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No More Winless Teams

May 19, 2003 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) News Release


ATLANTA (Monday, May 19, 2003) - Following surprising starts that saw the Carolina Courage and Philadelphia Charge each start the 2003 season 0-4, the two clubs finally won their first games on Saturday, May 17. Carolina's Danielle Fotopoulos played a role in all five goals, as she scored twice and added three assists in the Courage's 5-2 win over Washington on Saturday at RFK Stadium. Philadelphia's Marinette Pichon, the 2002 WUSA MVP, scored two goals as the Charge downed New York 2-1 at Mitchel Athletic complex.

In 2002, Carolina finished 12-5-4 while Philadelphia went 11-4-6 as the two clubs finished first and second in the WUSA standings. In the win over Washington, the Courage poured in five goals (four in the first half alone) to exceed the club's total offensive output (four goals) from the first four games of the season. Carolina had been struggling to find the right chemistry after losing Norwegian midfielder Hege Riise to a knee injury in the second game of the season. In fact, Saturday's win was the Courage's first in team history without Riise in the lineup.

"We've worked extremely hard over the last week, juggled our lineup, and still put on a good performance like this today while missing some key players," Carolina Head Coach Jay Entlich said following the game. "It just shows us that we can win without Hege Riise and certain players. We know that Hege is not going to be back with us this year, and we've got to move on and keep pressing forward."

Philadelphia lifted the monkey off its back courtesy of a pair of second-half goals from French national team star Pichon. After scoring, Pichon celebrated with her "monkey dance" and revealed a T-shirt inscribed with "Kelly Smith, #8," honoring her teammate who injured her right knee two weeks ago in a 5-4 loss to the Power.

"We miss her a lot and she's a great player," explained Pichon when asked about Smith. "We want her to know that all of the team is thinking about her. And she's a good friend of mine."

Not necessarily known as one of the league's more superstitious players, that could change for Pichon after Saturday's performance. Following the game, she revealed her good luck charms: two monkey dolls wearing Charge jerseys.

"I was lucky today," she said. "I need to bring them all of the time now."

Charge Head Coach Mark Krikorian knows that it is more than luck with Pichon's knack for finding the back of the net. The Frenchwoman scored her first goal when she hammered home a shot with her left foot from 12 yards after a cross from the left side by Stacey Tullock.

"She's just incredible taking balls out of the air," Krikorian said. "It's really a gift what she does with that. She's pretty special."

Carolina and Philadelphia will look to continue their winning ways on Saturday, May 24 when the Courage hosts San Diego in a nationally televised match on PAX TV and the Charge hosts the San Jose CyberRays.

SAN DIEGO'S SHANNON MACMILLAN TO MISS THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON AND WOMEN'S WORLD CUP: The San Diego Spirit and the U.S. women's national team lost a key player on Sunday evening when Shannon MacMillan, U.S. Soccer's 2002 female athlete of the year, suffered a season-ending knee injury that will sideline the star forward for the remainder of the season and will likely miss this fall's FIFA Women's World Cup. While attempting to poke the ball away from a Boston defender, MacMillan landed on her right knee, her cleat stuck in the grass, her body twisted and her right knee buckled. The non-contact injury occurred as MacMillan was near the left sideline.

"My cleat got stuck and my knee went one way and my body went the other," MacMillan said after Sunday evening's match. "I heard a pop that sounded like when you crack your knuckles. As soon as I went down, I knew it was bad because of the pain I was feeling."

"She is a threat for us on the field, and it's a big loss in that way, but more importantly, we just feel awful for her," San Diego captain Julie Foudy said. "We will be beside her every day until she gets back."

MacMillan is likely to have surgery on Tuesday, May 20, sideling San Diego's all-time leading scorer for a minimum of six months.

THREE WUSA STARS PLAY TWO GAMES ON SATURDAY: Three players that played in the U.S. national team's 6-0 rout of England Saturday afternoon in Birmingham returned to Atlanta for the Beat-CyberRays contest during the evening. LaKeysia Beene and Brandi Chastain each played 45 minutes for the U.S. and played the full 90 minutes for the CyberRays. Cindy Parlow, who scored four goals in the U.S. win, played 58 minutes for the national team and returned to Atlanta, where she played 32 minutes for the Beat.

TOUGH "D": In Atlanta's 1-0 victory over San Jose, the Beat held the CyberRays to just one shot on goal - a long shot by Brandi Chastain in the 64th minute - which tied the CyberRays' all-time record low for shots on goal for a game. The Beat actually played with 10 players for the final 54 minutes of the match, after Kylie Bivens was shown her second yellow card in the 36th minute. Bivens' send off was the first in the WUSA in 2003. Briana Scurry recorded her third shutout of the season in Atlanta's win. Scurry has 16 career shutouts, the most ever in the WUSA. Atlanta is the only WUSA team with a goals against average under 1.00, as Tom Stone's squad allows just 0.50 goals per game.

TWO GAMES IN TWO DAYS ... AGAIN: Six WUSA players played two matches in two days when the San Diego Spirit and the Boston Breakers played to a 1-1 draw Sunday evening. San Diego's Joy Fawcett, Julie Foudy, Shannon MacMillan and Aly Wagner along with Boston's Kristine Lilly and Angela Hucles all played for the U.S in a 6-0 win over Canada Saturday in Birmingham. Five of the athletes played 45 minutes against England, while Lilly played the entire 90 minutes. On Sunday, Fawcett, Wagner and Lilly went the full 90, while MacMillan (injured), Foudy and Hucles played a portion of the WUSA match. The six players arrived in San Diego at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Saturday evening. It was nothing new to Fawcett, Foudy, MacMillan and Wagner, as they played for the U.S. against Canada on April 26 in Washington D.C. and in a 2-1 win over San Jose on April 27 in San Diego.

SLATON TO BE ON WUSA.COM CHAT THIS WEEK: Carolina Courage defender Danielle Slaton will be the featured guest on this week's WUSA.com live web chat on Tuesday, May 20. The chat will begin at 8:00 p.m. (ET)/5:00 p.m. (PT) and will last approximately 30 minutes. Slaton 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 Eight)

Saturday, May 24, 2003 - San Diego Spirit at Carolina Courage - 4:00 p.m. (ET) - PAX TV (National Broadcast); (Season Series: First meeting) (All-time Series History: Carolina leads 4-0-2)

San Diego battled Boston to a 1-1 tie on Sunday, May 18 at Torero Stadium to extend its unbeaten streak to five games. Carolina exploded for five goals to earn its first win of the 2003 season with a 5-2 victory over Washington on Saturday, May 17. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in 1-1 tie at Torero Stadium on August 11, 2002. The draw clinched the 2002 regular season championship for the Courage.

Key Players to Watch: San Diego's Julie Fleeting (4g, 8 pts. - tied for 6th among WUSA scoring leaders) missed the Spirit's last match (May 18 vs. Boston) due to Scottish national team duty. Fleeting is riding a four-game point scoring streak, dating back to April 19, 2003. Forward Allie Sullivan (1g, 1a, 3 pts.) registered her first goal for San Diego on May, 18. The former Boston player has scored all of her points this season versus her previous club. Goalkeeper Jaime Pagliarulo (2-1-2, 1.00 GAA) is unbeaten in her last four outings (2-0-2). "Pags" is 0-3-1 with a goals against average of 2.69 versus Carolina all-time (five matches). Carolina's Danielle Fotopoulos (3g, 5a, 11 pts. - tied for 3rd among WUSA scoring leaders) tied the WUSA record for points in a game with seven (2 goals, 3 assists) on May 17. "Fotop's" three assists versus Washington tied the WUSA record for assists in a match (done five times). Defender Nel Fettig (1g, 1a, 3 pts.) registered her first goal with the Courage on May 17. Fettig has notched one assist all-time versus San Diego (six meetings). Goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill (1-1-0, 2.50 GAA) tallied her first win of the 2003 season on May 17. Luckenbill holds a 3-0-2 record with a 0.80 goals against average versus the Spirit all-time (five matches).

Key Matchup: (San Diego defender Joy Fawcett versus Carolina forward Danielle Fotopoulos) Fawcett will anchor a defense rated second in the WUSA (1.00 goals against) versus the league's third leading scorer. "Fotop" exploded for a career-high seven points on May 17 and will look to carry the momentum of that performance into this weekend's match. Fotopoulos leads the Courage in both goals (3) and assists (5).

The "Inside Scoop": San Diego will be looking for its first-ever victory over the Courage (0-4-2). Carolina, at home all-time, holds a 3-0-0 record versus the Spirit, outscoring San Diego 9-3. The Courage will look to record its first win at home in 2003. San Diego will look to extend its five-game unbeaten streak. Carolina's victory on Saturday, May 17 was the first ever without Norwegian playmaker Hege Riise (R ACL tear). The Spirit is off to its best start in team history (2-1-3, 9 pts.). Carolina will be without the services of forward Birgit Prinz (German national team duty).

Referee: Kari Seitz. Assistant Referees: Karalee Sutton, Kim Oberle. 4th Official: Melanie Johnson.

Saturday, May 24, 2003 - Washington Freedom at New York Power - 7:00 p.m. (ET) - Fox Sports (New York); CSN-DC (Washington); (Season Series: Washington leads 1-0-0) (All-time Series History: Washington leads 5-2-0)

Washington dropped its first regular season match (unbeaten in 14 straight) since June 22, 2002 (3-1 loss to Carolina) with a 5-2 loss versus the Courage on May 17 at RFK Stadium. New York had its three-game winning streak snapped with a 2-1 loss to Philadelphia at Mitchel Athletic Complex on Saturday, May 17. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in 3-1 victory for the Freedom on April 12, 2003. Forward Jacqui Little tallied two goals to lead Washington to its first home win of the 2003 season.

Key Players to Watch: Washington's Mia Hamm (4g, 3a, 11 pts. - tied for 3rd among WUSA scoring leaders) will return to the Freedom's lineup after being called up to U.S. national team duty on May 17. Hamm has registered five goals and three assists for 13 points all-time versus New York (six matches). Forward Abby Wambach (4g, 8 pts. - tied for 6th among WUSA scoring leaders) missed the Freedom's last match due to U.S. national team duty. In four meetings (all-time) with the Power, Wambach has notched two assists. Goalkeeper Siri Mullinix (4-0-1, 0.80 GAA) is unbeaten in her last 11 regular season matches (9-0-2). Mullinix holds a 5-1-0 record with a 1.11 goals against average versus New York all-time (six matches). New York's Tiffeny Milbrett (3g, 2a, 8 pts. - tied for 6th among WUSA scoring leaders) missed the Power's match on May 17 due to U.S. national team duty. Milbrett will look to score her first goal at home since July 26, 2001 (span of 13 home games). Rookie forward Christie Welsh (4g, 8 pts. - tied for 6th among WUSA scoring leaders). Welsh will be looking for her first career points versus the Freedom. Midfielder Joanne Peters (2g, 1a, 5 pts.) tallied her second goal of the 2003 season during the Power's loss to Philadelphia on May 17 (2-1). Peters has now registered a point in each of New York's last three matches.

Key Matchup: (Washington defender Jennifer Grubb versus New York forward Tiffeny Milbrett) Milbrett will look to use her explosive speed to add to her four career goals against Washington. In the first meeting last season, Milbrett tallied two goals, but Grubb has been able to keep her off the scoreboard in their last three meetings.

The "Inside Scoop": Both teams are coming off tough home losses. New York is looking to break a three-game losing streak to Washington. The Power is 0-3-0 all-time at Mitchel Athletic Complex against the Freedom. Washington has outscored New York 10-4 at Mitchel Athletic Complex. Of Milbrett's 29 career goals in the WUSA, the last 16 have been scored on the road.

They Said it: "They have a good winning habit, and are a tough team to beat. They are very well organized, and they have a couple of match winners in Abby Wambach and Mia Hamm. It's a big game for us, but a good game to play in." - New York Power Head Coach Tom Sermanni on Washington.

Referee: Rachel Woo. Assistant Referees: Bahij A Salman, Steve Taylor. 4th Official: Mark Gorak.

Saturday, May 24, 2003 - San Jose CyberRays at Philadelphia Charge - 7:00 p.m. (ET) - CN8 (Philadelphia) (Season Series: San Jose leads 1-0-0) (All-time Series History: San Jose leads 4-1-2)

San Jose was held to one shot on goal as the CyberRays fell to Atlanta 1-0 on Saturday, May 17 at Herndon Stadium. Philadelphia notched its first win of the 2003 season with a 2-1 victory at New York on May 17. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 1-0 victory for San Jose on April 13, 2003 at Spartan Stadium. Forward Katie Barnes recorded her first career WUSA goal to lead the CyberRays to the opening day victory.

Key Players to Watch: San Jose's Sissi (1g, 3a, 5 pts.) leads the CyberRays in scoring in 2003. The Brazilian international has notched a goal and three assists versus the Charge all-time (seven matches). Katia (1g, 2a, 4 pts.) is the league's all-time leader in shots (183) and shots on goal (109). Katia leads all active San Jose players in all-time scoring versus the Charge with nine points (3g, 3a). Goalkeeper LaKeysia Beene (3-3-0, 1.00 GAA) leads the league in saves (31). Beene holds a 4-1-2 record with a 0.86 goals against average versus the Charge all-time (seven matches). Philadelphia's Marinette Pichon (3g, 1a, 7 pts. - tied for 10th among WUSA scoring leaders) registered two goals in Philadelphia's 2-1victory over New York on May 17. Pichon will be looking for her first career point versus San Jose (the only team the 2002 WUSA MVP has never scored against). Midfielder Melanie Hoffmann (1g, 2a, 4 pts.) has tallied a goal or an assist in three of Philadelphia's last four matches. Hoffmann will be looking for her first career points versus San Jose. Goalkeeper Hope Solo (1-0-0, 1.00 GAA) recorded her first career WUSA victory in a 2-1 win over New York on May 17. Philadelphia's first-round pick (fourth overall) in the 2003 WUSA Draft helped guide the Charge to its first victory of the 2003 season.

Key Matchup: (San Jose defender Thori Bryan versus Philadelphia forward Marinette Pichon) Bryan will look to keep Pichon scoreless versus the CyberRays (0 goals in 2 games). Bryan and the San Jose defense rank second in the WUSA allowing 1.00 goal per game. Pichon is the league's all-time leader in goals per game with 0.77.

The "Inside Scoop": San Jose is undefeated in its last six meetings with the Charge (4-0-2). Philadelphia's only victory over San Jose took place on May 6, 2001 (3-2 at Villanova Stadium). The Charge will be looking for its first victory of the 2003 season at Villanova Stadium. Philadelphia is 12-5-5 all-time at Villanova Stadium and holds a 1-0-2 record at home all-time versus the CyberRays. The 12 total goals scored by San Jose versus Philadelphia (seven games) are the second most scored in any series (14 goals versus New York are the most).

They Said it: "The size of the field and the (artificial) surface forces us to examine what kind of system we will play and the personnel we'll use on the field. Philadelphia has got quality players and Marinette Pichon is always dangerous. We always give them the respect they deserve.." - San Jose CyberRays Head Coach Ian Sawyers on Philadelphia.

Referee: Jen Bennett. Assistant Referees: Michelle Tubre, Adam Smeltz. 4th Official: Edward Marco.

Sunday, May 25, 2003 - Atlanta Beat at Boston Breakers - 7:00 p.m. (ET) - No TV; (Season Series: Atlanta leads 1-0-0) (All-time Series History: Atlanta leads 4-2-1)

The Atlanta Beat recorded its third home victory of the 2003 season with a 1-0 win over the San Jose CyberRays on Saturday, May 17. Boston jumped out to an early lead before San Diego evened the score with a second half goal as the Breakers and the Spirit tied 1-1 on May 18. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 6-0 victory for the Beat at Herndon Stadium on April 12, 2003. Forward Maribel Dominguez registered her first career hat trick in the lopsided victory.

Key Players to Watch: Atlanta's Dominguez (6g, 2a, 14 pts. - tied for 1st among WUSA scoring leaders) was held scoreless for only the second time in her WUSA career. The Mexican international tallied three goals and an assist for seven points in her only meeting with the Breakers. Midfielder Homare Sawa (2g, 1a, 5 pts.) tallied two goals during the last meeting between these two teams (April 12). Sawa has recorded four goals for eight points all-time versus Boston (six matches). Goalkeeper Briana Scurry (3-1-2, 0.50 GAA) notched her first career assist on May 17. Scurry also recorded her WUSA-record 16th career shutout in Atlanta's 1-0 win over San Jose. Boston's Maren Meinert (6g, 2a, 14 pts. - tied for 1st among WUSA scoring leaders) tallied her second assist of the 2003 season on May 18. Meinert has recorded two goals and three assists for seven points all-time versus Atlanta (seven matches). Forward Dagny Mellgren (4g, 1a, 9 pts. - 5th among WUSA scoring leaders) gave Boston an early lead with her fourth goal of the 2003 season on May 18. Mellgren is Boston's all-time leader in goals scored with 26. Midfielder Kristine Lilly (3a, 3 pts.) leads the Breakers in assist. In seven previous meetings with Atlanta, Lilly has registered a goal and two assists for five points.

Key Matchup: (Atlanta defender Nancy Augustyniak versus Boston forward Maren Meinert) Meinert has recorded a goal or an assist in five straight games for the Breakers to lead the WUSA in scoring (14 points). Augustyniak anchors the top ranked defense in the WUSA, allowing 0.50 goals per game. Meinert has tallied two goals and three assists in her career versus Atlanta but was held scoreless during the last meeting on April 12.

The "Inside Scoop": The series is tied 1-1-1 at Nickerson Field all-time with Boston outscoring Atlanta 4-3. Atlanta has won three straight matches versus the Breakers, outscoring Boston 9-1. Atlanta's Dominguez tied the WUSA record for points in a match with seven (three goals, one assist) on April 12. Boston will put its WUSA-record 13-game home unbeaten streak on the line versus the league's all-time best road team Atlanta (10-8-4, .545).

They Said it: "The first thing you are forced to consider when playing Boston away is their tremendous record when they play at home. Then, of course, you have to be concerned about their offense and how to deal with the variety of attacking personalities they possess."- Atlanta Beat Head Coach Tom Stone on Boston.

Referee: Mark Arblaster. Assistant Referees: Claudiu Badea, Niko Bratsis. 4th Official: Bahij Salman.

TEAM INJURY REPORTS AS OF 05/19/03
ATLANTA BEAT: QUESTIONABLE - M Nikki Serlenga (R hip flexor).
BOSTON BREAKERS: OUT -GK Tracy Ducar (tendonitis in both knees); M Devvyn Hawkins (L foot stress fracture); PROBABLE - F Ragnhild Gulbrandsen (L Foot Bone Bruise).
CAROLINA COURAGE: OUT - M Hege Riise (R ACL tear).
NEW YORK POWER: OUT - D Sara Whalen (R ACL tear); D Kristy Whelchel (R ACL tear); QUESTIONABLE - D Cheryl Salisbury (Calf Strain - R); PROBABLE - D Lauren Orlandos (Hamstring Strains); GK Saskia Webber (Calf Strain - R).
PHILADELPHIA CHARGE: OUT - F Kelly Smith (R meniscus tear); M Pavlina Scasna (L foot tendonitis); F Deliah Arrington (R ACL tear); PROBABLE - M Lorrie Fair (R calf strain).
SAN DIEGO SPIRIT: F Shannon MacMillan (R ACL tear).
SAN JOSE CYBERRAYS: PROBABLE - D Thori Bryan (R knee sprain).
WASHINGTON FREEDOM: PROBABLE - D Casey Zimny (L ankle sprain); D Emmy Barr (concussion).

NATIONAL TEAM DUTY AS OF 05/19/03
ATLANTA BEAT: F Charmaine Hooper (Canada); D Sharolta Nonen (Canada). BOSTON BREAKERS: None.
CAROLINA COURAGE: F Birgit Prinz (Germany); D Breanna Boyd (Canada)
NEW YORK POWER: None.
PHILADELPHIA CHARGE: None. SAN DIEGO SPIRIT: None.
SAN JOSE CYBERRAYS: None.
WASHINGTON FREEDOM: None.

suspension Summary 05/19/03

Player Team Suspension Reason Kylie Bivens Atlanta Beat 5/24 @ Boston Red Card (two yellow) 5/17 vs. San Jose

Warning Summary 05/19/03

Player Team Reason
Katia San Jose CyberRays 2 Consecutive Yellow Cards Accumulated - A caution in the next game will result in a 1 game suspension =3 consecutive cards accumulated.

Daniela San Diego Spirit 2 Consecutive Yellow Cards Accumulated - A caution in the next game will result in a 1 game suspension =3 consecutive cards accumulated.

Betsy Barr San Jose CyberRays 2 Consecutive Yellow Cards Accumulated - A caution in the next game will result in a 1 game suspension =3 consecutive cards accumulated.

TEAM-BY-TEAM NOTES

atlanta beat: Atlanta held San Jose to just one shot on goal as the Beat defeated the CyberRays 1-0 on Saturday, May 17 at Herndon Stadium... German international Conny Pohlers tallied her first WUSA goal in that match... Forward Charmaine Hooper and goalkeeper Briana Scurry each registered an assist on Pohlers' goal... Atlanta played down a player for 54 minutes due to the red card ejection (two yellow cards) of defender Kylie Bivens in the 36th minute... Scurry recorded her league-leading third shutout of the season and WUSA-record 16th career shutout on Saturday, May 17... Scurry leads the WUSA in goals against average (0.50) and save percentage (86.4)... The Beat has the league's all-time best road winning percentage (10-8-4, .545)... Atlanta ranks tied for first in team offense (2.33 goals per game) and is first in team defense (0.50 goals per game).

boston breakers: Boston battled San Diego to a 1-1 draw on Sunday, May 18 at Torero Stadium... Forward Dagny Mellgren scored her fourth goal of the season during Boston's match with the Spirit... Maren Meinert tallied her second assist of the season on Mellgren's goal... Meinert is tied for the league lead in scoring (6g, 2a, 14 pts.)... The German international has registered a goal or an assist in five consecutive games... Boston enters its match with Atlanta riding a 13-game home unbeaten streak, dating back to August 12, 2001... Goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc is second in the league in saves (28) and wins (3)... Boston leads the league in assists with 17... The Breakers rank fifth in team offense (1.71 goals per game) and fifth in team defense (2.00 goals per game).

carolina courage: Carolina earned its first victory of the 2003 season with a 5-2 win over the Washington Freedom on Saturday, May 17 at RFK Stadium... Forward Danielle Fotopoulos tied the WUSA record for points in a game with seven (two goals, three assists)... Fotopoulos' three assists also ties the WUSA record for assists in a match (six players)... Fotopoulos leads the WUSA in assists (5)... Forward Birgit Prinz tallied her third goal of the year during that match... Also scoring goals were defender Nel Fettig (her first as a member of the Courage) and defender Danielle Borgman (first of her WUSA career)... Goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill earned her first victory of the 2003 season in Carolina's 5-2 victory... The victory was the first in team history without midfielder Hege Riise in the lineup... Head Coach Jay Entlich recorded his first career WUSA victory... Carolina ranks fourth in team offense (1.80 goals per game) and sixth in team defense (2.60 goals per game).

new york power: New York had its three-game winning streak snapped with a 2-1 loss to Philadelphia on May 17 at Mitchel Athletic Complex... Down 2-0, midfielder Joanne Peters found the back of the net during stoppage time for her second goal of the 2003 season, cutting Philadelphia's lead to 2-1... Tiffeny Milbrett's last 16 goals have been scored on the road away from Mitchel Athletic Complex... The last home goal for Milbrett came on July 26, 2001 in a 4-2 win over the Boston Breakers... Milbrett and defender Christie Pearce will return to the Power lineup after missing last week's game against the Philadelphia Charge due to U.S. national team duty... With her national side, Milbrett scored her 97th goal and added an assist as the U.S. defeated England 6-0... The Power is looking to break a three-game losing streak to Washington... The Power is 0-3-0 at Mitchel Athletic Complex against the Freedom... New York leads the WUSA in total shots with 93... The Power ranks third in team offense (1.86 goals per game) and seventh in team defense (2.71 goals per game).

philadelphia charge: Forward Marinette Pichon scored two goals to lead the Philadelphia Charge to a 2-1 win over the New York Power at Mitchel Athletic Complex on Saturday, May 17... Pichon has now scored at least one goal in two straight games. Rookie goalkeeper Hope Solo was forced to make only one save in her first start of the year for the Charge (1-4-0, 3 pts), who ended a four-game losing streak to record their first win of the 2003 season... Heather Mitts, who was named to the 18-player roster for the U.S. women's national team on Friday, May 16, earned her fourth career cap with the American side after coming on as a substitute in the United States' 6-0 win over England... The Charge went 7-1-3 at home last season... Despite dropping its home opener this season, 5-4 to the Power, Philadelphia is 12-5-5 all-time at Villanova Stadium... Last season the club went 0-0-2 at home versus the CyberRays, positing a 1-0-2 mark at home all-time versus the club... Philadelphia ended an eight-game road winless streak (1-5-3) Saturday, May 17... The Charge had lost three road tilts this season and five straight dating back to last year... It was the team's first win away from home since June 19, 2002 when it beat Carolina 3-1... Philadelphia ranks sixth in team offense (1.60 goals per game) and eighth in team defense (2.80 goals per game).

san diego spirit: San Diego extended its unbeaten streak to five games with a 1-1 tie with Boston on Sunday, May 18 at Torero Stadium... Forward Allie Sullivan registered the equalizer in the 50th minute... With Sunday's match the 2003 season series between San Diego and Boston has concluded (Boston wins 1-0-2)... Forward Julie Fleeting missed the May 18 match due to Scottish national team duty... Fleeting is currently riding a four-game point/goal scoring streak... Fleeting leads the WUSA in shots on goal (18)... Rookie Susan Bush made her WUSA debut on May 18, playing 79 minutes... Goalkeeper Jaime Pagliarulo is unbeaten in her last four games (2-0-2)... The Spirit is off to its best start at 2-1-3 (9 points)... The Spirit ranks seventh in team offense (1.33 goals per game) and is tied for second in team defense (1.00 goals per game).

san jose cyberrays: San Jose was held to just one shot on goal as the CyberRays fell to Atlanta 1-0 on Saturday, May 17 at Herndon Stadium... The shutout was the second against San Jose this season... Philadelphia is the only team the CyberRays have not beaten on the road... The CyberRays' only loss in Villanova Stadium was in their first trip there May 6, 2001 when they lost 3-2... Last season the CyberRays and Philadelphia played to 0-0 and 1-1 ties at Villanova Stadium ... The 12 goals the CyberRays have scored in the seven games against Philadelphia are the second-most they have scored in any series... When Atlanta's Kylie Bivens was ejected Saturday after picking up her second yellow card of the game in the 36th minute, it was the first time in the CyberRays' 50 WUSA games that a player from either team had been disqualified... San Jose ranks eighth in team offense (1.00 goal per game) and is tied for second in team defense).

washington freedom: The Washington Freedom had its WUSA-record 14 regular season game unbeaten streak snapped with a 5-2 loss to Carolina on May 17 at RFK stadium... Defender Lindsay Stoecker and midfielder Kelly Golebiowski each registered a goal in that match... Stoecker's goal was the first of her WUSA career... The Freedom heads into its match with New York riding a six-game regular season road winning streak, dating back to June 29, 2002... Washington is undefeated in eight straight regular season matches, dating back to June 1, 2002... Goalkeeper Siri Mullinix is unbeaten in 11 straight regular season matches (9-0-2)... Washington is tied for first in team offense (2.33 goals per game) and ranks fourth in team defense (1.50 goals per game).

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Women's United Soccer Association Stories from May 19, 2003


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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