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Carolina Shows Courage through Adversity

July 7, 2003 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) News Release


ATLANTA (Monday, July 7, 2003) - Following an 0-4 start, the Carolina Courage has bounced back to become the WUSA's hottest team during the last 10 games, going 5-2-3 since the rough beginning. As a result of Carolina's strong showing during the last couple of weeks, the Courage is only four points off the lead in the crowded WUSA standings. Heading into Saturday's home game against New York, Carolina currently sits in fifth place at 5-6-3 (18 pts.), just two points out of the fourth and final playoff spot.

After losing the club's playmaker (Norwegian national team standout Hege Riise in the club's second game on April 19) and leading scorer (Danielle Fotopoulos on June 25) to season-ending knee injuries, it would have been easy for the Courage to pack it in and look toward the 2004 season. But Carolina has responded with a variety of players stepping up. Prior to Fotopoulos' injury, the Courage averaged 1.5 goals per game. Although it has only been two games since "Fotop's" injury, Carolina has scored six goals while going 1-0-1 in those two outings.

"We're getting better and better offensively," said Courage Head Coach Jay Entlich. "Even though we keep losing players, we seem to be getting more and more collected. I think having Unni Lehn step up and play-make, Brooke O'Hanley is getting more comfortable, and TR (Tiffany Roberts) is doing well. And our backs are being patient and finding our forwards."

"We realize that we don't have Fotop and we don't have Hege and everyone's going to have to dig a little bit deeper," said defender Danielle Slaton, who scored a goal and added an assist in Saturday's 3-2 win over Atlanta.

In Fotopoulos' absence, Venus James has emerged and picked up the scoring load for the Courage. James has scored a goal in each of the last two games since Fotopoulos went down.

"Venus James and Birgit (Prinz) are getting more connected and that's helped us," Entlich added.

With seven games remaining, Carolina certainly controls its own destiny. Most experts believe it will take somewhere between 30 and 34 points to finish among the four teams that qualify for the playoffs. Philadelphia finished in the fourth and final position in 2001 with 31 points and Atlanta finished fourth in 2002 with 34 points. Carolina has four of its remaining seven games at home in the cozy confines of SAS Stadium, a venue widely regarded as one of the toughest places to play in the WUSA.

"I've said all along that if this team (Carolina) makes the playoffs nobody really wants to come up here," said Atlanta Head Coach Tom Stone following Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Courage. "If we're in the playoffs and they are in the playoffs and we have to play them again, then so be it."

MEXICO, JAPAN TIE IN GAME ONE OF TWO-GAME PLAYOFF FOR THE WOMEN'S WORLD CUP: Playing in front of a crowd estimated at close to 100,000 at Azteca Stadium, Mexico and Japan tied 2-2 Saturday, July 5 in the first of a two-game series to determine who will earn the last berth for the Women's World Cup. Yayoi Kobayashi and Tamomi Miyamoto scored for Japan, while Iris Mora (a rising sophomore at UCLA) and Marlene Sandoval scored for Mexico. The WUSA's three representatives (Atlanta's Maribel Dominguez and Homare Sawa, and Boston's Monica Gonzalez) each played 90 minutes for the respective country. Mexico was close to winning in the 80th minute when Fatima Leyva passed the ball to Mora, who sent a shot from the right that landed just above the goal post.

The two teams play again on July 12 at National Stadium in Tokyo. The winner, which will be decided on aggregate goals, will take the 16th and final place at the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup, which takes place between September 20 - October 12 at six venues in the United States.

18 WUSA PLAYERS IN CAMP FOR USA vs, BRAZIL MATCH IN NEW ORLEANS ON SUNDAY: Many of the WUSA's top players will battle on Sunday, July 13 when the United States takes on Brazil in the American squad's final match prior to Head Coach April Heinrich choosing the 20-player 2003 U.S. Women's World Cup team sometime in early to mid-August. In addition to the 18 WUSA players in camp with the U.S. national team, Brazil also will bring some of the world's best players to the Big Easy, including four WUSA players in Katia, Sissi and Pretinha from the San Jose CyberRays, and Daniela from the San Diego Spirit. Sunday's match from Tad Gormley Stadium will be televised live on ESPN at 4:00 pm ET. The U.S. roster will be loaded with 12 veterans of the 1999 Women's World Cup Championship Team, including the world's all-time leading scorer, Mia Hamm of the Washington Freedom, and the world's all-time leader in international appearances, Kristine Lilly of the Boston Breakers. A little more than half of the U.S. roster will arrive in New Orleans today, and begin training on Tuesday. Players from the San Diego Spirit, the Atlanta Beat, the Philadelphia Charge and the Washington Freedom all have midweek WUSA matches on Wednesday, July 9, and will arrive in New Orleans on Thursday.

WUSA STAT OF THE WEEK -- Night Games Rough on San Diego: San Diego is 0-2-5 in games starting after 6 p.m. in 2003. The Spirit is 5-1-1 in games started prior to 6 p.m. By the way, San Diego visits Atlanta on Wednesday, July 9 for a 7:00 pm ET kickoff.

TALK ABOUT PARITY: Seven of the WUSA's eight teams are within five points of each other, meaning a two-game swing could see the seventh place team land in first. With six weeks remaining, most clubs have 7-8 games remaining, but San Jose and NY have only six. Comparing the current season to the same juncture in 2002, at this time last year all eight teams had played 13 or 14 matches with Philadelphia and Carolina tied for first place with 30 points (9 pts. ahead of their nearest competitor). Which club is the WUSA's most improved team? The New York Power with 20 points, double the club's final 2002 total of 10 points, has made a tremendous turnaround. Through 15 games in 2003, New York is 6-7-2 (20 points). After 15 games in 2002, New York was 2-12-1 (7 pts.).

A little inside knowledge never hurt: New York Power Head Coach Tom Sermanni has never been on the losing end of a WUSA game pitting the Power against the San Jose CyberRays. Sermanni's squad completed a three-game season sweep of the CyberRays with a 2-1 victory Saturday, July 5 at the Mitchell Athletic Complex. Entering the season, the Power was 0-6-1 all-time against CyberRays with Sermanni serving as an assistant for San Jose. So New York management decided to bring in a piece of the CyberRays puzzle, hiring Sermanni on Sept. 4 of 2002.

Sermanni is one of two assistant coaches who earned head coaching positions this season, and both have had success against their former clubs. Pia Sundhage, who has Boston in first-place tie in the WUSA standings, spent two years as an assistant in Philadelphia. Boston is 1-0-1 against Philadelphia and Sundhage can complete the former assistant sweep when the Breakers host the Charge at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 13.

League's leading scorer likely to miss time: Just when it looked as if things couldn't get any worse for the last-place Philadelphia Charge, they did. Reigning WUSA Most Valuable Player and league leading scorer Marinette Pichon was carted out of Villanova Stadium on Saturday, July 5. The French national star collided with San Diego goalkeeper Jaime Pagliarulo during stoppage time in a 1-1 tie with the Spirit. The initial diagnosis is that Pichon has a bruised sciatic nerve in her lower back and will most likely miss Wednesday's 7 p.m. ET game in Washington. She will have it re-evaluated later this week to determine if she can play Sunday when the Charge travel to Boston to play the Breakers.

GOLEBIOWSKI TO BE ON WUSA.COM CHAT THIS WEEK: Washington midfielder Kelly Golebiowski will be the featured guest on this week's WUSA.com live web chat on Tuesday, July 8. The chat will begin at 4:00 p.m. (ET)/1:00 p.m. (PT) and will last approximately 30 minutes. Golebiowski will be on hand to answer fan questions. Fans can submit questions before and during the chat. For more information, log on to www.WUSA.com.

WUSA Game Previews (Week Fifteen)

Wednesday, July 9, 2003 - San Diego Spirit at Atlanta Beat - 7:00 p.m. (ET) - No TV; (Season Series: Series tied 0-0-2) (All-time Series History: Atlanta leads 3-2-3)

San Diego battled Philadelphia to a 1-1 draw on Saturday, July 5 at Villanova Stadium. Atlanta remains atop the WUSA standings despite losing to Carolina 3-2 on Friday, July 4 at SAS Stadium. The last meeting between these two clubs resulted in 1-1 tie on May 31, 2003 at Torero Stadium. Forward Charmaine Hooper gave the Beat the early lead with a goal in the fifth minute. However, Julie Foudy's penalty kick goal in the 84th minute drew the contest even, resulting in a point for both squads.

Key Players to Watch: San Diego's Christine Latham (4g, 2a, 10 pts.) has registered three goals in the last two Spirit matches. The Canadian international recorded her first career multiple-goal game in the WUSA with a two-goal performance versus San Jose on July 2 at Spartan Stadium. Midfielder Foudy (3g, 2a, 8 pts.) is one of only three players (Shannon MacMillan and Julie Fleeting) to tally two or more goals versus the Beat all-time. Three of Foudy's four goals this season have been scored on penalty kicks. Goalkeeper Jaime Pagliarulo (4-2-4, 1.20 GAA) has already doubled her wins total from the 2002 season. Pagliarulo, who ranks second in the WUSA in goals against average (1.20), will be looking for her first-ever victory over the Beat (0-2-3 all-time - five matches). Atlanta's Hooper (7g, 6a, 20pts. - tied for 4th among WUSA scoring leaders) notched her second multiple-goal game of the 2003 season in the Beat's 3-2 loss to Carolina on July 4. Hooper is the all-time leading goal scorer for Atlanta versus the Spirit (four goals in seven matches). Forward Cindy Parlow (3g, 4a, 10 pts.) has registered three goals and two assists in Atlanta's last four matches. Parlow has equaled her assist total from the 2002 season with her fourth of the year on July 5. Goalkeeper Briana Scurry (6-3-3, 1.00 GAA) leads the WUSA in save percentage (77.8). Scurry has recorded more draws versus the Spirit than any other WUSA club (3).

Key Matchup: (San Diego defender Joy Fawcett versus Atlanta forward Charmaine Hooper) - Hooper, the Beat's all-time leading scorer, is responsible for 31 percent of Atlanta's goals (4 of 13) versus San Diego all-time. Hooper has never recorded a multiple-goal match versus the Spirit in seven tries. San Diego's defense has allowed more than one goal in only two matches this season with Fawcett in the lineup (11 games).

The "Inside Scoop": The season series between these two teams is tied at 0-0-2. San Diego has never lost at Herndon Stadium (1-0-1) and holds a 1-1-2 record in the city of Atlanta. The Beat is winless in the last three meetings with the Spirit (0-1-2). Both teams' all-time leading scorers in this series will not participate in Wednesday's match (Shannon MacMillan - 3g, 3a, 9 pts. - R ACL tear; Homare Sawa - 3g, 3a, 9 pts. - Japanese national team duty). Atlanta will also be without the services of Maribel Dominguez (Mexican national team duty).

They Said it: "They lost last week to Carolina, who's been hurt by injuries. They should have won that game in Carolina to separate themselves from the league. They're going to come out ready to play, trying to put us away early. We have to absorb the pressure and battle with them. They're a physical team, so we have to roll up our sleeves and get a point or three points hopefully." - San Diego Spirit Head Coach Omid Namazi on Wednesday's match with Atlanta.

Referee: Kari Seitz. Assistant Referees: Charles Mitchell, Brian D'Amato. 4th Official: Corey E. Rockwell.

Wednesday, July 9, 2003 - Philadelphia Charge at Washington Freedom - 7:00 p.m. (ET) - CN8 (Philadelphia); CSN-DC (Washington); (Season Series: Washington leads 1-0-0) (All-time Series History: Philadelphia leads 3-2-2)

Washington extended its winless streak to five games with a 1-1 draw at Boston on Wednesday, July 2 at Nickerson Field. Philadelphia battled to earn a point versus San Diego, tying the Spirit 1-1 on Saturday, July 5 at Villanova Stadium. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in 4-1 victory for the Freedom on May 10, 2003 at RFK Stadium. Forward Abby Wambach recorded her first career WUSA in the lopsided win.

Key Players to Watch: Philadelphia's Melanie Hoffmann (3g, 5a, 11 pts.) leads Philadelphia in assists this season. Hoffmann and Pichon have accounted for 52 percent of Philadelphia's scoring in 2003 (33 of 63 points). Midfielder Stacey Tullock (2g, 4a, 8 pts.) recorded the game-tying goal during stoppage time on July 5 versus San Diego. Tullock is the only other player (besides Pichon and Hoffmann) on the Charge roster to have registered two or more goals this season. Goalkeeper Melissa Moore (2-5-4, 2.09 GAA) is 2-1-4 in her last seven starts. Moore holds a 2-1-2 record with a 1.40 goals against average all-time versus the Freedom. Washington forward/midfielder Mia Hamm (7g, 6a, 20 pts. - tied for 4th among WUSA scoring leaders) was held scoreless for the second consecutive game for only the first time this season. In 2003, when Hamm does not register a goal or an assist for the Freedom, Washington is 0-2-2. Forward Abby Wambach (5g, 4a, 14 pts. - tied for 10th among WUSA scoring leaders) leads the Freedom in goals scored all-time versus the Charge (5). Wambach's five goals versus Philadelphia are the most for the second-year striker against any WUSA club. Goalkeeper Siri Mullinix (5-3-3, 1.27 GAA) is winless in her last five starts (0-3-2). Mullinix holds a 2-2-1 record with a 1.40 goals against average versus Philadelphia all-time (five matches).

Key Matchup: (Washington forward Abby Wambach versus Philadelphia defender Jenny Benson) Wambach averages 1.25 goals per game versus Philadelphia all-time. The Washington forward recorded the team's first-ever hat trick during the last meeting between these two clubs (May 10, 2003). Benson and the Philadelphia defense rank seventh in the WUSA, allowing 2.00 goals per game. Wambach has scored more goals versus the Charge than any other WUSA team during her career.

The "Inside Scoop": Philadelphia holds a 2-1-1 record all-time over the Freedom at RFK Stadium. Washington's four-goal performance during the last meeting between these two teams nearly doubled the Freedom's total goals scored in the series. Prior to May 10, 2003, Washington had totaled five goals in six games versus the Charge. Both teams are looking to snap winless streaks. Washington's last victory came on May 24 (five games). Philadelphia's last win came on June 14 (three games). Of Philadelphia's top six point getters all-time versus the Freedom, only two are currently on the team's roster (Kelly Smith [out with right meniscus tear] and Jennifer Tietjen-Prozzo).

They Said it: "In 2002, they had the best defense in the league. They traditionally played a 4-5-1 [formation] with a very low-pressure defensive posture, mostly because of the players that had been missing. We've always had close games. We can't afford to make mistakes against them because you're not going to score a lot of goals against them." - Washington Freedom Head Coach Jim Gabarra on Philadelphia.

Referee: Rachel Woo. Assistant Referees: John E. Schmitz, Andrew Chapin. 4th Official: Sandra Serafini.

Saturday, July 12, 2003 - Washington Freedom at Atlanta Beat - 4:00 p.m. (ET) - PAX TV (National Broadcast); (Season Series: Atlanta leads 1-0-1) (All-time Series History: Atlanta leads 5-2-1)

Washington will be coming off a midweek match with Philadelphia on Wednesday, July 9 at RFK Stadium. Atlanta enters Saturday's match with Washington, following a midweek showdown with San Diego on Wednesday, July 9 at Herndon Stadium. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 1-0 victory for Atlanta on Saturday, June 28, 2003 at Herndon Stadium. Forward Charmaine Hooper scored an early goal to give the Beat the 1-0 lead while goalkeeper Briana Scurry and the Beat defense held the Freedom from finding the back of the net during a second half that saw Washington outshoot Atlanta 7-2.

Key Players to Watch: Washington's Lindsay Stoecker (3g, 1a, 7 pts. - prior to July 9 match versus Philadelphia) is having a breakthrough season with the Freedom. Stoecker's previous season-high point total was in 2001 (1a, 1 pt.). Forward Jacqui Little (2g, 5a, 9 pts.) recorded her career-high fifth assist of the 2003 season on July 3. Little has registered two assists in the Freedom's last three games. Defender Jennifer Grubb is the only player in WUSA history to player every minute of every match for her club (5,040 - including playoffs). Grubb ranks fourth in minutes played (4,860 regular season) all-time in WUSA history (Washington has played fewer games than other WUSA teams). Atlanta's Charmaine Hooper (7g, 6a, 20 pts. - prior to July 9 match versus San Diego) is responsible for 38 percent of the Beat's goals all-time versus the Freedom (5 of 13). The Canadian international is the only player in Atlanta history to record more than one goal versus Washington. Forward Conny Pohlers (2g, 4a, 8 pts.) has registered a goal and two assists in the last three Atlanta games (prior to Wednesday, July 9). Pohlers will be looking for her first-ever point versus the Freedom. Goalkeeper Melanie Wilson (0-0-1, 0.00 GAA) will likely start in place of Scurry (U.S. national team duty). Wilson recorded her first career WUSA shutout in her season debut on June 14, 2003.

Key Matchup: (Washington defender Jennifer Grubb versus Atlanta forward Charmaine Hooper) The Beat's all-time leading scorer versus the Freedom will look to continue her dominance over Washington. Hooper averages 1.86 points per game versus the Freedom, helping lead Atlanta to a 4-2-1 record all-time with the Canadian striker in the lineup. Grubb anchors a defense which has allowed 1.58 goals per game in 2003 (fourth in the WUSA).

The "Inside Scoop": The Beat has never lost a match to the Freedom in Atlanta (4-0-0), outscoring Washington 7-3. Atlanta holds the WUSA's best home-winning percentage all-time (16-7-6, .655). Washington has the league's second best road winning percentage behind Atlanta (11-11-5, .469). Both teams will be without key members due to national team duty. Atlanta's Scurry, Cindy Parlow, Kylie Bivens and Washington's Mia Hamm, Siri Mullinix, and Abby Wambach have been called to U.S. national team camp. The Beat will also be without Maribel Dominguez (Mexican national team duty) and Homare Sawa (Japanese national team duty).

Referee: Erich Simmons. Assistant Referees: Tom Supple, Kelly Lee. 4th Official: Ed Barnes.

Saturday, July 12, 2003 - New York Power at Carolina Courage - 7:00 p.m. (ET) - Metro Channel (New York); Fox Sports South (Carolina); (Season Series: New York leads 1-0-1) (All-time Series History: New York leads 4-3-1)

New York moved into fourth place in the WUSA standings after defeating the San Jose CyberRays 2-1 on July 5 at Mitchel Athletic Complex. Carolina catapulted back into the WUSA playoff picture with a 3-2 victory over Atlanta on July 4 at SAS Stadium. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 3-3 draw on June 28, 2003 at Mitchel Athletic Complex. Forward Birgit Prinz scored the game-tying goal during stoppage time to earn a point for the Courage.

Key Players to Watch: New York's Jaclyn Raveia (2g, 4 pts.) set the WUSA single-game record for goalmouth blocks, recording three versus San Jose on July 5. Raveia got the Power on the scoreboard with a 57th-minute goal (her second of the 2003 season). Midfielder Justi Baumgardt (1g, 3a, 5 pts.) came off the bench to record assists on both New York goals versus the CyberRays. Baumgardt leads the Power in game-winning assists this season (2). Midfielder Shannon Boxx (6a, 6pts.) leads New York in assists this season. Boxx has registered two assists in New York's last three games. Carolina's Prinz (9g, 3a, 21 pts. - tied for 2nd among WUSA scoring leaders) has recorded two goals and an assist in Carolina's last two matches. The German international averages 2.60 points per game versus the Power all-time (13 pts. - 5 goals, 3 assists). Midfielder Venus James (3g, 1a, 7 pts.) has scored a goal in the last two Carolina matches. James registered her career-high third goal of the 2003 season on July 4 versus Atlanta. Goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill (5-3-3, 1.55 GAA) is 4-1-3 in her last eight starts. Luckenbill holds a 3-1-1 record with a 1.56 goals against average all-time versus New York (six matches).

Key Matchup: (New York defender Cheryl Salisbury versus Carolina forward Birgit Prinz) One of the league's most dangerous strikers, Prinz has had little trouble finding the back of the net versus the Power. The 5-foot-9 German international has scored five goals in five matches versus New York. The six-foot Salisbury and the New York defense are ranked eighth in the WUSA , allowing 2.27 goals per game in 2003.

The "Inside Scoop": New York holds a 4-3-1 record over the Courage all-time. Carolina is the only team which the Power has a winning record against. Carolina has earned 11 points in its last six matches to move two points out from the fourth and final playoff spot (held by New York). The Courage is unbeaten in its last three home matches (2-0-1). Both teams will be missing players due to national team duty. New York will be without Tiffeny Milbrett and Christie Pearce. Carolina will be without Danielle Slaton and Tiffany Roberts.

They Said it: "Obviously they are a good team, being last year's champions. They have a very potent strike force, and are another good side. Being last year's champs, teams have been playing them keyed up, showing them a lot of respect." - New York Power Head Coach Tom Sermanni on Carolina.

Referee: Misail Tsapos. Assistant Referees: Melanie Johnson, Sandra Serafini. 4th Official: Abbas Piran.

Sunday, July 13, 2003 - Philadelphia Charge at Boston Breakers - 6:00 p.m. (ET) - NESN (Boston - tape-delayed at 11:30 p.m. ET); (Season Series: Boston leads 1-0-1) (All-time Series History: Series tied 3-3-2)

Philadelphia enters Sunday's match with Boston coming off a midweek match with Washington on Wednesday, July 9. Boston moved into a tie for first in the WUSA standings with a 1-1 draw versus Washington on July 3. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in 2-2 tie on June 28, 2003 at Villanova Stadium. Boston's Ragnhild Gulbrandsen netted the game-tying goal in the 88th minute as the Breakers earned a point on the road.

Key Players to Watch: Philadelphia's Marinette Pichon (10g, 2a, 22 pts. - prior to the July 9 match versus Washington) leads the league in goals scored. Pichon, who may miss this game due to an ailing back, is the only player in Charge history to record 10 or more goals in consecutive seasons. Forward/midfielder Melanie Hoffmann (3g, 5a, 11 pts. - prior to the July 9 match versus Washington) scored her first career WUSA goal versus the Breakers on April 26, 2003. The German international is the only Charge player other than Pichon to have 10 or more points this season. Midfielder Stacey Tullock (2g, 4a, 8 pts. -prior to the July 9 match versus Washington) has equaled her goal-scoring total from last season. Tullock will be looking for her first career points versus the Breakers. Boston forward/midfielder Maren Meinert (8g, 5a, 21 pts. - tied for 2nd among WUSA scoring leaders) has been held scoreless in consecutive matches for only the first time this season. Meinert averages 1.37 points per game versus the Charge all-time (eight matches). Forward Dagny Mellgren (7g, 2a, 16 pts. - 9th among WUSA scoring leaders) is one goal shy of becoming the third player in WUSA history to record 30 goals. Mellgren has registered more goals than any other Boston player all-time versus Philadelphia (5). Goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc (6-4-4, 1.64 GAA) leads the WUSA in wins (6) and games played (14) this season. LeBlanc has played every minute of every match for the Breakers in net during the 2003 season.

Key Matchup: (Philadelphia defenders Jennifer Tietjen-Prozzo and Jenny Benson versus Boston forwards Dangy Mellgren and Maren Meinert) Boston's scoring duo of Mellgren and Meinert have been responsible for 64 percent of the team's scoring all-time versus the Charge (9 of 14 goals). Both internationals are among the top five points leaders all-time in WUSA history (Meinert 74 points - Mellgren 66 points). Tietjen-Prozzo and Benson anchor the seventh rated defense in the WUSA (2.00 goals per game allowed) and will focus on shutting Mellgren and Meinert down in order to earn three points for their club.

The "Inside Scoop": A win by Boston will clinch the season series between these two clubs. Philadelphia is winless in its last three matches with the Breakers (0-1-2). Boston holds a 2-1-1 record over Philadelphia at Nickerson Field, outscoring the Charge 5-4. Former Charge assistant and current head coach of the Breaker Pia Sundhage has never lost against her former club. Both teams will be missing key players due to national team duty. Philadelphia will be without the services of Lorrie Fair (U.S. national team duty). Boston will be missing Kristine Lilly, Kate Sobrero and Angela Hucles (U.S. national team duty) as well as Monica Gonzalez (Mexican national team duty).

They Said it: "It will be a challenge for the coaching staff and team because we do not have Kristine Lilly, Kate Sobrero, Angela Hucles and Monica Gonzalez ... but you know, we like the challenge." - Boston Breakers Head Coach Pia Sundhage on Philadelphia.

"Boston is a tough place to play. They are very good on their home field. We have to come out and defend as a team. We have to be disruptive and capitalize on our offensive chances." -Philadelphia Charge Head Coach Mark Krikorian on Boston.

Referee: Todd Perry. Assistant Referees: Kenneth Kaplan, Bill Dittmar. 4th Official: Thomas Supple.

TEAM INJURY REPORTS AS OF 07/07/03

ATLANTA BEAT: None.
BOSTON BREAKERS: OUT -GK Tracy Ducar (tendinitis in both knees).
CAROLINA COURAGE: OUT - M Hege Riise (R ACL tear); F Danielle Fotopoulos (L ACL tear); PROBABLE -D Danielle Borgman (Shin Splints).
NEW YORK POWER: OUT - D Sara Whalen (R ACL tear); QUESTIONABLE - F Christie Welsh (L calf strain)
PHILADELPHIA CHARGE: OUT - F Kelly Smith (R meniscus tear); F Deliah Arrington (R ACL tear); D Heather Mitts (broken R tibia); M Pavlina Scasna (L foot tendonitis); D Alexa Borisjuk (L hamstring strain); M Erin Misaki (R groin strain); DOUBTFUL - F Marinette Pichon (Bruised sciatic nerve).
SAN DIEGO SPIRIT: OUT - F Shannon MacMillan (R ACL tear); PROBABLE - D Kim Pickup (groin strain); GK Jaime Pagliarulo (Foot strain); F Kerry Connors (Achilles strain); F Zhang Ouying (ankle sprain).
SAN JOSE CYBERRAYS: No league matches this week (Bye Week)
WASHINGTON FREEDOM: DOUBTFUL - Emmy Barr (strained L knee); PROBABLE- D Casey Zimny (ankle sprain).

NATIONAL TEAM DUTY AS OF 07/07/03

Note: U.S. national team members will be available for Wednesday matches.
ATLANTA BEAT: Homare Sawa (Japan); Maribel Dominguez (Mexico); Briana Scurry (United States); Cindy Parlow (United States); Kylie Bivens (United States - will not be available for July 9 match versus San Diego; will be available for July 12 match versus Washington).
BOSTON BREAKERS: Monica Gonzalez (Mexico); Kristine Lilly (United States); Kate Sobrero (United States); Angela Hulces (United States).
CAROLINA COURAGE: Tiffany Roberts (United States); Danielle Slaton (United States).
NEW YORK POWER: Tiffeny Milbrett (United States); Christie Pearce (United States).
PHILADELPHIA CHARGE: Lorrie Fair (United States).
SAN DIEGO SPIRIT: Aly Wagner (United States); Julie Foudy (United States); Joy Fawcett (United States); Jaime Pagliarulo (United States); Daniela (Brazil).
SAN JOSE CYBERRAYS: Brandi Chastain (United States); Thori Bryan (United States); LeKeysia Beene (United States); Katia (Brazil); Sissi (Brazil); Pretinha (Brazil).
WASHINGTON FREEDOM: Mia Hamm (United States); Abby Wambach (United States); Siri Mullinix (United States).

suspension Summary 07/07/03

Player Team Suspension Reason
None

Warning Summary 07/07/03

Player Team Reason
Christie Welsh New York Power 3 Non - Consecutive Yellow Cards Accumulated: A caution in the next game will result in a 1 game suspension =4 non- consecutive cards accumulated.

Melanie Hoffmann Philadelphia Charge 3 Non - Consecutive Yellow Cards Accumulated: A caution in the next game will result in a 1 game suspension =4 non- consecutive cards accumulated.

TEAM-BY-TEAM NOTES

atlanta beat: Atlanta remained in first place in the WUSA standings, despite a 3-2 loss to Carolina on Friday, July 4 at Herndon Stadium in Cary, NC...Atlanta is 1-6-1 versus Carolina all-time...Forward Charmaine Hooper scored both goals for the Beat, reinforcing her position as one of the top offensive players in the league...Hooper is tied for first in the WUSA in assists (6), and is fourth in both goals scored (7) and points (20)...Hooper became the second player in WUSA history to record 30 goals (New York's Tiffeny Milbrett is the other)... Forward Cindy Parlow notched her fourth assist of the season on July 4 versus the Courage... Forward Maribel Dominguez and midfielder Homare Sawa were both absent from Saturday's game due to Mexican and Japanese national team duties, respectively... Atlanta remains ranked first in the WUSA in both team offense (2.00 goals per game) and team defense (0.92 goals allowed per game).

boston breakers: Boston moved into a two-way tie with Atlanta for first place in the WUSA... The Breakers played to a 1-1 draw with Washington on Thursday, July 3 at Nickerson Field...This was the third consecutive game that the Breakers came from behind to tie or win... Boston erased an early deficit to defeat New York on June 25... On June 28, Boston tallied late in the game to pull out a draw against Philadelphia ...Defender Heather Aldama scored her first career WUSA goal to lead the Breakers to the draw...Forward Maren Meinert is second in the WUSA in points scored (21), third in goals scored (8), fifth in assists (5) and is a key contributor the Breakers fifth ranked offense (1.57 goals)...Boston ranks fifth in team defense (1.64 goals allowed per game).

carolina courage: Carolina defeated Atlanta 3-2 on Friday, July 4 at SAS Stadium to move into fifth place in WUSA standings, only four points behind the first place team and just two from making the playoffs...Defender Danielle Slaton, who played a key role in neutralizing the Atlanta offense (number one in the league), scored the Courage's first goal and assisted on the game-winner... Forward Venus James also recorded a strong performance, scoring the second Courage goal...James has scored in the last two Courage games...Forward Birgit Prinz is tied for second in the WUSA for both goals scored (13) and points scored (21)... The Courage is unbeaten in its last three home games and has gone 5-2-3 in its last 10 matches...Carolina currently has the fourth best offense in the league (1.71 goals per game) and ranks sixth in team defense (1.79 goals allowed per game).

new york power: New York pulled out a win over San Jose on Saturday, July 5 at Mitchel Athletic Complex to move into fourth place in the WUSA standings, just two points out of first place ...Defenders Jaclyn Raveia scored one goal off a corner kick and set the WUSA single-game record for goalmouth blocks with three on July 5... Defender Cheryl Salisbury scored the game-winning goal (the first of her WUSA career) off a corner kick... Justi Baumgardt notched assists on both New York goals... Defensive midfielder Shannon Boxx remains an invaluable asset to the Power as she is tied for first in the WUSA with six assists... New York ranks third in team offense (1.73 goals per game) and eighth in team defense (2.27 goals allowed per game).

philadelphia charge: The Charge scored in stoppage time on Saturday, July 5 to secure a 1-1 tie against the San Diego Spirit at Villanova Stadium...Stacey Tullock scored the goal, her second of the season, two minutes into stoppage time... The second-year player has 12 career points (four goals, four assists)... The Charge holds a five-game unbeaten streak against the Spirit (3-0-2), dating back to last year (May 19, 2002)...Two of Philadelphia's three wins this season have come against San Diego... Reigning MVP Marinette Pichon was carted off the field after colliding with Spirit goalkeeper Jaime Pagliarulo... Pichon, the league's leading goal scorer (22) will miss likely miss Wednesday's match and possibly Sunday's game with a bruised sciatic nerve ... Philadelphia ranks seventh in team offense (1.46 goals per game) and seventh in team defense (2.00 goals per game).

san diego spirit: The Spirit recorded a pair of road ties this week, knotting San Jose 2-2 on Wednesday, July 2 at Spartan Stadium and recording a 1-1 split against Philadelphia on Saturday, July 5 at Villanova Stadium... San Diego leads the league with six ties, one off the league record held by three teams (Boston, 2002; Atlanta and San Diego, 2001)... Forward Christine Latham scored all three goals for the week, including the game-tying goal against San Jose in the final minute...The four-game unbeaten streak (2-0-2) is the second longest of the season (3-0-4 from April 19 to May 31)...Goalkeeper Jaime Pagliarulo is unbeaten in eight of 10 games... San Diego finished the season series with Philadelphia, 0-2-1 and is 1-5-3 all-time... San Diego ranks sixth in total offense (1.50 goals per game) and second in team defense (1.29 goals per game).

san jose cyberrays: The CyberRays lost to the New York Power 2-1 Saturday, July 5 at the Mitchell Athletic Complex and tied the San Diego Spirit on Wednesday, July 2. The goal by Tisha Venturini-Hoch in the 86th minute against New York was assisted by Keri Sanchez... Defender Thori Bryan became the first WUSA player to see action in more than 5,000 minutes (5,019)...Captain Brandi Chastain missed Saturday's game with a hip injury and the team is 0-2 without her in the lineup this season... All-time, the CyberRays are 1-4-1 in games without Chastain... San Jose was 6-0-1 all-time against New York heading into this season, but the Power swept the three-games this season...The CyberRays, which played five games in 14 days (1-2-2), will not play again until July 20... San Jose ranks eighth in team offense (1.13 goals per game) and third in team defense (1.33 goals per game).

washington freedom: The Freedom tied the Boston Breakers 1-1 Thursday, July 3 at Nickerson Field... The tie extends the team's winless streak to five (0-3-2)... Midfielder Lindsay Stoecker tallied her third goal of the season, third on the team (behind Mia Hamm and Abby Wambach)... Stoecker did not score in her previous two seasons...Emmy Barr injured her left knee against Boston and will have an MRI to determine the extent of the damage... Forward Mia Hamm was held scoreless in two consecutive games for the first time in 2003... Hamm is tied for fourth among the WUSA scoring leaders with 20 points (7g, 6a)... Goalkeeper Siri Mullinix leads the league in catch/punches (53)... Washington ranks second in team offense (1.83 goals per game) and fourth in team defense (1.58 goals per game).

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Women's United Soccer Association Stories from July 7, 2003


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