Charge Tie Freedom
July 14, 2002 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) News Release
WASHINGTON, DC - A freekick goal in the 85th minute by Philadelphia's Zhao Lihong kept the Charge's unbeaten streak intact with a 1-1 draw against Washington Sunday afternoon at RFK Stadium. With the tie, Philadelphia (9-1-4, 31 pts.) extended its unbeaten streak to nine games, while Washington (6-5-4, 22 pts.) moved into a third-place tie with Atlanta in the WUSA standings.
Five months after knee surgery and four weeks after first returning to the Freedom as a substitute, Mia Hamm started her first game in 2002, playing the entire 90 minutes. The 2001 FIFA Player of the Year nearly put Washington up 1-0 in the 11th minute, but her penalty kick attempt went wide left. Philadelphia goalkeeper Melissa Moore, defender Jenny Benson and Washington forward Bai Jie all collided in the penalty area to set up Hamm's penalty kick.
The two clubs played a fairly even match for the first 45 minutes. Soggy field conditions and a stingy Washington defense helped nullify Philadelphia forward Marinette Pichon, as the WUSA's leading scorer was limited to two shots on the afternoon, including just one on goal.
Hamm started the day in an attacking midfield role, behind strikers Abby Wambach and Bai Jie, but moved up top alongside Wambach in the 58th minute when Monica Gerardo replaced Bai. The moved paid off, as Washington took control of the play for the majority of the second half.
Washington finally found the back of the net in the 75th minute when Wambach scored her seventh goal of the season. Hamm placed a corner kick that landed in the 18-yard box, and a skirmish in front of the goal resulted in a shot by Steffi Jones that was deflected. Wambach hammered in the loose ball from eight yards to put the Freedom up 1-0.
Although the Freedom continued to pressure, Philadelphia seized its late scoring opportunity when Chinese national team standout Zhao cracked a 25-yard freekick to the near post that banged off of the inside of the crossbar and into the goal for her second score of the season. Philadelphia's Liu Ailing was fouled from behind by Washington defender Casey Zimny to set up Zhao's freekick.
Washington Head Coach Jim Gabarra sat out Sunday's match due to a one-game suspension.
Women's United Soccer Association Stories from July 14, 2002
- Spirit Ties CyberRays, 2-2, as MacMillan and Fleeting Score - San Diego Spirit
- Spirit Hold off CyberRays - WUSA
- Charge Tie Freedom - WUSA
- Charge Salvage Point Versus Freedom - Philadelphia Charge
- Courage Sneak by Breakers - WUSA
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