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San Diego Spirit Falls 2-1

March 26, 2003 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
San Diego Spirit News Release


HOUSTON - The San Diego Spirit dropped its first game of the preseason, losing 2-1 to the Atlanta Beat in an exhibition match at the Rice University Track & Soccer Stadium. The Spirit's top draft pick, midfielder Aly Wagner, scored for the Spirit off an assist from Canadian international Christine Latham in the 15th minute to tie the game after the Beat had scored an early goal.

The Spirit played a physical match on the small field and took 12 shots to the Beat's seven, but Atlanta and U.S. National Team goalkeeper Briana Scurry made a handful of big saves, denying Shannon MacMillan and Allie Sullivan on several occasions. Spirit head coach Omid Namazi, in his first match against a WUSA opponent, substituted liberally, using 18 players as back-up goalkeeper Jenni Branam was the only player not to see action. The Spirit defense played well as Namazi used seven backs over the 90 minutes as he attempts to finalize his starting lineup for the Spirit's season opener on April 5 vs. the Boston Breakers at Torero Stadium.

San Diego had more of the possession in the first half when both teams played starters, but gave up a bit of the match in the second half as the each team used a handful of reserves. Beat forward Cindy Parlow scored in just the 4th minute after a costly Spirit giveaway in the back, but the Spirit equalized just over 10 minutes later as Latham raced down the right flank and cut a pass back for Wagner to finish smartly from the penalty spot. Latham, who just returned from Portugal where she played for Canada in the Algarve Cup, caused problems all night for the Beat defense with her physical presence in the attacking third.

The Beat had the chance to take the lead in the 35th minute, but Nikki Serlenga missed a penalty kick. The Beat got the winning goal in the 73rd minute on a goalmouth scrum, as Katie Antongiovanni finished the chance from close range.

The Spirit's newest international, Brazilian Daniela, who arrived in the USA on Monday, played her first match for the club and was solid in the midfield. Jaime Pagliarulo played the whole game in goal for the Spirit.

The match marked a homecoming for Houston native Susan Bush, who played well on the flank. Defender Amy Sauer, also a Houston product, did not make the trip as she is recovering from an ankle injury.

Notes

- The Spirit now travels to Tempe, Arizona where they will face the Arizona State Sun Devils on Saturday at 4 p.m. to conclude the preseason.

- The Spirit's 2003 Media Day is Wednesday, April 2, at Torero Stadium at 1 p.m.

- The Spirit opens the regular season on Saturday, April 5, against the Boston Breakers at Torero Stadium. Kickoff is 6 p.m. PT.

- The WUSA Championship Game - Founders Cup III - is coming to Torero Stadium on August 24, 2003. Ticket information will be available in the coming weeks.

- Namazi will choose two "Developmental Players" next week to complete his 20-player roster.



Women's United Soccer Association Stories from March 26, 2003


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