CyberRays Batter Power
July 27, 2002 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) News Release
SAN JOSE, CA - Katia had two goals and one assist as the San Jose CyberRays defeated the New York Power 4-1 Saturday evening at Spartan Stadium.
With the victory, San Jose (7-6-4, 25 pts.) remains in fifth place, but the CyberRays closed the gap on fourth place Atlanta. New York (3-14-1, 10 pts.) has failed to defeat San Jose in two WUSA seasons, as the CyberRays are now 5-0-1 against the Power.
Lisa Nanez, making just her second start of the season, scored an opportunistic goal in the fifth minute to put San Jose up 1-0. The play started when Sissi played a short corner to Pretinha, and the Brazilian forward served the ball into traffic in front of the goal. After a San Jose shot was cleared, the ball popped loose and Nanez hammered it past New York goalkeeper Saskia Webber. It was the Mexican national team veteran's first WUSA goal in 24 regular season matches and one playoff appearance.
By inserting Nanez in place of regular defensive midfielder Carey Dorn, San Jose Head Coach Ian Sawyers' plan shake up his lineup was successful. Rookie Danielle Borgman also started at right back, essentially replacing Michelle French as Brandi Chastain moved to left back. Katia made it 2-0 in the 34th minute when the Brazilian forward scored for the fourth consecutive match. Christina Bell sent a long ball to Katia as the Brazilian was running down the left flank toward the corner. New York's Christie Pearce attempted to head the ball, but was unable to reach it. With Webber racing out of her box, the ball took one bounce and Katia poked it into the net from five yards.
Due to a banged up knee from Wednesday's win at Philadelphia, New York's Tiffeny Milbrett did not start. However, the 2001 WUSA MVP entered the game at the start of the second half.
New York got on the scoreboard in the 66th minute when Emily Janss scored her seventh goal of the season. After Tammy Pearman's shot was parried away, Janss hammered in the rebound from six yards.
San Jose scored two quick goals in the 82nd minute to put it away. Theresa Wagner sent a long ball to Katia, and the Brazilian striker one-touched it in from 12 yards for her league-leading 14th goal of the year. Less than a minute later, Katia teamed with Pretihna, slotting a pass to the diminutive forward for a goal from 12 yards.
San Jose continues its quest for a playoff spot on Wednesday when the CyberRays host Philadelphia. New York will look to continue its role as spoiler when the Power visits Boston Aug. 4.
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Women's United Soccer Association Stories from July 27, 2002
- Beat Erases the Courage Curse with 1-0 Victory Over 2nd Place Team - Atlanta Beat
- Wambach's Goal Stands Up - WUSA
- Kemp's Late Goal Gives Breakers Tie - WUSA
- Beat Shut Out Carolina - WUSA
- Boston Rallies to Tie Charge - Philadelphia Charge
- Power Fall to San Jose - New York Power
- CyberRays Batter Power - WUSA
- Spirit Falls to Freedom, 1-0, at RFK Stadium - San Diego Spirit
- Freedom Blanks San Diego - WUSA
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