Spirit Draws With San Jose

May 12, 2002 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
San Diego Spirit News Release


SAN JOSE (Sunday, May 12, 2002) - A sun-splashed day provided the backdrop for an entertaining and well-played WUSA match that ended in a 1-1 draw between the San Diego Spirit and the reigning WUSA champion San Jose CyberRays. Second-half substitute Sherrill Kester scored the equalizing goal in the 92nd minute to offset Kim Clark's tally on a beautiful back-post header goal in the 44th minute off a corner kick from Michelle French.

Despite only two goals scored in the match, both clubs provided the Mother's Day crowd a wonderful, fluid, action-filled game. The scoreboard could have been loaded if it were not for San Diego's bad luck and the tremendous effort by Spirit goalkeeper Jaime Pagliarulo.

Kester's first-ever goal could not have come at a better time than it did for San Diego, who was seconds away from falling into a three-way tie for last place. Kester ran onto a long ball from Julie Foudy and then dribbled in and took a shot from the right wing that bounced off the post and off the other post before gently settling in behind the goal line. "I said to the ball, you better go in, " said Kester. "I was getting in position for the rebound, but the ball went in instead." The goal came in stoppage time and tied a club mark for the latest goal ever scored. "I give her all of the credit, she played hard until the very end," said Spirit head coach Carlos Juarez. "This was huge for us as we are learning that we have to play hard for the entire 90 minutes, whatever the score is."

San Diego entered the weekend as the highest scoring team in the WUSA, but the team had failed to pierce the back of the net for a total of 226 minutes until Kester's tally.

The Spirit had the better of the play in the early going hitting the crossbar twice within a three-minute span in the first half. Lori Lindsey's header hit the woodwork in the 16th minute, followed by Shauna Rohbock's header in the 19th, both courtesy of Shannon MacMillan crosses.

Before the CyberRays scored, they had countered with some splendid chances of their own beginning in the 24th minute when Katia's12-yard shot slid by Pagliarulo and the far-left post. Pagliarulo kept the C-Rays scoring sheet clean with two spectacular point-blank saves on shots by Kim Clark and Pretinha from 13 yards out in the 33rd minute. Four minutes from halftime, Pagliarulo tipped Brandi Chastain's 23-yard shot from the right wing over the crossbar. Two minutes later, she turned-away another close San Jose opportunity by blocking Pretinha's shot and then reaching back to stop the rolling ball before it crossed the goal line. Pagliarulo, who tied a team record by recording eight saves, was again spectacular in the second half tipping over Sissi's blast in 63rd minute and catching her line-drive shot in the 65th minute. She would not take any of the credit after the match, "It was a complete 100% total team effort from the opening whistle to the final goal," said Pagliarulo. "Carlos made great subs and they paid off for us in the end." Pagliarulo's counterpart Beene was forced to make one tough save in the 72nd minute on a high drive by Julie Foudy, which she tipped over the crossbar. Beene made six saves during the contest

Pregame Mother's Day ceremonies included Spirit defender Joy Fawcett being presented a bouquet of flowers from her three children Katelyn, Carli and Madilyn.

The Spirit returns home to Torero Stadium on Sunday, May 19 to play host to San Diegan Mandy Clemens and the undefeated Philadelphia Charge. Various events surround the game including the Spirit honoring San Diego military personnel for Armed Forces Day Celebration. The first 2,000 fans entering the stadium will receive a free floppy hat, courtesy of Viejas Outlet Center. In conjunction with the San Diego Food Bank, the team will conduct their first annual food drive. Fans are encouraged to bring non-perishable canned goods to the game. The match will be aired live on Channel 4 San Diego beginning at 5:00 p.m.



Women's United Soccer Association Stories from May 12, 2002


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