Two Charge Players Named to National Team

Published on April 10, 2002 under Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA)
Philadelphia Charge News Release


PHILADELPHIA, PA (Wednesday, April 10) - Philadelphia Charge forward Mandy Clemens and midfielder Lorrie Fair were named to the U.S. Women's National Team today as part of the 18-member roster that will face Finland on April 27 at Spartan Stadium in San Jose, CA.

Clemens' selection is her first since joining the Charge and, if she plays, will be her fifth appearance with the national team overall. The 23-year-old is poised for a breakout year with Philadelphia, which finished fourth in the WUSA last season. Clemens is one of only three new additions to a roster that played in the Algarve Cup in Portugal at the beginning of March.

Clemens, the all-time leader in goals, assists and points at Santa Clara University, will be playing not far from her hometown of San Diego. A former first-team All American, she played in 20 of Philadelphia's games last season and ranked second on the team in scoring with five goals and three assists for 13 points. Clemens is widely considered by many to be an up and coming star in the league.

Already established as one of the WUSA's top players, Fair has 97 career caps with the national team. The 23-year-old Los Altos, CA native has been a fixture on the national club and one of its top players over the last few years. She was the youngest member of the 1999 World Cup championship team and brings a wealth of experience to a young Charge squad. Last season, Fair tallied a goal and two assists while fighting through an injury to assert herself as the team's cog in the middle.

"This proves the talent of our team," head coach Mark Krikorian said. "We have players on this squad who can compete at an international level and succeed. Of course we will miss Mandy and Lorrie for our game against New York, but to have players with international experience on our roster can only help us in the long run."

By making the national team roster, Clemens and Fair will not be able to travel with the Charge to New York for Philadelphia's second game of the year, which will be played on Saturday, April 27 starting at 7 p.m.

The match versus Finland, the USA's second contest of the year, will be broadcast live on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. The day will mark the first time in history that the U.S. Women's National Team and the WUSA combine for a doubleheader with the San Jose Cyberrays hosting the Carolina Courage earlier in the day at 4:30 p.m.

The Philadelphia Charge's season commences this Saturday, April 13 at 7:00 p.m. in Atlanta against the Beat and can be seen live locally on CN8. The club's home opener is Saturday, May 4 at 7 p.m. against the Boston Breakers at Villanova Stadium. For group or season ticket information call 215-467-GOAL.



Women's United Soccer Association Stories from April 10, 2002


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