Carolina Courage Tops WUSA Champion San Jose
Published on April 27, 2002 under Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
Carolina Courage News Release
San Jose, CA. (April 27, 2002) The Carolina Courage moved into a two-way tie for first place with a gutsy 2-1 victory over reigning WUSA champion San Jose CyberRays on Saturday. Midfielder Hege Riise scored the winning goal in the 85th minute and Courage goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill tied a league record with 12 saves. A crowd of 11,990 turned out to witness the WUSA match, which was part of a doubleheader with the U.S. Women's National Team.
The Courage jumped out to an early lead in the 5th minute, when Danielle Fotopoulos pounced on a failed defensive clearance and directed the ball past San Jose goalkeeper Lakeysia Beene. It was Fotopoulos' second goal of the season.
The CyberRays created numerous scoring chances throughout the first half, but each time Courage goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill was up to the challenge.
San Jose's best opportunity to get on the scoreboard came in the 35th minute. CyberRay midfielder Tisha Venturini-Hoch slotted a ball through the Courage backline to a streaking Michelle French, who poked the ball quickly on goal. Luckenbill got a touch and slowed the ball down as it rolled toward the empty Courage net. Erin Baxter rushed back to sweep the ball off the line and out of danger.
The CyberRays picked up the momentum in the second half, pinning the Courage players in their own end. The high pressure finally paid off with an equalizing goal. San Jose forward Theresa Wagner served a precision pass to Brazilian striker Katia, whose near post blast finally beat Luckenbill.
Despite San Jose's offensive dominance, the Courage battled bravely. Finally, in the 85th minute, CyberRays defender Danielle Borgman fouled Norwegian midfielder Unni Lehn just outside the penalty box, setting up a dangerous free kick. Norwegian countrywoman Hege Riise stepped up to the ball and expertly curled it into the upper right corner.
With less than five minutes to play the Courage defense buckled down to preserve the victory.
"We worked hard and came together as a team," commented Courage head coach Marcia McDermott. "We battled, but this was also two great individual performances. Luckenbill was outstanding in goal. And Riise had her chance at the end of the game and made the most of it, as world class players do."
Luckenbill ultimately tied the league record for saves, but she had already broken her previous career high after only 45 minutes. She registered a WUSA record nine saves in the first half alone.
"I felt like I was in the the zone the whole game," explained Luckenbill. "I seemed to know where the ball was going and felt very focused throughout the match."
Luckenbill's performance kept the Courage in the game, until Riise was able to snatch it with her free kick.
"I hadn't decided whether to have a shot or not, since I didn't feel like my touch had been very good throughout the match," said Riise. "I finally decided, okay, I'll take a shot. When I saw it go in, I was so happy. That was awesome."
The Courage now occupy first place, along with the Philadelphia Charge. Both the Charge and the Courage are undefeated at 2-0-0 and both have a game in hand, having played one less than the other teams in the league.
The Courage will play its historic home opener in the brand new State Capital Soccer Park on Saturday May 4th at 4:00 pm. Come watch the Carolina Courage take on Brianna Scurry and the Atlanta Beat. The first 1,500 fans to arrive at the stadium will receive a free rally towel, compliments of Maytag. The match will be nationally televised on PAX.
For group, season, and Pride Pack ticket information call the Carolina Courage ticket office at (919) 573-7626 or go online at www.carolinacourage.com. Individual game tickets may be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Kroger's, Hecht's and Schoolkids Records. You can also dial (919) 834-4000 or log on to www.ticketmaster.com.
Women's United Soccer Association Stories from April 27, 2002
- Carolina Courage Tops WUSA Champion San Jose - Carolina Courage
- Charge win thanks to last-minute goal - Philadelphia Charge
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