Pichon Leads Charge to 1-0 Win Over Boston
June 15, 2002 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
Philadelphia Charge News Release
VILLANOVA, PA (June 15, 2002) - Marinette Pichon's goal in the fifth minute proved to be all Philadelphia would need, as the Charge defeated the Boston Breakers 1-0 on Saturday at Villanova Stadium. Pichon's fifth goal of the season helped maintain Philadelphia's (6-1-2, 20 pts) season-long hold of first place in the WUSA. The team improved its home record to 3-0-2 this season, concluding its three-game homestand, 1-0-2.
Charge goalkeeper Melissa Moore made four saves, including one with time running out for her third shutout of the season. She lowered her league-leading GAA to 0.78, as Philly improved to 5-0-3 in its last eight at home dating back to last year.
The Charge now take the road for two games before returning home on Saturday, June 29 against Atlanta starting at 7 pm. Philadelphia's next game is on Wednesday, June 19 in Carolina at 7 p.m. The game will be televised on CN8. Carolina defeated Atlanta, 3-1, Saturday night to move into second place, two points behind Philadelphia. Pichon helped the Charge get off to a fast start when she scored in the fifth minute. Pichon took a long pass from defensemen Erica Iverson and passed two Boston defensemen before scoring her fifth goal of the season.
Pichon has scored her squad's last three goals and four of the last five for the Charge dating back to May 25 in Carolina.
Boston's (2-5-4, 10pts) best chance of the game came during injury time at the end of the second half. Breakers defensemen Kate Sobrero took a shot from eight yards out, which was saved by Moore. The shot was generated off a rebound from a restart.
Philadelphia improved to 2-0 against Boston this season, with both wins coming at home. Their final meeting of the season will be in Boston on July 27th. On May 4th, the Charge defeated the Breakers, 4-2, in their home opener.
Philadelphia played its second straight game without its leading scorer, midfielder Kelly Smith, who was lost for the season two weeks ago with a torn ACL. Rookie Stacey Tullock made her second start in the midfield. Pichon moved into a tie for the team lead in points (5g, 1a, 11pts)
The Charge recorded eight shots, three on goal. Boston took 13 shots, four of which were on goal.
GAME NOTES: Iverson's assist was her first career point.... Moore's sixth win of the season is a career high.... Midfielder Kelly Smith had the only other Charge goal over the past four games.... The Charge improved to 4-0 when they score first and 3-0 when leading at the half this season.
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Women's United Soccer Association Stories from June 15, 2002
- Spirit Suffers Capital Punishment - San Diego Spirit
- Homare Sawa Scores Beat's Only Goal; Beat Record Moves to 5-4-1 - Atlanta Beat
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- Charge Blank Breakers - WUSA
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- CyberRays Tip Power - WUSA
- Courage Put The Brakes On Beat's Winning Streak - Carolina Courage
- Pichon Leads Charge to 1-0 Win Over Boston - Philadelphia Charge
- Charge Seek to Extend Home Unbeaten Streak - Philadelphia Charge
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