Foudy's Goal Defeats Beat
August 7, 2002 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) News Release
ATLANTA, GA - The battle for the forth and final playoff spot tightened up on Wednesday evening as the San Diego Spirit (5-11-4, 19 pts.) defeated the Atlanta Beat (10-9-1, 31 pts.) 1-0 at Herndon Stadium. Julie Foudy recorded her fifth goal of the season in the 46th minute to snap a three-game losing streak by the Spirit.
San Diego took a 1-0 lead to start the second half off. In the 46th minute Foudy registered her fifth goal of the season. On a flip throw-in, defender Kim Pickup sent the ball into the area. Shannon MacMillan, who was positioned at "the spot", flicked a header to the right side of the penalty area. An unmarked Foudy ran onto the ball and blasted a shot from 12 yards out into the back of the net. The shot sailed to the right of Atlanta goalkeeper Briana Scurry. Both MacMillan and Pickup were credited with assists on the play.
Atlanta's best scoring chance of the night took place in the 21st minute. From 19 yards out the Beat's Sun Wen blasted a shot towards net. The shot sailed over San Diego goalkeeper Carly Smolak and struck the crossbar. The rebound fell right at forward Charmaine Hooper's feet. The Canadian striker ripped a shot on net. However, Smolak corralled the shot, halting Atlanta's attack.
The loss is the second straight for the Beat, which fell to the Freedom 3-2 on Sunday, August 4.
Atlanta was unable to clinch the fourth and final playoff berth as result of the loss and a tie between the Philadelphia Charge and San Jose CyberRays. The CyberRays are currently two points behind the Beat.
Women's United Soccer Association Stories from August 7, 2002
- Courage Wins, Secures Home Field For Playoffs - Carolina Courage
- Spirit Defeat Beat, 1-0, on Foudy Goal from - San Diego Spirit
- Beat Falls 1-0 to Spirit; Needs One Point to Clinch Playoff Berth - Atlanta Beat
- Late Goal Leads Charge to Tie - Philadelphia Charge
- Foudy's Goal Defeats Beat - WUSA
- Courage Season Finale To Air On Fox Sports Net - Carolina Courage
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