Charge, Zhao Beat Spirit
Published on August 3, 2002 under Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) News Release
VILLANOVA, PA - A 40-minute delay due to weather (rain and lightning) couldn't stop midfielder Zhao Lihong from assisting on all three goals for Philadelphia as the Charge (11-3-5, 38 pts.) defeated the San Diego Spirit (4-11-4, 16 pts.) 3-1 on Saturday evening at Villanova Stadium. The three assists in one match by the Chinese midfielder ties the WUSA record (held by four others, most recently Washington's Abby Wambach on July 31) for most assists by one player in a single match.
Philadelphia got on the board first with a goal by Stacey Tullock in the 56th minute. The Charge rookie connected on a corner kick by Zhao, heading the ball past San Diego goalkeeper Carly Smolak. The goal was the first of the midfielder's WUSA career. Zhao was credited with her sixth assist of the season on the score.
San Diego responded two minutes later with a goal by midfielder Jen Mascaro. In the 58th minute, Mascaro scored her first goal of the 2002 season off a cross by defender Amy Sauer. Fan Yunjie passed the ball to Sauer down left side of the field. The Spirit rookie crossed the ball near post to Mascaro who in turn sent a shot far post past Philadelphia goalkeeper Melissa Moore to even the score 1-1. Both Sauer and Fan were credited with their first assists of the season.
With the score tied at 1-1, the Charge took the lead for good when defender Erica Iverson headed home a pass from Jenny Benson in the 65th minute. Iverson's header came from about six yards out and was also assisted by Zhao, who passed a short corner to Benson at the top right corner of the penalty box. Iverson had just beaten San Diego keeper Carly Smolak to the ball, recording her second goal of the season.
On a corner kick from Zhao, Marinette Pichon, who had missed the last match due to an injury to her left big toe, blasted a half volley with her left foot from eight yards out in the 71st minute. The goal was Pichon's 14th of the season. Zhao recorded her third assist of the night (eighth of the season).
Philadelphia, which clinched a playoff berth with San Jose's loss to Carolina earlier in the day, will be looking to host a playoff match at home with a loss or a tie by the Atlanta Beat on Sunday (August 4) versus the Washington Freedom.
Women's United Soccer Association Stories from August 3, 2002
- Charge, Zhao Beat Spirit - WUSA
- Philly Wins 3-1 Over San Diego - Philadelphia Charge
- Philadelphia-San Diego Quote Sheet - Philadelphia Charge
- Zhao Leads Charge to Win, 3-1 - Philadelphia Charge
- Prinz Helps Courage Whip San Jose - WUSA
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