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San Diego Spirit match preview vs. Philadelphia

May 17, 2002 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
San Diego Spirit News Release


THE OUTLOOK...

San Diego faces one of its toughest tests so far in this young season as the undefeated Philadelphia Charge come to Torero this Sunday. The Spirit performed far more impressively last week against the San Jose CyberRays managing a 1-1 tie than they did at their last home game versus Washington on May 5. In three matches last season, the Spirit did not record a win over the Charge. San Diego's defense must contain the dangerous English International Kelly Smith, who with a WUSA record seven-game point streak dating back to last season, leads the Charge with three goals and two assists. Philadelphia's defense had success against the Spirit last year, as they were one of only two teams (San Jose) in the league to hold Shannon MacMillan scoreless. Goalkeeper Melissa Moore and defender Heather Mitts lead the Charge defense, which is ranked 2nd in the League allowing only four goals against in four matches.

TEAM COMPARISONS (as of 5/10/02)

Team GF GA Streak Goals Leader Pts. Leader

Spirit 10 9 Tied 1, Winless 3 Zhang, 3 Zhang, 8

Charge 11 4 Won 4 Smith, 3 Smith, 8

CHARGE NOTES...

· F Mandy Clemens, University High School's all-time leading scorer, returns to her hometown of San Diego.

· The Charge is ranked first in the WUSA in goals with 11,

· Philadelphia is the first team in WUSA history to begin a WUSA season with a 4-0 record.

SPIRIT NOTES...

· San Jose held Zhang Ouying pointless for the second time in her five-game WUSA career last week.

· Jamie Pagliarulo tied a team record with 8 saves last Sunday; she also reached the career 100-save plateau.

· The Spirit is ranked second behind Philadelphia in the WUSA in goals scored with ten.

· Shannon Boxx is expected to start her 27th consecutive match.

SATURDAY TRAINING TIMES AT TORERO STADIUM

Media members are invited to attend the training sessions at Torero Stadium, please contact the Communications Department to confirm times and schedule interviews.

Philadelphia Charge, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

San Diego Spirit, 12:00-1:00 p.m.



Women's United Soccer Association Stories from May 17, 2002


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