Courage Nips WUSA Champion San Jose, 2-1
July 4, 2002 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
Carolina Courage News Release
Cary, NC. (July 4, 2002) Hege Riise's dramatic game-winning goal in the 88th minute against the reigning WUSA champion San Jose CyberRays propelled the Courage into sole possession of first place for the first time in franchise history. WUSA Player of the Week Birgit Prinz scored her seventh goal of the season.
The CyberRays controlled play through most of the first half, combining well and holding possession. Despite San Jose's dominance, however, it was the Courage that went ahead in the 42nd minute.
Defender Nel Fettig won a header at midfield and knocked the ball forward to Danielle Fotopoulos. Fotopoulos took one touch and served the ball to teammate Birgit Prinz. Carolina's big German striker chested the ball down, beat two collapsing defenders and struck the ball past San Jose goalkeeper LaKeysia Beene. For both Fotopoulos and Prinz, this week's WUSA Player of the Week, it was their eighth consecutive game scoring a goal or assist.
"We had one really good chance in the first half and [Prinz] put it away," said Courage head coach Marcia McDermott. "That kind of consistency gives you confidence."
When the CyberRays did create dangerous chances, Courage goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill rose to the challenge, making four saves in the first half.
Desperate for a win, the CyberRays game out of the halftime break on fire. Just three minutes into the second half, former UNC All-American Tisha Venturini-Hoch directed a Brandi Chastain flick past a stranded Kristin Luckenbill Of Venturini's six career goals, three have come against the Courage.
Following the goal, the Courage made some key substitutions, inserting midfielders Meghan Anderson and Erin Baxter into the game. Immediately the Courage grabbed a hold of the match, and from that point on out-shot the CyberRays 9-3.
"In the second half we adjusted our game, said McDermott, "we really took control of possession and that's what made the big difference."
As the final minutes of the game ticked away, Courage midfielder Hege Riise provided the heroics. Birgit Prinz started the play, lobbing a ball over the top of the San Jose defense. Riise raced onto the ball and struck a quick shot at Beene, who made an initial save, but gave up a rebound. Staying with the play, Riise quickly tapped the loose ball to Beene's left and into the corner of the goal.
A franchise-record crowd of 6,211 clamored for Riise, who leads the WUSA in assists (10), and is now tied for second in game-winning goals (3).
"[The crowd] was tremendous," said Riise. "I love playing in front of such good fans. People were standing and cheering and shouting your name. It was wild."
The Courage emerged from a physically taxing six games in 20 days stretch with a record of 5 wins and 1 loss. With tonight's victory, the Courage equaled a WUSA-record four game-winning streak and stands alone in first place with 30 points.
Carolina's next game will take place at SAS Stadium on July 13th against the Boston Breakers at 7:00 p.m. Fans will want to come out for Hometown Heroes Night as the Courage honors those who keep our community safe. The first 1,500 fans receive a free soccer car decal.
For group, season, and Pride Pack ticket information call the Carolina Courage ticket office at (919) 573-7626 or go online at www.carolinacourage.com. Individual game tickets may be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets, including Kroger's, Hecht's and Schoolkids Records. You can also dial (919) 834-4000 or log on to www.ticketmaster.com.
• Discuss this story on the Women's United Soccer Association message board...
Women's United Soccer Association Stories from July 4, 2002
- Courage Nips WUSA Champion San Jose, 2-1 - Carolina Courage
- Courage Best CyberRays, 2-1 - WUSA
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
