Washington Freedom 1, Philadelphia Charge 1
June 8, 2002 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) News Release
VILLANOVA, PA - A goal by Marinette Pichon in the 87th minute was the equalizer as the Philadelphia Charge (5-1-2, 17 pts.) tied the Washington Freedom (2-4-3, 9 pts.) 1-1 on Saturday afternoon at Villanova Stadium.
Playing without Kelly Smith (torn ACL in her right knee), the Charge was able to remain undefeated at home (2-0-2) this season with the draw.
Washington took a 1-0 lead in the 40th minute after Jennifer Grubb had successfully converted a penalty kick. The PK was the result of Philadelphia goalkeeper Melissa Moore taking down Freedom forward Jacqui Little in the box. The goal snapped the Freedom's two-game scoreless streak. The score was Grubb's first of the season.
Pichon scored the equalizer in the 87th minute for the Charge. On a direct free kick, Jen Tietjen curled a ball into the area, finding a wide-open Pichon behind the Washington defense. The Charge forward fired the ball to the right of goalkeeper Siri Mullinix, preventing Philadelphia from being held scoreless in two straight matches for the first time in the club's history. The goal was the fourth of the season for Pichon.
Despite allowing the game-tying goal Mullinix played spectacular for the Freedom between the pipes. This week's WUSA Player of the Week held the league's highest scoring offense scoreless for the first 86 minutes. Mullinix recorded six saves (five versus Pichon) in the match. Pichon, who recorded a match-high six shots on goal, was unable to get the ball past Mullinix through the first five tries.
Washington defender Steffi Jones made her WUSA debut. The German star made an immediate impact on the field for the Freedom, disrupting Philadelphia's attack in the midfield throughout the match.
Women's United Soccer Association Stories from June 8, 2002
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