New York Comes to Town with Offensive Firepower

April 18, 2002 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
San Diego Spirit News Release


It is early, but this could be a must-win game for San Diego after last week's disappointing 2-1 loss to Carolina, and before the club heads out on the road to face the much improved Boston Breakers. If the Spirit defense can keep the clamps on Milbrett, the odds of winning go up. Of course, Milbrett didn't score last year against the Spirit and San Diego failed to win a match vs. the Power in 2001. Still, Joy Fawcett and Fan Yunjie will have to close down the middle of the pitch and feed Julie Foudy, Shannon Boxx and Jenny Mascaro, as San Diego definitely has the edge in the midfield. With the majority of the Power back line unproven, the Spirit needs to use its speed on the wings to create chances, but that will be difficult against two of the fastest outside backs in the league, Christie Pearce and Tammy Pearman. Two dangerous additions to the Power lineup are Norwegians Linda Ormen and Anita Rapp. Both 2000 Olympic gold medallists, Ormen, who had one goal and two assists in her debut last week, will likely see time at forward while Rapp is a menace on the wing, most likely coming down the left. Last week against Washington, Rapp scored on a blasting shot for the team's fourth goal.

POWER NOTES...

· Chula Vista-native M Jen Lalor returns home to face the Spirit for the only time in 2002

· Christie Pearce, who played all 90 mins. Last week, has made it back from a torn ACL suffered on 8/2/2001.

· Sara Whalen, who will not play, is recovering from a broken rib injury, but has been practicing.

SPIRIT NOTES...

· Three Spirit players made their professional debut last week, Lori Lindsey, Shauna Rohbock and Amy Sauer.

· This is the first week that Shannon MacMillan has not led the team in scoring dating back to 2001.

· Shannon Boxx is slated to start in her team-record 23rd consecutive match this week.



Women's United Soccer Association Stories from April 18, 2002


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