia Sundhage. "Right now, (Julie) Fleeting is hot but San Diego will need to deal with Maren Meinert.''

Meinert now leads the Breakers in points (13), goals (6), shots (21), shots on goal (14) and already has two multiple goal games. She finished second in the Player of the Week voting for the second time this season. In seven games vs. San Diego, Meinert has notched 11 points (three goals, five assists), including a goal and assist this season. On July 10, 2002, Meinert notched three assists in the Breakers 3-2 victory over the Spirit.

Next Game: Sunday, May 18 Boston at San Diego at Torero Stadium 8 p.m. (ET) Last Match vs. SD: May 3, 2003 at Gillette Stadium: 1-1 Record: Breakers 3-2-1 Spirit 2-1-2 Leading Scorers: B, Maren Meinert 6 games, 6 goals, 1 assist, 13 points S, Julie Fleeting, 5 games, 4 goals, 0 assist, 8 points

Congrats To KK: On May 10th, Karina LeBlanc officially graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in Business Administration. LeBlanc was drafted in the 2000 WUSA Draft and left Nebraska needing 12 more credits. She completed the work in the off-season and is now a proud college graduate.

Kluegel Gets A Chance: Jena Kluegel was added to the roster of the U.S. Women's National Team training session in Alabama this week. The team is preparing for a match against England on Saturday, May 17th at Legion Field in Alabama. Kluegel and Philadelphia defender Heather Mitts were added to the mix of 25 players at camp. The final 18 roster players will be chosen on Friday, May 16th. The Breakers now have four players at the camp (Kluegel, Kristine Lilly, Kate Sobrero and Angela Hucles). Breakers rookie Devvyn Hawkins had to decline the invitation due to her foot injury (stress fracture).

Dagny & Stephanie Return: Dagny Mellgren will return to Boston on Friday, May 16th only to fly out that night to help the Breakers in their match on Sunday vs. San Diego. Mellgren scored a goal in the 61st minute as Norway defeated Belgium on Sunday, May 11th in the 2005 UEFA European Women's Championship qualifier at Kristiansand Stadium. Mellgren will be in the Norway lineup on Thursday, when the team plays the Netherlands. Stephanie Mugneret-Beghe played for the French National Team on Sunday in its 4-0 victory over Hungary. Mugneret-Beghe will be with the Breakers for Sunday's match against the Spirit.

Lilly Honored With Women's Leadership Award: Breakers Captain Kristine Lilly was among the four women honored with the 2003 New England Women's Leadership Awards on Thursday night at the World Trade Center Boston. Lilly was given the Pioneer Award for her work to advance women's soccer. Because Lilly was in Birmingham, Alabama with the U.S. Women's National Team for this weekend's match against England, Breakers defender Chrisy McCann accepted the award for her. A native of Barrington, Rhode Island, McCann says Lilly was her favorite player and a role model growing up. The other award winners were community activist and philanthropist Elaine Schuster, Suffolk County Sheriff Andrea Cabral, and CEO and President of The Greater Boston Food Bank Catherine D'Amato.

The New England Women's Leadership Awards recognize women who have not only risen to positions of respect and influence, but have also found ways to give back to their communities. The awards are presented by the Colonel Daniel Marr Boys & Girls Club in Dorchester.

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Women's Professional Soccer Stories from May 15, 2003


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