Everyone in Contention at Midpoint

June 23, 2003 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) News Release


ATLANTA (Monday, June 23, 2003) - Unlike the first two WUSA seasons where one or two teams owned first place in the league's standings, the 2003 campaign regularly features a different team atop the WUSA table each week. Four teams - Atlanta, Boston, Washington and San Diego - have traded places for the pole position in recent weeks.

At the midpoint of the 2003 season, all eight teams have a legitimate shot at bringing home the league's regular season crown. The current WUSA standings along with a brief look at each team follows:

WUSA STANDINGS - June 23, 2003
Team GP W L T PTS GF GA GDIFF
Atlanta Beat 11 5 2 4 19 23 9 14
Boston Breakers 11 5 4 2 17 17 19 -2
Washington Freedom 10 5 3 2 17 21 17 4
San Diego Spirit 11 4 3 4 16 16 14 2
New York Power 12 5 6 1 16 20 28 -8
Carolina Courage 11 4 5 2 14 18 18 0
San Jose CyberRays 11 4 6 1 13 11 14 -3
Philadelphia Charge 11 3 6 2 11 16 23 -7

ATLANTA BEAT: They say defense wins and Atlanta is a prime example of that statement. Led by goalkeeper Briana Scurry, Head Coach Tom Stone's club is allowing a WUSA-low 0.82 goals per game. But the Beat can also score. Following Sunday's 4-2 win over Philadelphia, Atlanta ranks second in WUSA scoring, registering an average of 2.09 goals per match. Newcomers have provided Atlanta with the depth needed to compensate for the loss of Cindy Parlow (U.S.), Charmaine Hooper (Canada) and Homare Sawa (Japan) due to World Cup qualifying. Mexican international Maribel Dominguez started off strong and is currently tied for fourth in WUSA scoring, while German forward Conny Pohlers has two goals and three assists in her last six games (all starts). Atlanta is 1-0-3 on the road in 2003, and the Beat will need to continue that trend with six of the club's final 10 games on the road, including three of the final four matches.

BOSTON BREAKERS: After suffering through two seasons where they watched the WUSA Playoffs from their living rooms, Boston finally has a defense to support the Breakers' potent offense. Throw out an early-season 6-0 loss at Atlanta, and Boston is allowing a respectable 1.3 goals per game. A change in coaching seems to have impacted the Boston back line. Head Coach Pia Sundhage made very few personnel changes to the club's defense, but Boston's "D" is improving each week. Rookie defensive midfielder Devvyn Hawkins was finally coming into her own before suffering a foot stress fracture in early May. The Santa Clara product suited up for Saturday's loss to Carolina, her first appearance in a Breakers uniform since May 3. The duo of Dagny Mellgren and Maren Meinert continue to provide a challenge for opposing defenses, as the two have combined for 14 of the Breakers' 17 goals. In fact, either Meinert or Mellgren has scored or assisted on 63 of the 81 goals in club history (78%). With six of 10 remaining games at Nickerson Field, Boston has a solid shot at earning its first playoff berth.

CAROLINA COURAGE: Danielle Fotopoulos, Birgit Prinz and the rest of the defending champs started 0-4. However, Carolina may be the hottest team in the WUSA with a 4-1-2 record in its last seven games to improve to 4-5-2, just five points behind first-place Atlanta. Losing Norwegian playmaker Hege Riise on April 19 after just two games was a major blow, but Jay Entlich's squad has reworked the club's midfield strategy with positive results. "Fotop" and Prinz are carrying the offensive load with 14 of the club's 18 goals. As long as the two goal scorers stay healthy, Carolina has the ability to make a run at the postseason. Carolina splits its remaining schedule with five games at home and five on the road.

NEW YORK POWER: With one more victory, New York will double last year's win total. Head Coach Tom Sermanni's offseason trade that saw the Power acquire defensive midfielder Shannon Boxx and defender Margaret Tietjen has helped shore up the league's worst defense. Although the Power still ranks last in the WUSA in goals allowed, New York's defense is much improved over last year. The recent return of Australian national team captain Cheryl Salisbury will only improve the Power defense. After falling out of favor in San Diego, Boxx is having an all-star season and has served as an important link to forwards Tiffeny Milbrett and Christie Welsh. Milbrett's hard luck with finishing has resulted in the speedy forward scoring just three goals, but the U.S. national team star is bound to have an explosive outing soon. Welsh has answered her skeptics with six goals, good for seventh in WUSA goal scoring. Saskia Webber's return to form in goal is a key reason behind New York's success. Webber had allowed just one goal in three games leading up to Saturday's 4-2 loss at San Diego. New York has four of nine remaining games at home, but the Power (and Milbrett, who has not scored at Mitchel Athletic Complex since the 2001 season) often fare better on the road.

PHILADELPHIA CHARGE: Philadelphia has been up and down all season. After registering two shutouts the previous week, the Charge allowed four goals on Sunday at Herndon Stadium in a 4-2 loss to the Atlanta Beat. After struggling at the start of the season to a 0-4 record, Philadelphia has gone 3-2-2. 2002 WUSA MVP Marinette Pichon's eight goals tie her for the league lead. The French national team standout has scored half of the Charge's 16 goals. Despite shutting out its opponents in two of the club's last three games, Philadelphia ranks seventh in the WUSA in team defense, allowing 2.09 goals per game. The Charge featured the WUSA's stingiest defense in 2002, allowing just 1.05 goals per match. The offseason departure of centerback Erica Iverson - a member of the All-WUSA First Team in 2002 - had a major impact on the Charge's defense. However, recent adjustments to the backline, including Heather Mitts moving into the center of the defense, have seen positive results. With six of the club's last 10 matches at home (including three of the final four), Philadelphia has the opportunity to return to the playoffs for the third consecutive season.

SAN DIEGO SPIRIT: A new coach, new playmaker and the addition of several other players who have played key roles provide San Diego with plenty of optimism leading into the second half of the season. San Diego has never won more than seven games in a season and the Spirit has yet to qualify for the playoffs in two seasons. However, Omid Namazi's club features a dangerous attack that causes problems for every WUSA team. Despite losing Shannon MacMillan to a season-ending knee injury, San Diego's offense features Julie Fleeting (Scotland), Christine Latham (Canada), Zhang Ouying (China), Aly Wagner (U.S.), Julie Foudy (U.S.), all players who compete regularly for their respective national teams. Fleeting, who scored three goals in just eight games in 2002, continues to find the back of the net on a regular basis. The Scottish international, who ranks seventh in WUSA scoring with six goals and two assists for 14 points, may be the WUSA's top scoring threat with her head. Four of Fleeting's last five goals have been on headers. On defense, the formerly leaky Spirit is allowing just 1.27 goals per contest, good for a tie for second in the WUSA. Also, goalkeeper Jaime Pagliarulo, who was benched toward the end of the 2002 season, is once again playing with confidence after spending a large portion of the offseason with the U.S. national team.

SAN JOSE CYBERRAYS: San Jose's offense is once again led by a Brazilian scoring star, but this year Pretinha is the one scoring while 2002 WUSA scoring champion Katia has been in a slump. Pretinha, who leads the CyberRays with five goals and two assists for 12 points, is playing with renewed enthusiasm after two average seasons. Katia, whose 26 points in 2002 led the WUSA, has scored just one goal and two assists. Unfortunately for the CyberRays, the rest of the club has not scored many goals. San Jose's offense ranks last in the WUSA, scoring just one goal per game. Offseason acquisition Mandy Clemens was expected to shoulder some of the scoring burden, but the former Santa Clara standout has registered just nine shots and no goals. Despite the lack of goals, San Jose is just two wins (six points) out of first place due to the team's defense ranking second (tied with San Diego at 1.27 goals per game) in the WUSA. Goalkeeper LaKeysia Beene leads the WUSA in saves (46) and shutouts (3). San Jose has six of its remaining 10 games at home (including four of its next six) in the cozy confines of Spartan Stadium.

WASHINGTON FREEDOM: Jim Gabarra's club looked like the team to beat early on, as Washington started the season 4-1-1. The Freedom then lost three of four games before a 2-2 draw against San Jose on Sunday. With seven goals and six assists for 20 points, Mia Hamm is tied for the WUSA scoring lead and playing her best soccer in years. Last year's WUSA Rookie of the Year Abby Wambach was inconsistent early in the season, but she has four goals in her last four games. Goalkeeper Siri Mullinix is having a stellar season, but the rest of the Freedom defense recently featured some changes. Jen Grubb remains the WUSA's ironwoman, having played every minute of every WUSA game in the Freedom's three-year history. The recent addition of German Sandra Minnert to the backline should help once she develops the necessary chemistry with her teammates. Also, new German forward Jennifer Meier will provide added depth when Hamm and Wambach are with the U.S. national team. Washington has a game in hand on the rest of the WUSA (two games on New York), but the Freedom is on the road for seven of its remaining 11 games.

WUSA SCORING EXPECTED TO RISE IN 2003: With the 2003 WUSA season at the midpoint, it appears that goal scoring will rise for the second consecutive season. The WUSA has maintained the higher scoring pace it established last season. The combined goal average (both teams) for 2001 was 2.80 goals per game followed by an increase of 19 percent to 3.32 last season. This season's average is 3.23 per game. A look at WUSA scoring follows

Year Goals (combined)
2001 2.80 2002 3.32 2003 3.23 (through 44 games)

In each of the past two seasons, scoring has been higher in the second half:

2001 - 2.68 per game through end of June, 2.94 in July/August 2002 - 3.18 per game through end of June, 3.52 in July/August 2003 - 3.23 per game through end of June

TOP 10 SCORERS CARRY THE LOAD: Prolific goal scorers at the Division I professional level are hard to come by. Thanks to our friends at Elias Sports Bureau, the impact of these top goal scorers is easily measured. Although 160 athletes are members of WUSA teams, the WUSA's top 10 goal scorers have accounted for nearly half the goals so far this season. The percentages are: 43% in 2001, 41% in 2002 and 49% in 2003.

Taking a look at a larger sample, the trend is the same for the top 25 goals scorers: 70% in 2001, 70% in 2002 and 78% this season.

ATLANTA ON PACE TO BREAK DEFENSIVE MARK: No WUSA team has ever allowed less than 1.00 goal per game in a WUSA season, but the Atlanta Beat hopes to change that in 2003. Atlanta is allowing just 0.82 goal per game. The lowest GAA in each of the league's first two seasons:

Year Team GAA
2001 Atlanta 1.00
2002 Philadelphia 1.05
2003 Atlanta 0.82 (through 44 games)

ALY WAGNER HAS BEST GAME AS A PRO: National television seems to bring out the best in San Diego's Aly Wagner. The 22-year-old playmaking midfielder had two assists in Saturday's 4-2 win over New York on PAX TV. She controlled the midfield, serving up a variety of pretty passes for Spirit forwards. The top pick in February's WUSA Draft had just one goal and two assists heading into the match.

"That's her best game, by far," Spirit Head Coach Omid Namazi said of Wagner. "She kept things simple. From the first two-thirds of the field, she kept the ball moving without losing possession. When she gets into the last third, she's one of the best players in setting the table for the other players."

Although she's a regular starter with the U.S. national team and starred in college at Santa Clara, it takes time for all rookies to adjust to the rigors of professional soccer.

"Earlier on, I was adjusting to the level of the competition and I knew that it would take some time to get in to the swing of things," Wagner said. "From a personal standpoint, I was just excited to be on a team that was making a jump in its level of play as well and to be a part of that. As long as I am helping my team get W's and getting off to its best start ever, that makes me happy."

JAPAN & MEXICO TO BATTLE FOR FINAL WOMEN'S WORLD CUP BERTH: It will be a battle of Atlanta Beat teammates when Mexico and Japan battle for the final berth in the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup on July 5 and 12. Led by Beat forward Maribel Dominguez (tied for 4th in WUSA scoring), Mexico will host Japan on July 5 in Mexico City. Beat midfielder Homare Sawa and Japan will then host Mexico on July 12. The winner of the home-and-home series will determine the 16th and final berth to World Cup USA '03.

Mexico, which has been waiting for an opponent since finishing third at the CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup last fall, gets perhaps a tougher foe than it would have excepted in three-time Women's World Cup qualifier Japan. Mexico qualified for the 1999 Women's World Cup by virtue of a two-game playoff, but that was against Argentina, a country with no Women's World Cup experience.

South Korea joined North Korea in the 2003 Women's World Cup by virtue of a 1-0 victory over Japan in the 3rd place match of the AFC Women's Championship in Bangkok, Thailand on Saturday, June 21. It will be the first Women's World Cup for the co-hosts of the 2002 FIFA World Cup. It was a big day for the Koreas, as North Korea defeated China, 2-1, with a "golden goal" in the championship game to take its second straight Asian women's title and perhaps signify a changing of the guard atop Asian women's soccer. Both teams join automatic qualifier China as the three Asian representatives at the 2003 Women's World Cup.

2003 FIFA Women's World Cup Finalists
AFC (2.5): North Korea, South Korea
CAF (2): Ghana, Nigeria
CONCACAF (2.5): Canada, USA
CONMEBOL (2): Argentina, Brazil
OFC (1): Australia
UEFA (5): France, Germany, Norway, Russia, Sweden Original Host (1): China

Final Playoff Position: Japan (AFC) vs. Mexico (CONCACAF)

WUSA PRESIDENT LYNN MORGAN TO ATTEND WORLD CUP BRIEFING FOR CONGRESSIONAL STAFF: WUSA President & CEO Lynn Morgan will join U.S. national team Head Coach April Heinrichs and co-chair of the Congressional Soccer Caucus, U.S. Rep. Mary Bono, R-CA-45, for an informational briefing for all Members of Congress and their staffs on the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup on Tues., June 24 from 10 - 11 a.m. ET The briefing is in Room HC-8 in the Capitol. Managed by the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the briefing will provide the latest information on venues, security, dates and volunteering, along with U.S. Soccer's plans for staging this event on such short notice. Other guests include Washington Freedom General Manager Katy Button and U.S. Soccer Foundation Executive Director Herb Giobbi. Those interested should contact 202-872-6653 for more information and to RSVP their attendance.

KRUZE TO BE ON WUSA.COM CHAT THIS WEEK: Philadelphia defender Rachel Kruze will be the featured guest on this week's WUSA.com live web chat on Tuesday, June 24. The chat will begin at 4:00 p.m. (ET)/1:00 p.m. (PT) and will last approximately 30 minutes. Kruze will be on hand to answer fan questions. Fans can submit questions before and during the chat. For more information, log on to www.WUSA.com.

WUSA Game Previews (Week Thirteen)

Wednesday, June 25, 2003 - New York Power at Boston Breakers - 7:00 p.m. (ET) - Fox Sports (New York); NESN (Boston - Tape-delayed at 11:30 p.m. ET) (Season Series: New York leads 1-0-0) (All-time Series History: New York leads 4-3-0)

New York had its three-game unbeaten streak snapped with a 4-2 loss to San Diego on Saturday, June 21 at Torero Stadium. Boston dropped to second in the WUSA standings with a 1-0 loss to Carolina on Saturday, June 21 at Nickerson Field. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 3-2 victory for the Power on May 10, 2003 at Mitchel Athletic Complex. Midfielder Krista Davey came off the bench to score the game-winning goal in the 89th minute for New York.

Key Players to Watch: New York's Christie Welsh (6g, 12 pts.) leads the Power in scoring. Welsh has recorded one goal versus Boston all-time (one match). Forward Tiffeny Milbrett (3g, 3a, 9 pts.) is New York's all-time leading scorer (29g, 14a, 72 pts.). Milbrett has registered six goals and five assists for 17 points versus Boston all-time (seven matches). Midfielder Anita Rapp (1g, 2a, 4 pts.) tallied a goal and an assist versus San Diego on June 21. Rapp has scored one goal all-time versus Boston (three matches). Boston's Maren Meinert (8g, 4a, 20 pts. - tied for 1st among WUSA scoring leaders) was held scoreless for the first time in eight consecutive game on June 21. The 2003 Hyundai WUSA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player has recorded six goals and five assists for 17 points all-time versus New York (six matches). Forward Dagny Mellgren (6g, 2a, 14 pts. - tied for 7th among WUSA scoring leaders) had her seven-game unbeaten streak snapped on June 21. Mellgren has had more success versus the Power than any other WUSA team, scoring seven goals in five matches all-time. Goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc (5-4-2, 1.73 GAA) in tied for the league lead in victories. LeBlanc holds a 3-1-0 record with a 1.75 goals against average all-time versus New York (four matches).

Key Matchup: (New York defenders Cheryl Salisbury and Christie Pearce versus Boston forwards Maren Meinert and Dagny Mellgren) Meinert and Mellgren have combined to score 62 percent of the Breakers' all-time goals (51 of 82). Versus the Power, Boston's scoring tandem has tallied 13 of the team 18 total goals. Salisbury and Pearce will look prevent Meinert and Mellgren from finding the back of the net while improving on the league's eighth ranked defense (2.33 goals per game allowed).

The "Inside Scoop": One point separates these two teams. Boston has won three of the last four meetings versus New York. Meinert recorded the second of her three league-leading multiple goal games (3) this season versus the Power on May 10. The Breakers hold a 2-1-0 record versus the Power at Nickerson Field, outscoring New York 11 to 6.

They Said it: "Boston is a very good offensive club, that can score a lot of goals. They are playing real well right now and should be a good test for us." - New York Power Head Coach Tom Sermanni on Boston.

Referee: Rachel Woo. Assistant Referees: Bill Dittmar, Thomas Supple. 4th Official: Jen Bennett.

Wednesday, June 25, 2003 - Carolina Courage at San Jose CyberRays - 10:00 p.m. (ET) - No TV; (Season Series: San Jose leads 1-0-0) (All-time Series History: San Jose leads 4-3-0)

Carolina extended its unbeaten streak to five games after knocking of Boston 1-0 on Saturday, June 21 at Nickerson Field. San Jose battled Washington to a 2-2 tie on Sunday, June 22 at RFK Stadium. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 3-1 win for San Jose on May 10, 2003 at Spartan Stadium. Pretinha, Sissi and Katia each found the back of the net to give the CyberRays their second home victory of the season.

Key Players to Watch: Carolina's Danielle Fotopoulos (7g, 6a, 20 pts. - tied for 1st among WUSA scoring leaders) is the league's all-time leading scorer (27g, 22a, 76 pts.). "Fotop" has registered three goals and three assists for nine points versus San Jose all-time (seven matches). Forward Birgit Prinz (7g, 2a, 16 pts. - 6th among WUSA scoring leaders) is one goal shy of becoming the ninth player in WUSA history to record 20 goals. Prinz has tallied three goals and one assist for seven points versus San Jose all-time (three matches). Goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill (2-4-2, 1.25 GAA) has registered three straight shutouts. Luckenbill holds a 3-3-0 record with a 1.67 goals against average versus San Jose all-time (six matches). San Jose's Pretinha (5g, 2a, 12 pts.) recorded her second career multiple-goal game after scoring two goals versus Washington on June 22. Pretinha has tallied three goals and one assist for seven points versus Carolina all-time (seven matches). Midfielder Sissi (1g, 4a, 6 pts.) leads the WUSA in game-winning assist with 10 all-time. The Brazilian playmaker has recorded one goal and four assists versus Carolina all-time (seven matches). Goalkeeper LaKeysia Beene (4-5-1, 1.10 GAA) leads the WUSA in saves this season (46). Beene holds a 4-3-0 record with a 1.57 goals against average all-time versus the Courage (seven matches).

Key Matchup: (Carolina forward Birgit Prinz versus San Jose defender Thori Bryan) Prinz is averaging one goal per game versus San Jose during her WUSA career. The German striker is tied for second in the WUSA in goals scored this season (7). Bryan and the CyberRays defense ranks second in team defense, allowing 1.27 goals per game. Despite ranking sixth among the WUSA scoring leaders, Prinz has been held scoreless in Carolina's last two matches.

The "Inside Scoop": San Jose holds a 3-1-0 edge over Carolina at Spartan Stadium, outscoring the Courage 8-4. Carolina has won three of the last four meeting versus San Jose. The Courage is unbeaten in it last five matches, earning 11 points in the WUSA standings. One point separates these two teams in the standings. The CyberRays are currently riding a four-game winless streak (last victory May 24, 2003 - 2-0 over Philadelphia).

They Said it: "We've got to use any momentum we can. They're starting to get back to form. But our team is playing well. We want to keep Peppy (Pretinha) scoring and get Katia back on track. It's going to be critical game." - San Jose CyberRays Head Coach Ian Sawyers on Carolina.

Referee: Kari Seitz. Assistant Referees: Yader Reyes, Colin Arblaster. 4th Official: Dinsesh Singh.

Saturday, June 28, 2003 - Boston Breakers at Philadelphia Charge - 4:00 p.m. (ET) - PAX TV (National Broadcast); (Season Series: Boston leads 1-0-0) (All-time Series History: Series tied 3-3-1)

Boston will be coming off a midweek match versus New York on Wednesday, June 25 at Nickerson Field. Philadelphia had its four-game unbeaten streak snapped with a 4-2 loss to Atlanta on Sunday, June 22 at Herndon Stadium. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 3-1 victory for the Breakers on April 26, 2003 at Nickerson Field. Forward Maren Meinert scored two goals to extend Boston's regular season home unbeaten streak to 12 matches.

Key Players to Watch: Boston's Meinert (8g, 4a, 20 pts. - prior to June 25 match versus New York) recorded her first multiple-goal game of the 2003 season versus Philadelphia on April 26. Meinert has registered four goals and three assists for 11 points versus the Charge all-time (seven matches). Forward Dagny Mellgren (6g, 2a, 14 pts. - prior to June 25 match versus New York) is Boston's all-time leading goal scorer (28). Mellgren has tallied four goals and one assist versus Philadelphia all-time (seven matches). Midfielder Kristine Lilly (3a, 3 pts. - prior to June 25 match versus New York) is the league's all-time leader in assists (28). Lilly has notched one goal and six assist for eight points all-time versus Philadelphia (six matches). Philadelphia's Marinette Pichon (8g, 2a, 18 pts. - tied for 4th among WUSA scoring leaders) registered a goal and an assist versus Atlanta on June 22. Pichon has recorded two goals and one assists for five points versus Boston all-time (three matches). Forward Melanie Hoffmann (3g, 3a, 9 pts.) recorded her third goal of the 2003 season on June 22. Hoffmann recorded her first career WUSA goal versus the Breakers on April 26, 2003. Goalkeeper Melissa Moore (2-5-2, 2.22 GAA) has registered two shutouts on the season. Moore has a 3-1-1 record with a 1.67 goals against average all-time versus the Breakers. Key Matchup: (Boston defender Kate Sobrero versus Philadelphia forward Marinette Pichon) Pichon has recorded five points in Philadelphia's last two matches. Sobrero and the Breakers defense have held their opponents to one goal or less in the team's three previous matches (prior to June 25 match versus New York). Pichon accounts for half of Philadelphia's scoring in 2003 - 8 of 16 goals.

The "Inside Scoop": The series history is tied 3-3-1 with both teams recording 12 goals. The Charge holds a 2-1-0 advantage at Villanova Stadium in this series, outscoring Boston 6-4. Philadelphia holds the second best home winning percentage all-time (13-6-6, .640). Boston has had some trouble away from Nickerson Field, registering an all-time league low 8-14-5 (.389) winning percentage on the road. Referee: Kari Seitz. Assistant Referees: Karalee Sutton, Ed Marco. 4th Official: Martha Sinclair.

Saturday, June 28, 2003 - Washington Freedom at Atlanta Beat - 7:00 p.m. (ET) - Comcast Sports Southeast (Atlanta); CSN-DC (Washington - Tape-delayed at 11:00 p.m. ET); (Season Series: Series tied 0-0-1) (All-time Series History: Atlanta leads 4-2-1)

Washington snapped a two-game losing skid with a 2-2 draw versus San Jose on Sunday, June 22 at RFK Stadium. Atlanta moved into first place in the WUSA standings with a 4-2 victory over Philadelphia on Sunday, June 22 at Herndon Stadium. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 1-1 draw on April 26, 2003 at RFK Stadium. Atlanta's Maribel Dominguez and Washington's Kelly Golebiowski each scored in the 67th minute to earn one point for their club.

Key Players to Watch: Washington's Mia Hamm (7g, 6a, 20 pts. - tied for 1st among WUSA scoring leaders) notched a goal and an assist on June 22 versus San Jose. Hamm has registered two goals and two assists all-time versus Atlanta (five matches). Forward Abby Wambach (5g, 3a, 13 pts. - 10th among WUSA scoring leaders) registered her fifth goal of the 2003 season on June 22. Wambach will be looking for her first career goal versus the Beat. Forward Jacqui Little (2g, 5a, 9 pts.) tallied two assists on June 22. In five matches versus the Beat, Little has recorded one assist all-time. Atlanta's Maribel Dominguez (7g, 4a, 18 pts. - tied for 4th among WUSA scoring leaders) has been held scoreless in the Beat's last two matches. Forward Cindy Parlow (4g, 6a, 14 pts. - tied for 7th among WUSA scoring leaders) registered her first career hat trick on June 22. Parlow became the seventh player in WUSA history to score three in a match. Goalkeeper Briana Scurry (5-2-3, 0.90 GAA) won her fifth game of the season on June 22. Scurry is tied (with San Jose's LaKeysia Beene) for the all-time lead in wins (23). Key Matchup: (Washington defender Jennifer Grubb versus Atlanta forward Charmaine Hooper) Hooper, Atlanta's all-time leading scorer (27g, 12a, 66 pts.) has tallied more points versus the Freedom than any other Beat player (4g, 3a, 11 pts.). Grubb and the Washington defense ranks fifth in the WUSA in team defense (1.70 goals per game allowed). Hooper has been held scoreless in the Beat's last two matches.

The "Inside Scoop": Atlanta has never lost to Washington at home (3-0-0), outscoring the Freedom 6-3. The Beat is 3-1-2 in its last six matches and has moved into first place in the WUSA standings. One point separates these two teams. Washington is unbeaten in its last three matches versus Atlanta (2-0-1). Atlanta Beat Head Coach Tom Stone (WUSA World Stars) defeated Washington Freedom Head Coach Jim Gabarra (WUSA American Stars) 3-2 in the 2003 Hyundai WUSA All-Star Game on June 19 in Cary, N.C.

They Said it: "They never shy away from the physical side of the game. They play without any wide midfielders, so any time you get the ball in the middle of the field, expect to get challenged physically." - Washington Freedom Head Coach Jim Gabarra on Atlanta.

Referee: Terry Vaughn. Assistant Referees: Kim Oberle, Charles Mitchell. 4th Official: Ed Barnes.

Saturday, June 28, 2003 - Carolina Courage at New York Power - 7:00 p.m. (ET) - MSG (New York); (Season Series: New York leads 1-0-0) (All-time Series History: New York leads 4-3-0)

Carolina heads into Saturday's match, coming off a midweek game versus San Jose on Wednesday, June 25 at Spartan Stadium. New York will face Boston on Wednesday, June 25 prior to hosting Carolina on Saturday. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 3-1 victory for New York on April 26, 2003 at SAS Stadium. Tiffeny Milbrett tallied two goals to lead the Power over the defending WUSA champions.

Key Players to Watch: Carolina's Danielle Fotopoulos (7g, 6a, 20 pts. - prior to June 25 match versus San Jose) is the team's all-time leading scorer versus the Power (4g, 4a, 12 pts.). Fotopoulos is one of two players (Boston's Maren Meinert is the other) who have recorded 20 goals and 20 assists during her career. Forward Birgit Prinz (7g, 2a, 16 pts. - prior to June 25 match versus San Jose) will be looking for her first points versus New York of the 2003 season. Prinz has registered four goals and two assists for 10 points versus the Power all-time (four matches). Goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill (4-2-2, 1.25 GAA) heads into this week's action riding a 336-minute scoreless streak (longest of the 2003 season). Luckenbill holds a 3-1-0 record with a 1.21 goals against average versus the Power all-time (five matches). New York's Tiffeny Milbrett (3g, 3a, 9 pts. - prior to June 25 match versus Boston) will be looking for her first goal at home since July 26, 2001. Milbrett has recorded seven goals and four assists for 18 points versus the Courage all-time (seven matches). Rookie Christie Welsh (6g, 12 pts. - prior to June 25 match versus San Jose) recorded her first career WUSA goal versus the Courage on April 26, 2003. The Power's first-round draft pick in the 2003 WUSA Draft leads the Power in scoring this season.

Key Matchup: (Carolina defender Danielle Slaton versus New York forward Tiffeny Milbrett) Milbrett has torched the Courage for seven goals and four assists in seven games. Slaton, who was the WUSA's first draft pick last season, will look to use her speed and U.S. national team experience to slow down the nifty striker. Milbrett tallied two goals against Carolina the last time these teams met.

The "Inside Scoop": Carolina holds a 2-1-0 advantage at Mitchel Athletic Complex, with both teams scoring six goals. Milbrett has not scored a goal at home since July 26, 2001 (16 games). Carolina has won three of the last four matches with New York. No game in this series has ended in a tie. Carolina is one of only two teams (Boston's the other) in which the Power has a winning record against (4-3-0 versus both).

They Said it: "Obviously they are a good team, being last year's champions. They have a very potent strike force, and are another good side. Being last year's champs, teams have been playing them keyed up, showing them a lot of respect." - New York Power Head Coach Tom Sermanni on Carolina.

Referee: Michelle Tubre. Assistant Referees: Brenda Wright, Kelly Lee. 4th Official: John Konstantindinis.

Sunday, June 29, 2003 - San Jose CyberRays at San Diego Spirit - 8:00 p.m. (ET) - COX4 (San Diego); (Season Series: San Diego leads 1-0-0) (All-time Series History: Series tied 2-2-3)

San Jose will enter Sunday's match coming off a midweek game versus Carolina on Wednesday, June 25 at Spartan Stadium. San Diego snapped a two-game losing skid with a 4-2 victory over New York on Saturday, June 21 at Torero Stadium. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 2-1 victory for San Diego on April 27, 2003 at Torero Stadium. An own goal by LaKeysia Beene proved to be the difference as the Spirit won its third match to start the season 2-1-0.

Key Players to Watch: San Jose Pretinha (5g, 2a, 12 pts. - prior to June 25 match versus Carolina) leads the CyberRays in scoring during the 2003 season. Pretinha has recorded one goal and one assist versus San Diego all-time (six matches). Midfielder Sissi (1g, 4a, 6 pts. - prior to June 25 match versus Carolina) recorded an assist versus the Spirit during the last meeting between these two teams. Sissi has registered two assists all-time versus San Diego (seven matches). Katia (1g, 2a, 4 pts. - prior to June 25 match versus Carolina) has been held scoreless in the last five San Jose matches. Katia is the all-time leader in points versus the Spirit, tallying three goals and one assist for seven points (six matches). San Diego's Julie Fleeting (6g, 2a, 14 pts. - tied for 7th among WUSA scoring leaders) netted two goals and an assist to lead the Spirit past the Power on June 21. The Scottish international has recorded two goals all-time versus San Jose (two matches). Midfielder Aly Wagner (1g, 3a, 5 pts.) assisted on two goals versus the Power on June 21. The first-overall pick in the 2003 WUSA Draft will be looking for her first points versus San Jose. Goalkeeper Jaime Pagliarulo (4-2-3, 1.22 GAA) recorded eight saves versus New York on June 21. "Pags" holds a 2-2-2 record with a 1.00 goals against average versus the CyberRays all-time (six matches). Key Matchup: (San Jose forward Pretinha versus San Diego defender Joy Fawcett) Pretinha has already equaled her season high in goals scored with five. The Brazilian striker has been an offensive force for the CyberRays, accounting for 45 percent of the teams goal scoring. Fawcett has been solid in the back, anchoring defense which ranks second in the WUSA (1.27 goals per game allowed).

The "Inside Scoop": The battle for California is tied at 2-2-3. San Diego's victory over San Jose on April 27 tied the series a 1-1-2 at Torero Stadium. San Diego is 9-9-9 (.500) all-time at home. The CyberRays are 8-12-8 (.429) away from Spartan Stadium. Five of the seven previous meeting between these two teams have been determined by one goal or less. This match will mark the eighth time that San Diego's Julie Foudy will square off against her husband (San Jose CyberRays Head Coach Ian Sawyers).

They Said it: "They are going to come in here hungry. They are a team searching for answers, just like we are." - San Diego Spirit Head Coach Omid Namazi on San Jose

Referee: TBA. Assistant Referees: TBA. 4th Official: TBA.

TEAM INJURY REPORTS AS OF 06/23/03
ATLANTA BEAT: PROBABLE - D Ifeoma Dieke (L hamstring strain).
BOSTON BREAKERS: OUT -GK Tracy Ducar (tendinitis in both knees); PROBABLE - M Devvyn Hawkins (L foot stress fracture); F Ragnhild Gulbrandsen (L foot).
CAROLINA COURAGE: OUT - M Hege Riise (R ACL tear); QUESTIONABLE - D Danielle Borgman (Shin Splints) PROBABLE -D Carla Overbeck (R calf strain).
NEW YORK POWER: OUT - D Sara Whalen (R ACL tear); D Kristy Whelchel (R ACL tear); QUESTIONABLE - F Christie Welsh (L calf strain); PROBABLE - M Krista Davey (R ankle sprain).
PHILADELPHIA CHARGE: OUT - F Kelly Smith (R meniscus tear); F Deliah Arrington (R ACL tear).
SAN DIEGO SPIRIT: OUT - F Shannon MacMillan (R ACL tear).
SAN JOSE CYBERRAYS: QUESTIONABLE - F Pretinha (groin strain); PROBABLE - M Sissi (bruised and separated ribs).
WASHINGTON FREEDOM: PROBABLE- F Mia Hamm (R hamstring strain).

NATIONAL TEAM DUTY AS OF 06/23/03
ATLANTA BEAT: None.
BOSTON BREAKERS: None.
CAROLINA COURAGE: None.
NEW YORK POWER: None.
PHILADELPHIA CHARGE: None.
SAN DIEGO SPIRIT: None.
SAN JOSE CYBERRAYS: None.
WASHINGTON FREEDOM: None.

suspension Summary 06/23/03

Player Team Suspension Reason
Jenny Benson Philadelphia Charge 6/28 vs. Boston Red Card (6/22 at Atlanta)

Warning Summary 06/23/03

Player Team Reason
None

TEAM-BY-TEAM NOTES

atlanta beat: Atlanta defeated the Philadelphia Charge 4-2 on Sunday, June 22 at Herndon Stadium to move into first place in the WUSA standings... Forward Cindy Parlow recorded her first career hat trick to lead the Beat past the Charge... Parlow's hat trick was the second fastest (21 minutes) in WUSA history... Forward Conny Pohlers registered a goal and an assist in the match... Goalkeeper Briana Scurry notched her fifth victory of the season, tying her with San Jose's LaKeysia Beene for the all-time lead in victories (23)... Midfielder Homare Sawa will return to the Atlanta lineup after serving Japanese national team duty (Asian Women's Football Championship)... Forward Maribel Dominguez leads the WUSA in total shots with 38... Atlanta ranks second in team offense (2.09 goals per game) and first in team defense (0.82 goals per game).

boston breakers: The Boston Breakers fell to the Carolina Courage 1-0 on Saturday, June 21 at Nickerson Field... The loss was the second at home during the 2003 season (Boston was undefeated at home in 2002 - 5-0-5)... Forward Maren Meinert (2003 Hyundai WUSA All-Star Game MVP) was held scoreless on June 21, snapping her eight-game point scoring streak... Meinert leads the WUSA with three mulitple-goal games this season... Forward Dangy Mellgren had her seven-game point scoring streak broken on June 21... Goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc is tied for first in victories (5) and ranks second in saves (45)... Boston ranks fifth in team offense (1.55 goals per game) and sixth in team defense (1.73 goals per games).

carolina courage: Carolina extended its unbeaten streak to five games with a 1-0 victory over Boston on Saturday, June 21 at Nickerson Field... Defender Erin Baxter recorded her first career WUSA goal in the 35th minute on June 21... Brooke O'Hanley was credited with her second assist of the 2003 season on Baxter's goal... Carolina has earned 11 points in its last five matches to move into sixth place in the WUSA standings... Despite being held scoreless on June 21, forward Danielle Fotopoulos is tied for the league lead in scoring (20 points - 7 goals, 6 assists)... Goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill tallied her third straight shutout on June 21... Luckenbill has the league's longest scoreless streak this season with 336 scoreless minutes... Carolina ranks fourth in team offense (1.67 goals per game) and fourth in team defense (1.64 goals per game).

new york power: New York had its three-game unbeaten streak snapped with a 4-2 loss to San Diego on Saturday, June 21 at Torero Stadium... Midfielder Anita Rapp registered a goal and an assist on June 21... Midfielder Emily Janss recorded New York's other goal of the match (her third of the 2003 season)... Both forward Tiffeny Milbrett and defender Christie Pearce were credited with assists on Rapp's goal... Milbrett has not scored a goal at Mitchel Athletic Complex since July 26, 2001 (16 home games)... This week's opponents are the only WUSA teams which the Power has a winning record agianst (4-3-0 versus both Carolina and Boston)... New York ranks third in team offense (1.67 goals per game) and eighth in team defense (2.33 goals per game).

philadelphia charge: Philadelphia had its four-game unbeaten streak snapped with a 4-2 loss to Atlanta on Sunday, June 22 at Herndon Stadium... Forwards Melanie Hoffmann and Marinette Pichon each registered goals in the match... Pichon also recorded an assist in the matches... The French international is tied for the league lead in goals scored with eight... Pichon needs just three points to become the 10th player in WUSA history to reach 50 points... Saturday's game will mark the return of Pia Sundhage to Villanova Stadium... Philadelphia will be without defender Jenny Benson who received a red card on Sunday, June 22... Philadelphia is tied for sixth in team offense (1.45 goals per game) and seventh in team defense (2.09 goals per game).

san diego spirit: San Diego ended a two-game losing streak with a 4-2 win over New York on Saturday, June 22 at Torero Stadium... Forward Julie Fleeting recorded two goals and an assist to lead the Spirit to victory... The victory over New York was Fleeting's first-ever two-goal performance in the WUSA... Midfielder Aly Wagner notched two assists in the match... On June 21, San Diego scored its first goal in the run of play in 293 minutes... San Diego is 10-0-3 when leading at the half and 12-0-0 when leading at the 75th minute mark... San Diego is tied for sixth in team offense (1.45 goals per game) and tied for second in team defense (1.27 goals per game).

san jose cyberrays: San Jose battled the Washington Freedom to a 2-2 tie on Sunday, June 22 at RFK Stadium... Forward Pretinha netted two goals to lead the CyberRays to one point... Defenders Brandi Chastain and Amanda Cromwell each were credited with assists on June 22... Pretinha (former Washington forward) scored the league's first-ever goal on a penalty kick versus the CyberRays on April 14, 2001 at RFK Stadium... Goalkeeper LaKeysia Beene leads the WUSA in saves (46) and shutouts (3).... Beene is tied for the all-time lead in wins (23 with Atlanta's Briana Scurry)...San Jose ranks eighth in team offense (1.00 goal per game) and is tied for second in team defense (1.27 goals per game).

washington freedom: Washington snapped a two-game losing streak with a 2-2 tie with San Jose on Sunday, June 22 at RFK Stadium... Forward Mia Hamm registered a goal and an assist in the match... Forward Abby Wambach netted the Freedom's second goal of the match (her fifth of the season)... Forward Jacqui Little was credited with assists on both Washington goals in the match... Hamm leads the WUSA in penalty kick goals (4) and game-winning goals (3)... Goalkeeper Siri Mullinix leads the league in catch/punches (47)... Washington ranks first in team offense (2.10 goals per game) and fifth in team defense (1.70 goals per game).



Women's United Soccer Association Stories from June 23, 2003


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