Three Teams Clinch, One Spot Left

August 4, 2003 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) News Release

The Atlanta Beat, Boston Breakers and Washington Freedom all qualified for the playoffs, but those three clubs are still jockeying for home-field advantage. The San Diego Spirit, San Jose CyberRays and Carolina Courage each hope to secure the final playoff berth this week. A look at the current WUSA playoff picture follows:

Team GP W L T Pts. GF GA Diff. YCP RCP Magic Number
1) x-Atlanta Beat 19 9 4 6 33 32 17 15 100 20 4 home-field adv.
2) x-Boston Breakers* 19 8 4 7 31 31 29 2 70 10 6 home-field adv.
3) x-Washington Freedom* 19 9 5 4 31 39 27 12 75 20 7 home-field adv.
4) San Diego Spirit 20 7 6 7 28 25 25 0 120 10 2
5) z-New York Power 20 7 9 4 25 32 42 -10 80 0 ---
6) San Jose CyberRays+ 19 7 9 3 24 22 28 -6 100 10 5 points out
7) Carolina Courage+ 19 7 9 3 24 30 31 -1 65 0 5 points out
8) z-Philadelphia Charge 19 4 11 4 16 26 30 -12 60 10 ---

y - clinches homefield advantage in the playoffs
x - clinches playoff berth.
z - eliminated from playoff contention.

+-San Jose wins tiebreaker in head-to-head competition with Carolina (3-0-0). *-Boston wins tiebreaker in head-to-head competition with Washington (1-0-2).

ATLANTA BEAT: Atlanta is in the playoffs for the third consecutive season (the only WUSA team to achieve this feat). The Beat has two games remaining - at San Jose on Wednesday and at home against New York on Sunday. The bottom line is Atlanta needs a four-point swing to clinch home-field advantage in the playoffs.

Only Boston and Washington can catch the Beat. Atlanta could clinch home-field advantage on Wednesday with a win or tie against San Jose coupled with a loss by either Washington or Boston. The Beat does not have to consider the outcome of other clubs to secure home-field advantage. A win and a tie in two games guarantees home-field advantage for the Beat no matter what results Washington or Boston produce.

"You play all year to get yourself in the playoffs -- we've done that," Atlanta Head Coach Tom Stone said. "We will play the rest of the year to get ourselves at home. And if not, we will take our road record (2-2-5). I think that we are the only team in the league that in three years has a winning record on the road (12-10-8). So if we have to go on the road, we will go on the road."

BOSTON BREAKERS: After two seasons watching the WUSA postseason on television, Boston is in the playoffs for the first time in club history. Boston finishes the season with Carolina at home on Wednesday and a visit to Spartan Stadium to battle San Jose on Saturday. The Breakers can clinch home-field advantage on Wednesday with a victory at home over the Courage and a loss by Washington. Similar to Atlanta, Boston does not have to consider the outcome of other clubs to secure home-field advantage. Two victories by the Breakers in the final two games guarantee at least second place since Boston wins the tiebreaker against Washington. Boston can even lose both games and still finish second if Washington loses its two remaining matches.

"I am happy and very proud of the team. I am enjoying every practice with this team,'' Breakers Head Coach Pia Sundhage. "Right now it's not over. I would love to play in front of a home crowd. I think the players deserve that.''

WASHINGTON FREEDOM: Washington qualified for the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Coming off a resounding 5-0 victory over San Jose on August 2, Washington finishes with two road games - at Philadelphia on Wednesday and at San Diego on Sunday. The Freedom averages 2.05 goals per game. No WUSA team has ever averaged more than 1.90 goals per game during the regular season. Both remaining games will not be easy. As evidenced by a 3-0 victory over Atlanta on August 2, Philadelphia is relishing the role of the spoiler. San Diego will likely need a win (or at least a draw) on Sunday to secure a playoff berth.

"I don't think anyone can relax," said Washington Head Coach Jim Gabarra. "You have to get home-field advantage or win the regular season title, whatever is out there. We can't be happy saying we're in the playoffs because we might have to go to Boston or go to Atlanta. In this team's history, we have not had much success there."

SAN DIEGO SPIRIT: San Diego's 1-0 win over Carolina on August 3 was critical to the Spirit's chances of securing the club's first playoff berth. Julie Foudy, Aly Wagner and company are not in the playoffs yet, but the Spirit does control its own destiny. With just one game remaining, it's as simple as win on Sunday, August 10 against Washington and San Diego qualifies for the playoffs. However, San Diego could back into the playoffs before Sunday's games if both Carolina and San Jose lose or tie on Wednesday, August 6. San Diego won the season series against both Carolina and San Jose, meaning the Courage and CyberRays need at least 29 points to secure the fourth playoff berth over the Spirit.

"Now we control our own fate," said Julie Foudy following Sunday's win over Carolina. "It is great that we have put ourselves in a position to make the playoffs. Depending on what happens in the midweek games, we will still play hard against Washington. Whatever happens we will be ready."

CAROLINA COURAGE: The Courage's 1-0 loss at San Diego on August 3 put a damper in the defending champion's playoff hopes, but Carolina still has a shot. Carolina finishes the season at Boston on Wednesday and versus Philadelphia at home on Saturday. Even with two victories this week, Carolina needs San Diego to lose on Sunday and San Jose to not secure six points in two games since the Spirit and CyberRays have the advantage in the tiebreaker against Carolina.

"We are looking to get some help from the other teams," Carolina Head Coach Jay Entlich said. "Certainly we could win the next two games and still not make it to the playoffs. We have to get the three points on Wednesday against Boston and put the pressure on San Diego to perform."

SAN JOSE CYBERRAYS: The good news for San Jose is the CyberRays finish with two home games. San Jose is 4-2-2 at Spartan Stadium in 2003 and 18-8-4 all-time (including one playoff game) at home. The bad news is the CyberRays' two opponents this week happen to be Atlanta and Boston, the first and second place teams that are battling for home-field advantage. Also, CyberRays captain Brandi Chastain remains questionable with a quadriceps strain. San Jose needs to win both of its remaining two games as a loss or draw would tie the CyberRays with San Diego. The Spirit would qualify for the playoffs due to a 2-0-1 edge over San Jose in the season series between the two clubs.

"Unfortunately, it's been part of our season where we've sat on teams and played well, and not gotten any goal scoring," San Jose Head Coach Ian Sawyers said following Saturday's 5-0 loss at Washington. "We were going to pay the price for that at some stage."

HOME-FIELD ADVANTAGE MAKES A DIFFERENCE: During the WUSA's first two seasons, home teams have gone 3-1 in the playoffs. The only club to advance to the Founders Cup as a three or four seed was the Washington Freedom in 2002. Two of the four matches have gone to overtime. A brief look at the WUSA's playoff history follows:

2001
Atlanta 3, Philadelphia 2 (OT) at Bobby Dodd Stadium (Atlanta)
San Jose 3, New York 2 at Spartan Stadium (San Jose)

2002
Carolina 2, Atlanta 1 (OT) at SAS Stadium (Cary, NC)
Washington 1, Philadelphia 0 at Villanova Stadium (Villanova, PA)

WASHINGTON'S MIA HAMM LOOKING TO BREAK WUSA SCORING RECORD: Following her three-goal performance on August 2, Washington's Mia Hamm needs just three points to tie the WUSA's single-season scoring record of 36 points set by San Jose's Katia in 2002. Hamm has 11 goals and 11 assists for 33 points in 2003. The world's all-time leading scorer in international play is averaging 1.94 points per game in 2003. Freedom teammate Abby Wambach, who is second in WUSA scoring with 32 points, could surpass Hamm if she continues with her WUSA-leading 2.00 points per game. Washington is at Philadelphia on Wednesday and at San Diego on Saturday.

HAT TRICKS PLENTIFUL IN 2003: With Mia Hamm's hat trick on August 2, WUSA players have now registered five hat tricks in 2003, equaling the combined total of the league's first two seasons. Three hat tricks were recorded in 2001 and two in 2002. A look at WUSA players that have recorded hat tricks follows:

WUSA HAT TRICKS - All-Time
PLAYER TEAM GP HATS
Milbrett, Tiffeny NY 55 2
Dominguez, Maribel ATL 16 1
Hamm, Mia WAS 47 1
Hooper, Charmaine ATL 57 1
Liu, Ailing PHI 39 1
Mellgren, Dagny BOS 57 1
Parlow, Cindy ATL 53 1
Pichon, Marinette PHI 34 1
Wambach, Abby WAS 35 1

SAN DIEGO LOVES THE SUNSHINE: Maybe the San Diego Spirit's theme song in 2003 should be the Beatles "Good Day Sunshine?" In games that kick off before 6 p.m. local time, the Spirit is 6-1-1 this season. San Diego is 1-5-6 after 6 p.m. Thanks to the WUSA schedulemakers and PAX TV, the Spirit's final home game against Washington on August 9 was switched from 6 p.m. local time to 1 p.m. If San Diego qualifies for the playoffs, two of the WUSA's three postseason matches begin prior to 6 p.m. local time, while the third kicks off at 6 p.m. on August 17.

MOWINS TO BE ON WUSA.COM CHAT THIS WEEK: WUSA National TV Play-by-Play Announcer Beth Mowins will be the featured guest on this week's WUSA.com live web chat on Tuesday, August 5. The chat will begin at 4:00 p.m. (ET)/1:00 p.m. (PT) and will last approximately 30 minutes. Mowins will be on hand to answer fan questions. Fans can submit questions before and during the chat. For more information, log on to www.WUSA.com.

WUSA Game Previews (Week 19)

Wednesday, August 6, 2003 - Carolina Courage at Boston Breakers - 7:00 p.m. (ET) - NESN (Boston - tape-delayed at 11:30 p.m. ET); (Season Series: Series tied 1-1-0) (All-time Series History: Series tied 3-3-2)

Carolina's hopes for a spot in the playoffs narrowed with a 1-0 loss to San Diego on Sunday, August 3 at Torero Stadium. Boston clinched its first-ever playoff berth with a 3-2 win over New York on Friday, August 1 at Mitchel Athletic Complex. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 1-0 victory for the Courage on June 21, 2003 at Nickerson Field. Erin Baxter registered her first career WUSA goal, giving Carolina its fourth win of the 2003 season.

Key Players to Watch: Carolina's Birgit Prinz (10g, 3a, 23 pts. - tied for 7th among WUSA scoring leaders) is one of 12 players in WUSA history to record 50 or more points during her career (55 points). Prinz notched her second goal of the year in a 3-1 loss to Boston earlier this season (April 19). Defender/midfielder Staci Burt (3a, 3 pts.) is tied for the team lead (with Hege Riise) in assists versus Boston all-time (3 assists in eight matches). Burt is one of two players (Nel Fettig is the other) to play every minute of every match for the Courage this season. Goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill (7-6-3, 1.44 GAA) is one of four 'keepers to record more than 200 saves during her WUSA career (215). Luckenbill holds a 3-1-2 record with a 1.17 goals against average versus Boston all-time (six matches). Boston's Dagny Mellgren (13g, 2a, 28 pts.- tied for 3rd among WUSA scoring leaders) notched her second multiple-goal game of the 2003 season on August 1. Mellgren is the WUSA's all-time leading goal scorer (35). Forward/midfielder Maren Meinert (9g, 10a, 28 pts. - tied for 3rd among WUSA scoring leaders) registered three assists versus New York on Friday, August 1. The WUSA's all-time leader in assists has 33 for her career. Midfielder Kristine Lilly (2g, 3a, 7 pts.) has recorded two goals in the Breakers' last three matches. Lilly is tied (with Meinert) for the team lead in assists versus Carolina all-time (four assists in eight matches).

Key Matchup: (Carolina defender Danielle Slaton versus Boston forward Maren Meinert) - Meinert, the WUSA's all-time leading scorer (24g, 33a, 81 pts.), averages 1.50 points per game versus the Courage all-time. Meinert has been responsible for 33 percent (12 of 36 points) of Boston's total offense versus Carolina. Slaton and the Courage defense rank sixth in the WUSA, allowing 1.63 goals per game in 2003.

The "Inside Scoop": This is a must win for the Courage. A loss or tie will result in Carolina being eliminated from playoff contention. Carolina has won two of the last three meetings, including a 1-0 victory on June 21 at Nickerson Field. The Courage holds a 2-1-1 edge all-time versus the Breakers at Nickerson Field. Boston, which clinched its first-ever playoff berth last week, is looking to clinch home-field advantage during the WUSA postseason. A win over Carolina will move Boston three points closer to that goal.

They Said it: "We are looking to get some help from the other teams. Certainly we could win the next two games and still not make it to the playoffs. We have to get the three points on Wednesday against Boston and put the pressure on San Diego to perform next weekend.'' - Carolina Courage Head Coach Jay Entlich on the playoff race.

Referee: Todd Perry. Assistant Referees: Steven Taylor, Niko Bratsis. 4th Official: Claudiu Badea.

Wednesday, August 6, 2003 - Washington Freedom at Philadelphia Charge - 7:00 p.m. (ET) - No TV; (Season Series: Washington leads 2-0-0) (All-time Series History: Series tied 3-3-2)2-2

Washington clinched a spot in the playoffs with a 5-0 victory over San Jose on Saturday, August 2 at RFK Stadium. Philadelphia snapped a five-game losing skid with a 3-0 win over Atlanta on Saturday, August 2 at Villanova Stadium. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 4-2 victory for the Freedom on July 9, 2003 at RFK Stadium. Forward Abby Wambach tallied two goals to lead Washington to its sixth win of the season.

Key Players to Watch: Washington's Mia Hamm (11g, 11a, 33 pts. - 1st among WUSA scoring leaders) registered her first career WUSA hat trick on Saturday, August 2. Hamm has netted four goals and an assist in the Freedom's last two games, leading Washington to a 2-0-0 record (wins over San Diego - 2-0 on July 26 and San Jose - 5-0 on August 2). Forward Wambach (13g, 6a, 32 pts. - 2nd among WUSA scoring leaders) recorded three goals and two assists in Washington's last two matches. Wambach is tied (with Philadelphia's Marinette Pichon) for the league lead in multiple-goal games this season with four. Goalkeeper Siri Mullinix (9-4-4, 1.18 GAA) has not allowed a goal in 201 minutes, dating back to July 23. Mullinix holds a 3-2-1 record with a 1.50 goals against average versus Philadelphia all-time (six matches). Philadelphia's Pichon (12g, 2a, 26 pts. - 5th among WUSA scoring leaders) notched her fourth multiple-goal match of the 2003 season on August 2. Pichon is two goals shy of tying the team mark for goals in a season (14 by Pichon in 2002). Forward Emily Burt (2g, 2a, 6 pts.) has recorded two goals and an assist in her last two matches with the Charge. Burt's three-point performance (1g, 1a) on August 2 was a career high. Goalkeeper Hope Solo (2-4-0, 1.50 GAA) tallied her first career WUSA shutout on August 2. The rookie goalkeeper will likely face Washington for the first time on Wednesday.

Key Matchup: (Washington midfielder/forward Mia Hamm versus Philadelphia defender Heather Mitts) - Hamm is only the second player in Freedom history to record 30 or more points in a season (Wambach is the other). The two-time FIFA World Player of the Year is having her best WUSA season to date, leading the league in scoring (33) and assists (11). Mitts, who missed four weeks due to a broken right leg, has recently returned to a Charge defensive unit which ranks seventh in team defense, allowing 2.05 goals against in 2003.

The "Inside Scoop": Washington has already clinched a spot in the WUSA postseason. However, the Freedom will be looking to earn home-field advantage in the playoffs. A win over Philadelphia, which has already been eliminated from playoff contention, will move Washington three points closer to that goal. In the last two Washington games forwards Abby Wambach and Mia Hamm have combined for seven goals and three assists for 17. They are only the second duo to each record 30 or more points in the same season (Carolina's Danielle Fotopoulos and Birgit Prinz did this in 2002). Philadelphia's Pichon is two goals away from tying her career-high for goals in a single season (14).

They Said it: "In 2002, they had the best defense in the league. They traditionally played a 4-5-1 [formation] with a very low-pressure defensive posture, mostly because of the players that had been missing. We've always had close games. We can't afford to make mistakes against them because you're not going to score a lot of goals against them." - Washington Freedom Head Coach Jim Gabarra on Philadelphia.

Referee: Terry Vaughn. Assistant Referees: Stan Nagle, Melanie Johnson. 4th Official: Ed Marco.

Wednesday, August 6, 2003 - Atlanta Beat at San Jose CyberRays - 11:00 p.m. (ET) - No TV; (Season Series: Series tied 1-1-0) (All-time Series History: Atlanta leads 5-2-1)

Atlanta clinched a spot in the playoffs despite falling to Philadelphia 3-0 on Saturday, August 2 at Villanova Stadium. San Jose was unable to earned three points toward the fourth and final playoff spot after losing to Washington 5-0 on Saturday, August 2 at RFK Stadium. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 1-0 victory for the Beat on May 17, 2003 at Herndon Stadium. Atlanta's Conny Pohlers tallied the lone goal of the match (her first career WUSA goal).

Key Players to Watch: Atlanta's Charmaine Hooper (8g, 7a, 23 pts. - tied for 7th among WUSA scoring leaders) was held scoreless versus Philadelphia (the only team she has never scored a goal against) for the ninth time in her WUSA career. Hooper is the Beat's all-time leading scorer versus San Jose (six goals, three assists for 15 points in seven matches). Forward Cindy Parlow (4g, 5a, 13 pts.) is four points shy of tying a career high for points in a single season (17). Parlow has recorded two goals and three assists for seven points all-time versus San Jose (eight matches). Goalkeeper Briana Scurry (8-4-5, 0.94 GAA) leads the league in shutouts this season (7). Scurry holds a 5-1-1 record with a 0.57 goals against average versus the CyberRays all-time (seven matches). San Jose's Katia (4g, 2a, 10 pts.) has recorded a club-high three goals versus Atlanta all-time (eight matches). The 2002 WUSA scoring champion is the only player in league history to record more than 200 shots during her career. Midfielder Sissi (3g, 5a, 11 pts.) leads San Jose with three game-winning assist in 2003. The Brazilian playmaker holds the WUSA mark of game-winning assists with 11. Goalkeeper LaKeysia Beene (7-8-3, 1.39 GAA) is the only 'keeper in WUSA history to record more than 5,000 minutes in net (5,188). Beene holds a 2-4-1 record with a 1.14 goals against average versus the Beat all-time (seven matches).

Key Matchup: (Atlanta forward Charmaine Hooper versus San Jose defender Thori Bryan) - Hooper, the Beat's all-time leading scorer (31g, 13a, 75 pts.), averages 2.14 points per game all-time versus the CyberRays. Hooper has scored half of the Beat's all-time goals (6 of 12) versus San Jose. Bryan anchors a defense which ranks fourth in the WUSA in team defense, allowing 1.47 goals per game. Hooper has yet to score a goal versus San Jose in the 2003 season.

The "Inside Scoop": Despite leading the all-time series history 5-2-1, Atlanta has dropped two of the last three matches versus San Jose. The Beat has already clinched a playoff spot and is looking to earn three points toward the 2003 WUSA regular season crown. San Jose is in a "must win" situation, needing to win their last two games in order to keep its playoff hopes alive. Atlanta holds a 2-1-0 record at Spartan Stadium all-time.

They Said it: "Homefield advantage is important, but maybe more important right now is building some momentum and confidence heading to the postseason. We've clinched a playoff spot, but we're not relaxing at all right now, because it's all about preparing for one 90 minute game that could put you into the Founders Cup. Even though we're heading into our 20th game, there are still ferocious battles going on for starting spots at different positions. Every player wants to be on the field and the whole team realizes these next two games are very important if we want to bring a game home to our fans." - Atlanta Beat Head Coach Tom Stone on the final week of the 2003 regular season.

Referee: Sandra Hunt. Assistant Referees: Chris Strickland, Colin Arblaster. 4th Official: Dinesh Singh.

Saturday, August 9, 2003 - Washington Freedom at San Diego Spirit - 4:00 p.m. (ET) - PAX TV (National Broadcast); (Season Series: Series tied 1-1-0) (All-time Series History: Washington leads 4-3-1)

Washington enters its match with San Diego coming off a midweek match with Philadelphia on Wednesday, August 6. San Diego kept its playoff destiny in it own hands with a 1-0 victory over Carolina on Sunday, August 3 at Torero Stadium. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 2-0 victory for the Freedom on July 26, 2003 at RFK Stadium. Mia Hamm recorded a goal and an assist, leading Washington to its eighth win of the season.

Key Players to Watch: Washington's Hamm (11g, 11a, 33 pts. - prior to the August 6 match versus Philadelphia) has recorded more assists versus the Spirit than any other Freedom player in team history (3). Hamm is only the second player in team history (Abby Wambach is the other) to tally 30 or more points in a single season. Forward Wambach (13g, 6a, 32 pts. - prior to the August 6 match versus Philadelphia) has registered a team-high five goals and one assist for 11 points versus the Spirit all-time (five matches). The Freedom is 6-0-2 (prior to Wednesday's result) this season when Wambach finds the back of the net. Goalkeeper Siri Mullinix (9-4-4, 1.18 GAA - prior to the August 6 match versus Philadelphia) has recorded more shutouts this season (4) than her two previous season combined (3 total - 1 in 2001; 2 in 2002). Mullinix holds a 3-3-1 record with a 1.29 goals against average versus the Spirit all-time (seven matches). San Diego's Julie Fleeting (10g, 4a, 24 pts. - 6th among WUSA scoring leaders) recorded her fourth game-winning goal (league high) of the 2003 season on August 3. Fleeting leads the WUSA in shots on goal (42) this season. Midfielder Julie Foudy (3g, 2a, 8 pts.) has registered more assists versus the Freedom than any other Spirit player in team history (3). All three of Foudy's goals this season have been scored on penalty kicks. Goalkeeper Jenni Branam (3-2-3, 1.31 GAA) notched her first career WUSA shutout on August 3. Branam holds a 1-0-0 record with a 1.53 goals against average versus Washington all-time (two matches).

Key Matchup: (Washington defender Jennifer Grubb versus San Diego forward Julie Fleeting) - Fleeting has helped position the Spirit on the verge of it first playoff appearance with her 10-goal performance this season. Fleeting is two goals shy of tying the team record for goals in a season (12) and is tied for the league lead in game-winning goals (4). Grubb and the Washington defense rank third in the league in team defense (1.42 goals per game allowed) and have held Fleeting to just one goal during her WUSA career.

The "Inside Scoop": With the series tied 1-1-0 this season, this match could determine the seeding in the playoffs for both teams (depending on Wednesday's outcomes). A win by San Diego and they are in the playoffs. If the Spirit loses, they will need help from both Carolina and San Jose. Washington has already clinched a playoff spot and is looking to grab homefield advantage. A win versus San Diego would not only give Washington the edge over San Diego this season, but would move the Freedom three points closer to hosting a playoff match.

They Said it: "We've beaten them here before, we match up well against Washington. In order to play well and have a chance of winning we will have to work on finishing. We have another game to win and our fate is in our own hands."- San Diego Spirit Head Coach Omid Namazi on Washington.

Referee: Sandra Hunt. Assistant Referees: Sharon Wheeler, Kia Dehpaneh. 4th Official: Raymundo Prisco.

Saturday, August 9, 2003 - Philadelphia Charge at Carolina Courage - 4:00 p.m. (ET) - No TV; (Season Series: Carolina leads 1-0-1) (All-time Series History: Philadelphia leads 5-2-1)

Both Philadelphia and Carolina will see action prior to their match with midweek games on Wednesday, August 6. Philadelphia has been eliminated from playoff contention, while Carolina needs to win its final two matches (along with a San Diego loss) in order to clinch a playoff spot. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 3-1 victory for the Courage on July 26, 2003 at Villanova Stadium. Forward Venus James notched two goals to lead Carolina to its sixth win of the 2003 season.

Key Players to Watch: Carolina's Birgit Prinz (10g, 3a, 23 pts. - prior to the August 6 match with Boston) is the first player in Courage history to record 10 or more goals in consecutive seasons. Prinz is tied for the team lead (with Danielle Fotopoulos) in points versus Philadelphia all-time (two goals, two assists for six points in four matches). Forward James (5g, 1a, 11 pts. - prior to the August 6 match with Boston) has registered more goals during the 2003 season than she had in her previous two seasons (2 - 0 in 2001; 2 in 2002). James her second career multiple-goal game on July 26 versus Philadelphia. Goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill (7-6-3, 1.44 GAA - prior to the August 6 match with Boston) recorded her first-ever victory over Philadelphia in the last meeting between these two teams (July 26). Luckenbill is one of four WUSA goalkeepers to tally more than 20 wins during her career. Philadelphia's Marinette Pichon (12g, 2a, 26 pts. - prior to the August 6 match with Washington) has scored more goals versus the Courage (7) than any other WUSA team during her career. Pichon holds the league's all-time goals per game average, registering 0.76 goals per game during her WUSA career. Defender Heather Mitts (2a, 2 pts. -- prior to the August 6 match with Washington) has recorded three assists versus Carolina all-time (seven matches); more than any other active player on Philadelphia's roster. Mitts, who missed four weeks due to a broken leg, has started in the Charge's last two matches. Goalkeeper Hope Solo (2-4-0, 1.50 GAA - prior to the August 6 match with Washington) has started in net for the Charge since July 16. Solo owns a 0-1-0 record with a 1.80 goals against average versus Carolina (one match).

Key Matchup: (Philadelphia forward Marinette Pichon versus Carolina defender Nel Fettig) - Pichon has scored more goals versus Carolina (7) than any other player in Philadelphia team history. The French international is responsible for 37 percent of the all-time goals scored (7 of 19) versus the Courage. Fettig, who has played in every minute of every match for Carolina this season, anchors a defense which ranks sixth in the WUSA in team defense (1.63 goals per game allowed).

The "Inside Scoop": Carolina needs six points in order to keep its playoff hopes alive. A win on Wednesday coupled with a victory over Philadelphia will help position the Courage for the fourth and final playoff spot. Philadelphia leads the all-time series history 5-2-1, outscoring the Courage 19-10. Philadelphia holds a 2-1-0 record all-time in Carolina. Referee: Erich Simmons. Assistant Referees: Daniel Burak, Sandra Serafini. 4th Official: Charles Mitchell.

Sunday, August 10, 2003 - Boston Breakers at San Jose CyberRays - 6:00 p.m. (ET) - No TV; (Season Series: Boston leads 1-0-1) (All-time Series History: Boston leads 3-2-3)

Both Boston and San Jose will see action prior to their match with midweek games on Wednesday, August 6. Boston has already clinched a spot in the playoffs but is looking to grab home-field advantage in the WUSA post season. San Jose must win its last two remaining games ( along with a San Diego loss) in order to keep its playoff hopes alive. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 1-1 tied on July 27, 2003 at Spartan Stadium. San Jose's Tisha Venturini-Hoch and Boston's Maren Meinert each scored for their team in the draw.

Key Players to Watch: Boston's Meinert (9g, 10a, 28 pts. - prior to the August 6 match with Carolina) and Dagny Mellgren (13g, 2a, 28 pts. - prior to the August 6 match with Carolina) have both registered two goals and three assists for seven points all-time versus San Jose (Meinert - seven matches; Mellgren - eight matches). Boston's top scoring tandem in 2003 is the most prolific scoring duo in WUSA history (59 goals, 41 assists for 157 points). Midfiedler Kristine Lilly (2g, 3a, 7 pts. - prior to the August 6 match with Carolina) has scored more goals (4) versus Carolina than any other WUSA team during her career. Lilly is the only player on Boston's active roster to score a penalty kick goal for the Breakers (July 23, 2003 versus Washington). San Jose's Katia (4g, 2a, 10 pts. - prior to the August 6 match versus Atlanta) has struggled versus the Breakers, scoring a career low two goals and one assist for five points all-time (eight matches). For the third straight season, the Brazilian striker leads the CyberRays in total shots (42). Midfielder Sissi (3g, 5a, 11 pts. - prior to the August 6 match versus Atlanta) has recorded more assists versus the Breakers than any other player in San Jose history (5). Sissi is the only San Jose player to record more than 20 assists during her career (25). Goalkeeper LaKeysia Beene (7-8-3, 1.39 GAA - prior to the August 6 match versus Atlanta) holds a 2-3-3 record with a 1.25 goals against average versus Boston all-time (eight matches). Beene ranks second (behind Atlanta's Briana Scurry) all-time in WUSA shutouts (16).

Key Matchup: (Boston forward Dagny Mellgren versus San Jose defender Dianne Alagich) - Mellgren, the WUSA's all-time leading goal scorer (35), will look to lead Boston to one final victory heading into the playoffs. The Norwegian striker has registered a goal in 10 games for the Breakers this season. Alagich and the San Jose defense were able to hold Mellgren scoreless earlier this year. Mellgren is the only player in league history to record 10 or more goals in each of the first three seasons of the WUSA. Alagich anchors a defense which ranks fourth in the WUSA, allowing 1.47 goals per game in 2003.

The "Inside Scoop": San Jose enters this week, battling for the fourth and final playoff spot. A loss versus Boston (or on Wednesday versus Atlanta) will have the CyberRays watch the playoffs from home. Boston will be looking to win the season series with San Jose as well as earn a key three points en route to homefield advantage in the playoffs. The all-time series history is tied at 1-1-2 at Spartan Stadium. Referee: Thomas Perry. Assistant Referees: Emiliano Monje, Sasha Mitelman. 4th Official: Colin Arblaster.

Sunday, August 10, 2003 - New York Power at Atlanta Beat - 6:30 p.m. (ET) - Comcast Sports Southeast (Atlanta); MSG (New York); (Season Series: Atlanta leads 1-0-1) (All-time Series History: Atlanta leads 5-0-3)

Although much improved over 2002, New York was eliminated from the playoff race after losing to Boston, 3-2, on August 1. Atlanta is coming off a 3-0 loss to Philadelphia on August 2. Atlanta hammered New York 5-0 in the opening game of the 2003 season, but the club's played an even match the last time out, a 1-1 draw at Mitchel Athletic Complex on July 26.

Key Players to Watch: Atlanta's Charmaine Hooper (8g, 7a, 23 pts, 7th in the WUSA - prior to the August 6 match versus San Jose) has seven goals and one assist in eight all-time games against the Power. After scoring seven goals in her first nine games, Atlanta forward Maribel Dominguez (7g, 4a, 18 pts - prior to the August 6 match versus San Jose) has not scored in her last seven matches. Look for Dominguez, who has been bothered by tendonitis in her knees, to come on at halftime for German international Conny Pohlers. Atlanta's defense, led by goalkeeper Briana Scurry (WUSA-best 0.94 GAA - prior to the August 6 match versus San Jose), has held New York to six goals in eight all-time meetings. New York midfielder Shannon Boxx is having her best year as a pro. The defensive midfielder has thrived with the Power after two seasons in San Diego. Although New York's Tiffeny Milbrett's numbers are down slightly (5g, 6a, 16 pts.), the U.S. national team striker always presents challenges for the Beat. Look for Milbrett and Atlanta defender Sharolta Nonen to spend plenty of time mixing it up. Key Matchup: (New York defender Cheryl Salisbury vs. Atlanta forward Charmaine Hooper): Salisbury, a 6-foot defender from Australia, will have her hands full with Hooper. Hooper has tallied seven career goals against the Power. Salisbury will look to use her size and strength to contain the physical Hooper. These two players play key roles for Australia (Salisbury) and Canada (Hooper) and are two athletes to keep an eye at the 2003 Women's World Cup.

The "Inside Scoop": Atlanta has dominated this series by a 20-6 goal margin. However, the Beat will be traveling from San Jose after a Wednesday game against the CyberRays and New York only has one match this week. Atlanta struggled in a 3-0 loss against a team playing for pride (Philadelphia) on August 2. Will New York rise to the challenge? New York rookie forward Christie Welsh remains sidelined with a calf strain. Look for rookie Heather Beem to make her eighth consecutive start in Welsh's spot.

They Said it: "Atlanta is not an easy team to beat, so we are prepared for a tough battle and feel that we can meet that challenge." - New York Power Head Coach Tom Sermanni.

Referee: Misail Tsapos. Assistant Referees: Bill Dittmar, Brian D'Amato. 4th Official: Corey Rockwell. Referees: Stan Nagle, Ed Marco. 4th Official: Jason Cullum.

TEAM INJURY REPORTS AS OF 08/04/03
ATLANTA BEAT: None.
BOSTON BREAKERS: OUT -GK Tracy Ducar (articular cartilage lesion- R knee) PROBABLE - D Jena Kluegel (R foot bruise); F Ragnhild Gulbrandsen (L foot).
CAROLINA COURAGE: OUT - M Hege Riise (R ACL tear); F Danielle Fotopoulos (L ACL tear); QUESTIONABLE - D Breanna Boyd (concussion); PROBABLE -D Danielle Borgman (Shin Splints).
NEW YORK POWER: OUT - D Sara Whalen (R ACL tear); F Christie Welsh (L calf strain); F Tammy Pearman (L knee sprain).
PHILADELPHIA CHARGE: OUT - F Deliah Arrington (R ACL tear); PROBABLE - F Kelly Smith (R meniscus tear); D Heather Mitts (broken R tibia); M Pavlina Scasna (L foot tendonitis); D Alexa Borisjuk (L hamstring strain); F Trina Maso de Moya (L ankle sprain).
SAN DIEGO SPIRIT: OUT - F Shannon MacMillan (R ACL tear); M/F Allie Sullivan (L ACL tear).
SAN JOSE CYBERRAYS: OUT - F Pretinha (R ACL tear); QUESTIONABLE - D Brandi Chastain (L quad strain); PROBABLE - D Keri Sanchez (R hamstring strain); F Katia (R Hamstring strain); D Kelly Lindsey (R knee sprain).
WASHINGTON FREEDOM: OUT - D Emmy Barr (L meniscus tear); PROBABLE - M Lindsay Stoecker (L knee tendonitis).

NATIONAL TEAM DUTY AS OF 08/04/03
ATLANTA BEAT: F Conny Pohlers (Germany).
BOSTON BREAKERS: None.
CAROLINA COURAGE: None.
NEW YORK POWER: None.
PHILADELPHIA CHARGE: M Anne Makinen (Finland).
SAN DIEGO SPIRIT: None.
SAN JOSE CYBERRAYS: None.
WASHINGTON FREEDOM: D Sandra Minnert (Germany).

suspension Summary 08/04/03

Player Team Suspension Reason
None

Warning Summary 08/04/03

Player Team Reason
Christie Welsh New York Power 3 Non - Consecutive Yellow Cards Accumulated: A caution in the next game will result in a 1 game suspension =4 non- consecutive cards accumulated.

Staci Burt Carolina Courage 3 Non - Consecutive Yellow Cards Accumulated: A caution in the next game will result in a 1 game suspension =4 non- consecutive cards accumulated.

TEAM-BY-TEAM NOTES

atlanta beat: Atlanta clinched a spot in the WUSA playoffs for the third consecutive season (only WUSA team to do so) despite a lopsided 3-0 loss to Philadelphia at Villanova Stadium on Saturday, August 2...With two games left in regular season action, the Beat remains in first place in WUSA standings and needs four points to gain home-field advantage in the playoffs...Forward Charmaine Hooper leads Atlanta in goals (8), assists (7) and points (23), while ranking seventh in the WUSA in points and eighth in goals...The Canadian international has also scored two game-winning goals for the Beat this season ...With 18 points (7goals, 4 assists), Maribel Dominguez is the second leading scorer on Atlanta's roster...Dominguez is one of five WUSA players to record a hat trick this season... The Beat offense is ranked second in the WUSA (1.68 goals per game), while Atlanta's defense is ranked first (0.89 goals allowed per game)... Atlanta leads the WUSA in fouls committed (276) and fouls suffered (251)... The Beat is holding its opponents to a WUSA-low 200 shots (10.52 per game).

boston breakers: Boston held on to the second place in the WUSA standings with a 3-2 victory over New York on Friday August 1 at Mitchel Field... With the win, Boston clinched a spot in the WUSA playoffs for the first time in team history...Midfielder Kristine Lilly recorded the Boston's first goal of the evening (her second in the last three games and for the season)...The offensive duo of Dagny Mellgren and Maren Meinert are tied for first as Boston's points leaders (28 each).. they combined for two goals and three assists on Friday...Overall, the pair is responsible for more than 55 percent (56 out of 101) of points accumulated by the Breakers this season... Mellgren scored two goals on Friday, bringing her season total to 13 and further establishing herself as the WUSA's all-time leader in goals scored (35)...Meinert assisted on all three Boston goals on Friday...With 10 assists this season, Meinert leads the Breakers and ranks second in the WUSA... The Boston defense is ranked third (1.63 goal per game) while the team offense is fifth (1.53 goals allowed per game)... Boston's nine goals during the first 15 minutes of play are more than any other WUSA team this season.

carolina courage: Carolina is amidst a two-game losing streak... Despite being tied for sixth place in the WUSA, the Courage still remain only five points out of gaining admission to WUSA postseason action...Carolina fell 2-1 to San Jose on Wednesday, July 30 and then again to San Diego 1-0 on Sunday, August 3...The 2002 Founders Cup Champions are 7-8-3 this season and are 5-3-2 in the last 10 games...With two games left in regular season competition, the Courage must win its last two games and hope for San Diego and San Jose (the other two teams vying for the last available spot in the playoffs) to lose...Defender Danielle Slaton scored Carolina's lone goal last week, bringing her season total to two... The Courage defense is ranked sixth (1.63 goals allowed per game) in the WUSA, the team offense ranks fifth (1.58 goals per game)... Carolina averages a WUSA-high 1.89 goals per game on the road (tied with Boston)

new york power: New York suffered a 3-0 loss to Boston at Mitchel Athletic Complex on Friday, August 1...This is the second consecutive year the Power has not made the playoffs, as they are the second team in the WUSA to be eliminated from hopes of postseason action (the Philadelphia Charge was eliminated last week) after San Diego's victory over Carolina on Sunday, August 3...Defender Cheryl Salisbury scored the first Power goal of the evening, the third of her WUSA career...The Australian national team star has registered three goals in the last four games...Midfielder Emily Janss recorded New York's second goal of the game ...Janss' goal was her fourth of the season and the 13th of her WUSA career... Forward Tiffeny Milbrett notched an assist on Friday, bringing her season total to five goals and six assists for 16 points, Power's leading scorer this season...The Power defense ranks last in the WUSA (2.10 goals allowed per game), while the offense ranks fourth (1.6 goals per game)... New York has allowed 14 goals during the 76th-90th minute timeframe, more than any other team.

philadelphia charge: The Philadelphia Charge defeated Atlanta 3-0 on Saturday, August 2 at Villanova Stadium...Despite being eliminated from postseason action last week, the Charge rallied against Atlanta, scoring three goals in just under 40 minutes...Forward Marinette Pichon scored the first and third goals of the match for Philadelphia...,Pichon brought her season goal tally to nine, ranking her first among Charge players and sixth overall in the WUSA...With 26 points this season, Pichon is responsible for scoring more than 30 percent of Philadelphia's total points this year...Defender Heather Mitts, who missed six games with a broken tibia, started in her second match since returning from her injury... The Philadelphia defense ranks seventh in the league (2.05 goals allowed per game) and the offense ranks sixth (1.42 goals per game).

san diego spirit: San Diego sits in fourth place in the WUSA after outshooting Carolina 22-10 in a 1-0 victory over the Courage at Torero Stadium on Sunday, August 3...With one game left in regular season competition, the Spirit likely faces a "must win" situation on August 10...San Diego needs two points to clinch the fourth spot in the WUSA playoffs and therefore must beat Washington on Saturday in order to secure the teams' first ever postseason appearance...A loss or a tie by both Carolina and San Jose on August 6 would also result in the Spirit clinching a playoff spot...Forward Julie Fleeting scored San Diego's lone goal of the game against Carolina, bringing her season total to 10...The Scottish striker is only the second player in Spirit history to score 10 or more goals in one season (joining Shannon MacMillan who scored 12 goals in 2001)...Fleeting leads the Spirit in goals (10), assists (4) and points (24) and is responsible for scoring nearly thirty percent of the Spirit's points this season...Fleeting's goal was assisted by Brazilian midfielder Daniela (her second of the season)...The Spirit is 7-6-7 this season, and has gone 4-3-3 in the last 10 games...The San Diego defense ranks second in the WUSA (1.25 goals allowed per game) while the team's offense ranks seventh (1.25 goals per game)... San Diego leads the WUSA in total shots (277, 13.85 per game) and shots against 260, 13.00 per game).

san jose cyberrays: San Jose went 1-1 last week, beating Carolina 2-1 at SAS Stadium on Wednesday, July 30, and suffering the team's most lopsided defeat in club history in a 5-0 loss to Washington at RFK Stadium on Saturday, August 2...With two home games left in the regular season, the CyberRays need two wins to keep playoff hopes alive...A loss or a tie against Atlanta on August 6 would eliminate San Jose from playoff contention...Defender Dianna Alagich scored the CyberRays' only goal in the last two games...A three-year WUSA veteran, the goal was Alagich's first of her WUSA career...The CyberRays have one of the most injury-plagued rosters in the WUSA...Brandi Chastain is questionable to play this week and has missed the last five games due to a quad strain and San Jose has gone 2-3-1 without her...Team scoring leader Pretinha is out due to a season-ending ACL tear and three others, Keri Sanchez (right hamstring strain), Katia (right hamstring strain) and Kelly Lindsey (right knee sprain), are all experiencing nagging injuries...The San Jose defense is ranked fourth (1.47 goals allowed per game) while the defense is ranked last (1.16 goals per game).

washington freedom: Washington crushed San Jose 5-0 at RFK Stadium on Saturday, August 2 as the Freedom clinched a spot in the WUSA playoffs for the second consecutive season... Forward Mia Hamm recorded her first WUSA career hat trick against San Jose on Saturday, the fifth player to do so this season...Hamm is currently the league's points (33) and assists leader (11) and is third in goals (11)...Hamm's 11 assists are the most by a Freedom player in a single season...Forward Abby Wambach registered two goals versus San Jose on Saturday... The 2002 Rookie of the Year leads the league in goals scored (13) and has combined with Hamm to be the most potent duo in the league this season (24 goals, 17 assists, 65 points)... The two lead Washington's top ranked offense (2.05 goals per game) and are responsible for nearly 55 percent (65 of 120) of Washington's points this season...The Freedom is currently 9-6-4 and boast the third best defense in the WUSA with 1.42 goals allowed per game... Washington has scored 11 goals in the 76th-90th minute timeframe, the only WUSA team to score double digits during those 15 minutes... The Freedom is 8-0-1 when scoring first in 2003.

• Discuss this story on the Women's United Soccer Association message board...

Women's United Soccer Association Stories from August 4, 2003

• Three Teams Clinch, One Spot Left - WUSA
• Beat Looks to Clinch Home Field & Gain Momentum for Playoffs - Atlanta Beat
• Hamm Named Player of the Week - WUSA

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