Charge Top Power, 2-1
May 17, 2003 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
New York Power News Release
Uniondale, NY - Marinette Pichon scored two goals as the visiting Philadelphia Charge (1-4-0) held off the New York Power (3-4-0), 2-1, at Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale, NY. New York's Joanne Peter's scored her second goal in as many weeks in stoppage time of the second half.
The first half got off to a slow start, as both teams felt each other out. The Charge had the better of possession for the first twenty minutes, before New York took control later in the half. Power keeper Carly Smolak made two saves on seven shots in the first half, while New York was held to three shots and only one on goal.
Philadelphia's best opportunity in the first half came in the 43rd minute, when a diving Smolak saved Melanie Hoffman's shot, and the rebound came to Pichon. Pichon's shot was then deflected over the goal by New York defender Cheryl Salisbury and the teams went into the half tied at 0-0.
Pichon, last year's MVP and Offensive Player of the Year, scored in the 60th minute to give the Charge a 1-0 lead. Deliah Arrington started the play when she beat the Power defense and went in on Smolak. Arrington took a touch that got away from her with an on coming Smolak. The two players collided with Smolak kneeing the ball to the left flank. Stacey Tullock ran onto the loose ball and crossed it to an unmarked Pichon, who one timed it past Smolak. As a result of the collision, Arrington would leave the match, with a sprained right knee.
Pichon would strike again in the 81st minute. The Charge played a long ball into the Power's box, which was misplayed by Smolak and Power defender Margaret Tietjen. Pichon capitalized on the play, scoring the eventual game-winner into an empty net.
With time running out, the Power broke up Hope Solo's bid for a shutout with Peters' goal in stoppage time. Pushing everyone forward, Emily Janss hit the left post off a header. The ball came to Shannon Boxx, who also hit the left post. The third time was the charm for New York, as Peters nailed the ball into the back of the net.
After the goal, Pichon picked up a yellow card for delay of game, but the Charge held off the Power for their first win of the season. The loss snapped a three-game win streak by the Power. New York was without forward Tiffeny Milbrett and defender Christie Pearce, while the Charge were without defender Heather Mitts all due to National Team duty. With the national team, Milbrett recorded a goal and an assist as the U.S. National team defeated England, 6-0.
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Women's United Soccer Association Stories from May 17, 2003
- Atlanta makes 7th-minute goal hold up against CyberRays - San Jose CyberRays
- Beat Grabs Shutout Victory over San Jose - Atlanta Beat
- Charge Top Power, 2-1 - New York Power
- CyberRays waive Carter, pick up Antongiovanni - San Jose CyberRays
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