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San Diego Spirit Match Preview v Boston

July 5, 2002 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
San Diego Spirit News Release


THE OUTLOOK

The match against the Breakers looms large for the Spirit as a win could kick-start a run back into the playoff hunt. The Breakers are five points clear of the Spirit heading into this two-game set against Boston and two wins would put the Spirit within striking distance of 4th place, and a possible playoff berth. While the Spirit have never lost to Boston, the Breakers boast perhaps the most dangerous attacking combination in the WUSA with forwards Dagny Mellgren, MVP candidate Maren Meinert, Kristine Lilly and attacking midfielder Bettina Wiegmann. If the Spirit can stall that potent attack, and exploit what has been a somewhat suspect Breakers defense, they may be able to get back on track.

BREAKERS NOTES...

· Karina LeBlanc and Chrisy McCann are the only players to have played every minute of every game this season.

· Norwegian striker Ragnhild Gulbrandsen made her WUSA debut on June 29 against San Jose.

· Karina LeBlanc's 53 saves rank third in the WUSA.

· With a 2-0-4 record at home, Boston is one of only two WUSA teams (Philadelphia) that has not lost at home.

· Maren Meinert (6g, 7a, 19 pts.) is one of the league most complete players.

· The "Big Three" (Meinert, Mellgren and Lilly) are responsible for 17 of the team's 20 total goals on the season.

SPIRIT NOTES...

· San Diego has scored 14 goals, the fewest in the WUSA this season.

· If Boston scores, they will extend the opponents' goal streak to a team-record seven games.

· Mercy Akide is eligible to play this week against Boston after serving a 1-game red card suspension.

· San Diego has allowed its opponent to score first in six straight matches.

· San Diego has allowed two or more goals in eight of the 12 matches this season.

· San Diego has drawn even with its opponents in goal scoring at Torero Stadium (9-9).



Women's United Soccer Association Stories from July 5, 2002


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