CyberRays Katia, Pretinha called up to Brazilian team

April 18, 2003 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
San Jose CyberRays News Release


SAN JOSE (April 18, 2003) – Two of the San Jose CyberRays' Brazilian players, forward Katia and midfielder Pretinha, have been called up to the Brazilian Women's National Team for South American qualifying for this fall's Women's World Cup in China.

Katia, the CyberRays' Offensive Player of the Year last season for her 15 goals and WUSA-record 36 points (15g+6a=36pts), and Pretinha will fly to Peru on Sunday after playing in the CyberRays' home match against the Washington Freedom at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. They will miss the CyberRays' April 27 match against the San Diego Spirit in San Diego, but will be available for the team's next game May 3 in Atlanta against the Atlanta Beat.

Two World Cup berths are at stake in South American qualifying, which will take place April 23-27. Brazil defeated Norway on penalty kicks in the 1999 Women's World Cup third-place game played in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. Both Katia and Pretinha were on that team.

Defender Dianne Alagich has returned to the CyberRays after missing the April 5 season-opener against the Philadelphia Charge to play for Australia in Oceania qualifying. Australia won Oceania's only berth and will compete in the World Cup when it opens Sept. 23 in China.

Three other CyberRays, goalkeeper LaKeysia Beene, defender Thori Bryan and defender Brandi Chastain, will be in camp next week with the U.S. national team preparing for its April 26 friendly against Nigeria in Washington's RFK Stadium. They will fly from Washington to San Diego immediately after that game to be available for the April 27 match against the Spirit.



Women's United Soccer Association Stories from April 18, 2003


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