Pichon named 2002 MVP

August 22, 2002 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) News Release

The 5-foot-3 striker from Saint Memmie, France, who finished fourth in the WUSA in scoring with 29 points, was the only Philadelphia player to finish among the league's top 20 scorers. The driving force behind Philadelphia's surge toward the playoffs, Pichon also won Offensive Player of the Year honors. She is currently in France preparing for a World Cup qualifying match against Denmark tomorrow.

"This is a great honor because the players in the WUSA are the best in the world," Pichon said. "It's very special to be compared to them. I owe this award to my teammates, but especially to my mom who has always supported me throughout my life."

In her first season, the 26-year-old Pichon quickly quieted any skeptics who questioned her ability to adapt to the WUSA. Her sophisticated runs and clinical finishing resulted in 14 goals (second in the WUSA). A two-time WUSA Player of the Week, Pichon recorded the league's fourth-ever hat trick on July 7. In addition, her 1.61 points per game ranked fourth in the league. The WUSA Player of the Month for June recorded six goals in five games during the month to lead the Charge to a 3-0-3 record.

Prior to coming to the WUSA, Pichon was a standout for OL Saint Memmie in her hometown. She recorded 22 goals and five assists in 12 games for her club team in 2001. Scoring 150 goals during her club career in France, Pichon led the F.F.F. (Federation Francaise de Football) in scoring four times. She was also a member of OL Saint Memmie championship squad in 1994-95.

The Most Valuable Player Award is awarded to the player judged to have had the greatest impact on her team's performance during the WUSA regular season. The MVP is a player who performed at a high level for her team, game after game. WUSA coaches, general managers, players and members of the media voted for the 2002 WUSA Most Valuable Player.

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Women's United Soccer Association Stories from August 22, 2002

• Pichon Named WUSA MVP - Philadelphia Charge
• Pichon named 2002 MVP - WUSA

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