Courage Clinch Homefield
Published on August 8, 2002 under Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) News Release
UNIONDALE, NY - Danielle Fotopoulos and Birgit Prinz each had a goal and an assist as the Carolina Courage defeated the New York Power 2-1 Wednesday evening at Mitchel Athletic complex. With the victory, Carolina (12-5-3, 39 pts.) clinches homefield advantage for the WUSA playoffs and pulls into a tie with Philadelphia for first place in the WUSA. New York (3-16-1, 10 pts.) remains in last place with the loss.
New York took it to Carolina in the first half, controlling the run of play while outshooting the Courage 8-2 during the first 45 minutes. However, Carolina goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill made four saves in the first half to keep New York off the board.
The second half turned into a track meet, as New York registered 12 shots and Carolina nine. Prinz finally opened the scoring in the 66th minute when she scored her 12th goal of the season. Rookie Meghan Anderson started the play when she intercepted a pass at midfield and dropped it back to Hege Riise. The Norwegian international sprayed the ball to the left side to Fotpoulos who sent a cross into the box. An onrushing Prinz headed the ball in from six yards to beat New York goalkeeper Gao Hong.
Carolina went up 2-0 in the 81st minute as Fotopoulos' goal was the game-winner. New York's Jaclyn Raveia and Fotopoulos went in for a 50-50 ball and the powerful Carolina forward took control. Fotopoulos beat two New York defenders and cracked a 12-yard shot past Gao for her 11th goal of the season.
New York's Tammy Pearman, who spent most of the season as a defender before moving back to her natural position at forward, scored in the 89th minute to halt Luckenbill's shutout.
Carolina will look to win the regular season title on Sunday, August 11 when the Courage travels to San Diego for its final game of the regular season. New York finishes on Saturday at home against the Washington Freedom.
Women's United Soccer Association Stories from August 8, 2002
- Start Time for Charge's Home Playoff Game Set - Philadelphia Charge
- Beat & Charge Train Tomorrow for Saturday's Momentous Match-Up - Atlanta Beat
- Courage Clinch Homefield - WUSA
- CyberRays Tie Charge - WUSA
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