Freedom, Breakers End in Draw
Published on July 24, 2002 under Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) News Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Washington Freedom took one more step toward securing a berth in the WUSA playoffs and the Boston Breakers took one step back as the two clubs played to a 1-1 draw Wednesday evening at RFK Stadium. Two rookies provided the scoring, as Washington's Abby Wambach and Boston's Alexa Borisjuk registered goals in a critical match for both clubs.
With the victory, Washington (8-5-4, 26 pts.) extended its unbeaten streak to a team-record five games. The Freedom now has sole possession of third place, just one point above the Atlanta Beat. With three games remaining, Boston (4-8-6, 18 pts.) is fighting off playoff elimination. Though the Breakers are mathematically still in the playoff hunt, they will need a victory on Saturday against Philadelphia and help from other teams to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Wambach put Washington on the scoreboard in the 25th minute when she headed home a Pu Wei corner kick. The rookie from the University of Florida used her 5-foot-10 frame to position herself just outside the six-yard box, heading the ball under Boston goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc's right arm for Wambach's eighth goal of the season. With the assist, Lilly has now registered a goal or an assist in seven consecutive games.
After playing the entire 90 minutes in the United States' 4-0 victory over Norway on Sunday, forward Mia Hamm was rested by Washington Head Coach Jim Gabarra for the first half. The world's all-time scoring leader came in at halftime and played the final 45 minutes, registering two shots.
Fighting for their playoff lives, Boston came out with renewed enthusiasm in the second half, and rookie Alexa Borisjuk evened the score at 1-1 in the 56th minute. As she crossed midfield, Kristine Lilly threaded a pass through to Borisjuk approximately 30 yards from the goal. Borisjuk collected the ball, dribbled 12 yards to the right side of the penalty area, and cracked a shot to the far post that beat a diving Mullinix.
Despite repeated forays into the offensive third of the field, Boston was unable to beat Mullinix. The 2000 U.S. Olympic team goalkeeper had 12 saves on the evening, including six in the final 19 minutes.
Boston's best chance to tie the match came in the 71st minute when a diving Mullinix saved Borisjuk's shot. The rebound popped out to Boston's Dagny Mellgren, but a Washington defender cleared the Norwegian's shot from close range.
Once again, Boston was unable to pull out a victory on the road. The Breakers are 1-8-2 away from Nickerson Field this season.
Women's United Soccer Association Stories from July 24, 2002
- Freedom, Breakers End in Draw - WUSA
- Milbrett Powers New York Past Charge - WUSA
- Milbrett, Power beat Charge - Philadelphia Charge
- Charge Continue Record-Setting Season Tonight Versus New York - Philadelphia Charge
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