Carolina Courage 1, Philadelphia Charge 1
August 9, 2003 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
Carolina Courage News Release
Cary, NC (August 9, 2003) - The Carolina Courage and Philadelphia Charge played to a 1-1 draw in both teams' season finale at SAS Stadium on Saturday.
Birgit Prinz scored her 11th goal of the season to open the scoring for the Courage in the 9th minute. The big German forward raced onto a Staci Burt feed, charged alone into the penalty box, and ripped a shot past Philadelphia goalkeeper Hope Solo.
Four minutes later, the Charge equalized on Pavlina Scasna's first career goal. Philadelphia's Marinette Pichon started the play by slotting a ball to teammate Erin Misaki. The former Portland Pilot played the ball behind the Courage back line to Scasna, who settled the pass and slotted it past keeper Kristin Luckenbill.
The second half featured end-to-end action, with the Charge taking 12 shots and the Courage managing ten. As the game was winding down, Birgit Prinz charged to the Philly goal on a breakaway. However, the Courage striker tried to cut the ball back against the retreating defense, and lost possession of the ball.
Finally, in the third minute of injury time, Philadelphia was awarded a penalty kick. Second half substitute Kelly Smith took the spot kick, but pinged it off the left goal post to squander a game-winning opportunity. The Courage and Charge, who owned the best records in the WUSA in 2002 with 12-5-4 and 11-4-6 marks respectively, end the 2003 season at the bottom of the standings in seventh and eighth place.
• Discuss this story on the Women's United Soccer Association message board...
Women's United Soccer Association Stories from August 9, 2003
- Carolina Courage 1, Philadelphia Charge 1 - Carolina Courage
- Spirit Finishes Regular Season With 2-1 Win Over Freedom - San Diego Spirit
- Katia will miss Boston game, undergo surgery Monday - San Jose CyberRays
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
