Freedom Nips Courage 1-0 in Preseason Exhibition
March 8, 2003 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
Carolina Courage News Release
Wilmington, NC (March 8, 2003) - Defending WUSA champion Carolina Courage lost on a last minute goal to the Washington Freedom at Legion Sports Complex in Wilmington Saturday night. Abby Wambach scored the game-winner in the 89th minute to avenge the Freedom's loss to Carolina in last year's Founders Cup.
Washington nearly jumped out to an early lead in the 6th minute, when Jacqui Little turned the corner and slotted a ball for forward Abby Wambach. Wide open only six yards out, Wambach fired a shot just wide of the near post.
Only minutes later, Wambach came charging in alone again. This time Courage goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill came racing off her line and threw her body in front of Wambach blast, parrying the shot wide.
The Freedom kept the pressure on. In the 23rd minute, after the failed clearance of a Freedom corner, Casey Zimny drilled a low line drive at the Courage goal. The ball deflected dangerously off defender Erin Baxter toward the upper post, but Luckenbill reacted quickly to push the shot over the crossbar.
The Courage's best scoring chance of the game came in the 30th minute, when Fotopoulos served a ball across the face of the Freedom goal toward Venus James, who was lurking at the back post. Danger was averted, however, when Carrie Moore ably cut the ball out of harm's way.
The teams went to the locker room with the score knotted 0-0.
After the break, the Courage fielded a team of younger player - a move that changed the momentum of the game. Midfielders Kelsey Carlson and Katie Barnes combined to release forward Kate Gordon time and again.
The speedy Marquette striker was a constant threat, streaking in behind the Freedom backline. In the 65th minute, Gordon exploded past Washington defender Jen Grubb but her final touch let her down.
Venus James, who moved to the left back position, made a dangerous foray forward in the 80th minute, clipping a ball into the box. Gordon, at a full dive, connected with the cross but nodded just wide.
Despite a disproportionate number of chances for the Courage, it was the Freedom that had the last laugh.
In the 89th minute, after James muffed a pass along the backline, Washington midfielder Jenna Szyluk intercepted the ball and pushed it to Abby Wambach who tucked it neatly into the far left corner of the Carolina goal.
Wambach's game-winner eased some of the pain of last year's loss to the Courage in the WUSA Founders Cup.
"This is a new year," explained Wambach. "We all have a little bit of a bitter taste in our mouths from last year but right now it's about the preseason, getting better every practice and every game."
The last minute heartbreaker notwithstanding, Courage head coach Jay Entlich was upbeat following the match.
"I'm really pleased with our second half performance," said Entlich. "Some of our players really stepped up tonight. Players like Kate Gordon and Kelsey Carlson came into the game in the second half and really made a difference.
Added Entlich, "I was also impressed with the versatility of Brooke O'Hanley and Venus James who played in different positions on the field at different times in the game."
The Courage will play its next exhibition match of the preseason on March 19th against the Atlanta Beat in Greensboro, NC.
The Courage will begin its defense of the Founders Cup trophy on Saturday, April 5th at 2 pm at SAS Stadium in Cary. The season will begin in dramatic fashion with a rematch of the championship game, as Mia Hamm and the Washington Freedom come to town. Season seats begin at only $95 for the entire 12-game season and can be purchased by calling the Courage ticket office at (919) 573-7626 or by visiting online at www.carolinacourage.com.
Women's United Soccer Association Stories from March 8, 2003
- CyberRays blank Cal 5-0 in preseason game - San Jose CyberRays
- Freedom Nips Courage 1-0 in Preseason Exhibition - Carolina Courage
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