CyberRays Tie Charge
August 8, 2002 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) News Release
Villanova, PA - The San Jose CyberRays kept their playoff hopes alive with a 1-1 draw against the Philadelphia Charge Wednesday evening at Villanova Stadium. Brandi Chastain scored for San Jose while Stacey Tullock tallied Philadelphia's goal.
With San Jose's draw tonight and Atlanta losing to San Diego, the CyberRays are currently two points behind the Beat. San Jose is at Boston, which is unbeaten at home in 2002, on Saturday, while Atlanta hosts Philadelphia Saturday afternoon on PAX. San Jose must win on Saturday and Atlanta must lose for the CyberRays to clinch a playoff berth.
With Philadelphia resting many regular starters, San Jose dominated the first half, outshooting the Charge 12-2 in total shots and 4-0 in shots on goal. San Jose scored first when Chastain hammered in a rebound in the 34th minute. Katia's shot smacked off the crossbar and Chastain put away the rebound from six yards to beat a helpless Melissa Moore.
Philadelphia's reinforcements entered the match at the start of the second half as Lorrie Fair, Liu Ailing and Michelle Demko came on as substitutes. The Charge added additional firepower in the 58th minute when French striker Marinette Pichon entered the game.
Philadelphia quickly changed the momentum, and the Charge tied the match in the 73rd minute when rookie Stacey Tullock scored her second goal of the season. Fair sent a ball into the center of the penalty area to start the play. With her back to the goal, Tullock spun around and beat San Jose goalkeeper LaKeysia Beene from eight yards. Tullock's goal ended a 252-minute scoreless streak against San Jose. The CyberRays had shut out the Charge in their previous two meetings.
Both teams played conservatively in the final 10 minutes, as each club registered two shots with none on goal.
The playoff-bound Charge (11-3-6, 39 pts) will host a first-round game on Saturday, August 17. Should San Jose clinch a playoff berth, the CyberRays (8-7-5, 29 pts) would play on the road.
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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