Power, Beat Tie 1-1
July 26, 2003 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
New York Power News Release
Uniondale, NY - The New York Power (7-8-4, 25 pts) used a goal by Shannon Boxx in the 61st minute to tie the first place Atlanta Beat (9-3-6, 33 pts), 1-1, at Mitchel Athletic Complex. Atlanta remains in first place, with 32 points, while the Power moved into a tie for fourth place with the San Diego Spirit, who dropped a 2-0 match to the Washington Freedom this evening.
The Power, who came out in a bunker defense, had the run of play in the first half, out-shooting the Beat, 5-1. Saskia Webber who started the game for New York only had to make one save in the first half off a shot by Atlanta's Nikki Serlenga in the 14th minute. Briana Scurry made three saves in the first half for Atlanta, as the teams went into halftime tied, 0-0.
Webber left the game at halftime, suffering from a stomach virus, and was replaced by Carly Smolak. It was Smolak's first action since May 24, 2003, a 4-0 loss to the Washington Freedom.
Beat forward Charmaine Hooper scored her eighth goal on the season in the 51st minute to put Atlanta up 1-0. Cindy Parlow gathered a loose ball and went to goal. Her shot got past Smolak, but hit the right post. The ball bounced off the post and went directly to an unmarked Hopper, who neatly shot the ball into an empty net.
In the 60th minute, Power defender Christie Pearce was fouled by Maribel Dominguez, making a run up the right flank. Margaret Tietjen took the free kick for New York from 30-yards out. Her kick found the head of Boxx, who beat Scurry to her left, for her first goal on the season and first in a Power uniform. With the goal, she became the 13th different player to score a goal this season, a new WUSA record. The Philadelphia Charge had 12 different players score back in 2001.
With the score tied, 1-1, Atlanta pushed forward looking for the go-ahead goal. Their best opportunity to score came in the 79th minute, when Serlenga's corner kick found a wide-open Leslie Gaston, but her header was saved by Smolak, who had perfect positioning.
Emily Janss almost won the game in the 90th minute for New York. Janss got behind the Beat defense but her shot from a bad angle soared over the goal.
Smolak picked up the tie for New York making four saves in the second half, while Scurry also made four saves for Atlanta.
The Power played this game without defender Cheryl Salisbury and midfielder Joey Peters, who were both with the Australian National Team. The Power were also shorthanded due to injury. Forward Tiffeny Milbrett (left hamstring), forward Tammy Pearman (left knee strain), and forward Christie Welsh (left calf strain) all didn't dress for New York. Kristy Whelchel started for the first time this season, after recovering from an ACL injury. Whelchel played 89 minutes, being replaced by Justi Baumgardt.
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Women's United Soccer Association Stories from July 26, 2003
- Power, Beat Tie 1-1 - New York Power
- Spirit Falls to Freedom, 2-0, at RFK Stadium - San Diego Spirit
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