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Who Will Clinch First?

July 28, 2003 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) News Release


ATLANTA (Monday, July 28, 2003) - The 2003 Women's United Soccer Association continues to feature a tight playoff race, as seven teams remain in the hunt for four playoff berths and a shot at the Founders Cup III title. With only 13 days remaining in the regular season, the race remains wide open. The Atlanta Beat, Boston Breakers and Washington Freedom can each clinch a playoff berth this week, while Philadelphia will be watching the postseason on PAX or ESPN2 as the Charge was officially eliminated from the playoff race on July 26.

A look at the current WUSA playoff picture follows:

Team GP W L T Pts. GF GA Diff. YCP RCP Magic Number
1) Atlanta Beat 18 9 3 6 33 32 14 18 100 10 1 (4 homefield)
2) Boston Breakers** 18 7 4 7 28 28 27 1 60 10 5 (9 homefield)
3) Washington Freedom** 18 8 5 4 28 34 27 7 75 20 5 (10 homefield)
4) San Diego Spirit* 19 6 6 7 25 24 25 -1 115 10 8 (13 homefield)
5) New York Power* 19 7 8 4 25 30 39 -9 80 0 1 point out
6) Carolina Courage 17 7 7 3 24 29 28 1 65 0 2 points out
7) San Jose CyberRays 17 6 8 3 21 20 22 -2 95 10 5 points out
8) z-Philadelphia Charge 18 3 11 4 13 23 39 -15 60 10 ---

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

* - San Diego wins tie-breaker in head-to-head competition with New York (2-0-1). **-Boston wins tie-breaker in head-to-head competition with Washington (1-0-2).

ATLANTA BEAT: A one-point swing is all Atlanta needs to officially qualify for the playoffs. Atlanta could secure a postseason berth as early as Wednesday, July 30 since a tie or a loss by San Jose on Wednesday at Carolina will result in the Beat clinching a playoff spot. The Beat's caliber of remaining opponents is favorable, as Atlanta is 3-1-2 this season against New York, Philadelphia and San Jose (the Beat's three remaining opponents). Currently three games into a five-match road trip, Atlanta is 1-0-2 in those three matches away from Herndon Stadium.

"One thing people really underestimate in this league is the psychological aspect of teams on their last leg," said Atlanta Head Coach Tom Stone after the Beat tied New York on Saturday, July 26. "If you look around the league, almost every time a scenario develops when a team is on its last leg, they get points."

BOSTON BREAKERS: The Breakers had a chance to gain some ground on the rest of the field last week, but two ties by Kristine Lilly and company have four teams within four points of the Breakers. Boston has two of its three remaining matches on the road where the Breakers are a respectable 3-2-3 in 2003. Boston's success against its remaining opponents (3-2-1 vs. Car., NY, SJ) and club's road success in 2003 (after winning just one road game in 2002) provide a bright outlook for the Breakers to qualify for their first WUSA postseason. If Boston sputters and ends up tied with other contenders, the club will likely secure a postseason berth as the Breakers have already clinched their season series against Washington (1-0-2), San Diego (1-0-2) and are 1-1-0 against Carolina and 1-1-0 against New York. A win on Friday against the Power would make a major impact in the Breakers' postseason plans. After tying a WUSA record with seven draws, Boston hopes to secure three points against New York.

"I realize we have been tying a lot, but we're still in good shape with three games left in the season,'' Boston Head Coach Pia Sundhage said after Sunday evening's 1-1 draw at San Jose.

WASHINGTON FREEDOM: A tie and a victory last week increased the Freedom's likelihood of qualifying for the playoffs. Freedom forwards Abby Wambach and Mia Hamm are tearing it up, as the two rank 1-2 in WUSA scoring. Washington has the WUSA's highest scoring offense, but two of the Freedom's remaining three opponents (San Jose - 2nd, San Diego - 3rd) are among the WUSA's stingiest defenses. Washington is 3-1-2 against its remaining opponents (Philadelphia is the third), but two of the three remaining games are on the road where Washington is 3-4-2 in 2003.

"For us to get into the playoffs, we have to take and prepare for every one of our remaining three games as a playoff game - because it's going to be tight," said Washington Freedom Head Coach Jim Gabarra, following the Freedom's decisive 2-0 win over San Diego at RFK this weekend. "We need to get as many points as we can - right now - and carry a winning form into the playoffs."

SAN DIEGO SPIRIT: San Diego's postseason chances looked solid before going 0-1-1 last week. One of two teams with just two games remaining (New York is the other), San Diego needs some positive results. Fortunately for the Spirit, both remaining matches are at home where the club is 4-2-3 (as opposed to a 2-4-4 road mark). San Diego is 1-1-0 against each of the Spirit's two remaining opponents, Washington and Carolina. San Diego is 5-1-1 in games played before 6 p.m. in 2003 and 1-5-6 in games starting after 6 p.m. The Spirit's final two games are daylight games, taking place at 5 p.m. and 1 p.m. The Spirit likely need four points (a win and a tie) in the final two matches to qualify for the postseason.

"We just have to win our two games at home," San Diego Head Coach Omid Namazi said. "If we win those two games at home, we get to the playoffs. Now we've made it so difficult for ourselves. We've had plenty of opportunities, but haven't been able to take advantage of them."

NEW YORK POWER: Following a 0-3 start and numerous injuries, New York is very upbeat heading into the club's final two matches. Similar to San Diego, the Power likely needs at least four points in the club's final two games to secure a playoff berth. New York has an uphill battle as a home match against Boston and a road game at Atlanta conclude the Power's regular season. The Power is 1-2-1 this year against the Breakers and Beat. After missing five regulars in the July 26 1-1 draw with Atlanta, New York should be close to fielding a full lineup on Friday, August 1 at Boston. Even with a positive result against Boston, the Power will likely need a road win at Atlanta on August 10, the final match of the WUSA 2003 regular season.

"If someone said to me after the first three games that with two games to go you're still going to be in the hunt for the top four, I would have been delighted," New York Head Coach Tom Sermanni said.

CAROLINA COURAGE: Most experts had written off Carolina after a 0-4 start and season-ending injuries to two key players (Hege Riise and Danielle Fotopoulos). However, Carolina is the WUSA's hottest team in the last 10 games, going 6-2-2 during that span. Since taking over the starting forward position vacated when Fotopoulos tore her ACL June 25, Venus James has picked up the scoring load for the Courage. James has scored four goals in the five matches since Fotopoulos went down (after scoring one goal in 11 games prior to Fotopolous' injury). One of only two teams with four games remaining (San Jose is the other), Carolina's chances look good if the club continues its strong play. Carolina has two games at home (San Jose and Philadelphia) and two road matches (San Diego and Boston).

"We ask a lot of players to step up," Courage Head Coach Jay Entlich said. "It takes 100 percent of the team. It's been an overall team effort. [Venus James] has played extremely well over the last couple of weeks. It's great to see her out there. Our entire team has stepped up and battled back."

SAN JOSE CYBERRAYS: Despite missing Brandi Chastain (quadriceps strain) for the last three matches and Pretinha (torn ACL) the last two games, San Jose remains in the playoff hunt. Though they are seventh in the WUSA, the league race is so tight that the CyberRays could still finish as high as first if they win their remaining four games. Four victories would clinch a playoff spot, but depending on what happens elsewhere in the league, the CyberRays could finish as low as fourth. Along with Carolina, San Jose has four games remaining, while the other six clubs have two or three remaining matches. However, all four of San Jose's remaining games are against clubs higher in the standings. San Jose hits the road this week, playing at Carolina on July 30 and visiting Washington on August 2. The CyberRays are 2-6-1 on the road in 2003, the second worst road mark in the league. Known for creating many scoring chances, San Jose has struggled to finish those opportunities. The CyberRays are scoring a WUSA-low 1.18 goals per game.

"There are still plenty of games left," San Jose Head Coach Ian Sawyers said following a 1-1 draw against Boston on July 27. "Some people just have to step up and do the job they're getting paid to do."

PHILADELPHIA CHARGE: Philadelphia was officially eliminated from the playoff race on Saturday, July 26, marking the first time Mark Krikorian's club has not qualified for the postseason. The Charge qualified for the playoffs in each of the WUSA's first two seasons.

"Every game is about playing with pride," midfielder Lorrie Fair said. "We have a chance now to be a spoiler. You play to win. We have a chance to show what we can do about teams ahead of us."

WOMAN ON A MISSION: WASHINGTON'S ABBY WAMBACH: Once considered to be "on the bubble" regarding her chances of making the U.S. World Cup roster, Washington Freedom forward Abby Wambach is doing everything she can to ensure a spot on April Heinrich's roster for World Cup USA 2003 in September and October. The 2002 WUSA Rookie of the Year scored six goals and added one assist during the month of July to lead all WUSA players with 13 points. The youngest of seven children, Wambach is tied with Boston's Dagny Mellgren for the WUSA lead in goals (11) and ranks second to teammate Mia Hamm in total points with 26. After the 5-foot-10 Rochester, NY native scored just one goal in her first four games, she has 10 goals in her last 11 outings. Her efforts are being watched closely by Heinrichs, including the recent July 26 match that the U.S. national team head coach attended at RFK Stadium.

"All I can really worry about is how I perform and what I can do," Wambach said. "Everything else is out of my control. I can't tell April to put me on the roster. All I can do is play the best soccer I can and make it hard for her to keep me off the roster."

THE BRAZILIAN STREAK ENDS: An impressive streak by a trio of talented Brazilian players that covered 365 calendar days ended Sunday, July 27. For one year (21 games), all 27 goals by the CyberRays were either scored or assisted on by one of the three Brazilian internationals, Katia, Pretinha and Sissi. Keri Sanchez notched the assist on Tisha Venturini-Hoch's goal against Boston in a 1-1 tie Sunday. The previous goal without Brazilian input was July 27, 2002, when Lisa Nañez scored the first goal unassisted in a 4-1 victory over New York.

With Pretinha suffering a season-ending knee injury, San Jose will need scoring from its two remaining Brazilian stars and the American-born players to make a run at the playoffs. The team has scored 20 goals this season, last in the league, but could still qualify for the playoffs with a late charge during the final four games.

Ties as good as wins?: The Boston Breakers and San Diego Sprit both tied the league record last week with seven draws. Boston tied Washington 2-2 on Wednesday and San Jose 1-1 on Sunday. San Diego and New York tied on Wednesday. It's the second time that both San Diego and Boston have notched seven ties in a season. Atlanta, the only other team to do it, is also the only seven-tie team to make the playoffs with a 10-4-7 mark in 2001. Sevens were unlucky for San Diego in 2001 as a 7-7-7 record left the Sprit three points out of the playoffs. Boston's 6-8-7 record in 2002 left the Breakers in sixth place, nine points off the playoff pace. Neither Boston nor San Diego has qualified for the WUSA playoffs in its first two seasons. Sitting in second place at 7-4-7, the Breakers are primed to make the playoffs, if they can add another win or tie in their final three games. Ties may not get it done for the 6-6-7 Spirit, who sit precariously in the fourth playoff position, with three teams within four points.

Most coaches will agree that a tie is a positive on the road and a negative at home which explains why the Atlanta Beat lead the WUSA standings. The Beat has six ties, with five coming on the road (2-1-5). A 7-2-1 home record has the Beat thinking about homefield advantage in the playoffs. WUSA Game Previews (Week 18)

Wednesday, July 30, 2003 - San Jose CyberRays at Carolina Courage - 7:00 p.m. (ET) - No TV; (Season Series: San Jose leads 2-0-0) (All-time Series History: San Jose leads 5-3-0)

The sixth and seventh place teams in the WUSA each have the opportunity to take a major step toward securing a playoff berth if they can garner three points. Carolina is coming off a 3-1 win at Philadelphia on July 26. San Jose's last result was a 1-1 draw at home against Boston on July 27. San Jose defeated Carolina 2-0 on June 25 in the last meeting between these two clubs.

Key Players to Watch: San Jose's offense is led by Brazilian's Sissi (3g, 5a, 11 pts) and Katia (3g, 2a, 8 pts), while U.S. national team players Thori Bryan, Brandi Chastain and LaKeysia Beene (1.19 GAA is second in the WUSA) anchor the back. However, Chastain has missed the last three games with a quadriceps strain and is questionable for Wednesday. Carolina's Birgit Prinz (10g, 3a, 23 pts. - tied for 5th among WUSA scoring leaders) is one of the most dominant forwards in the game. Also, former CyberRay Venus James (5g, 1a, 11 pts) has scored four goals in her last five games since Fotopoulos went down. Carolina defensive midfielder Tiffany Roberts is the key to the Courage limiting Sissi and Tisha Venturini-Hoch in the middle of the field.

Key Matchup: (San Jose midfielder Tisha Venturini-Hoch versus Carolina defensive midfielder Tiffany Roberts) - Venturini-Hoch is always on against Carolina and has scored four of her 11 career goals against the Courage. Venturini-Hoch has two goals and one assist in her last three WUSA games. Both know each other well from their days as members of the U.S. national team that won gold at the 1996 Olympic Games and took home the 1999 World Cup title.

The "Inside Scoop": The season series between these two teams has always been a sweep, the CyberRays winning all three in 2001 and the Courage winning all three last season. San Jose won both previous games this season, and both were played at Spartan Stadium. The CyberRays have never won nor led at SAS Stadium, although they won 2-1 at Fetzer Field in Chapel Hill in 2001. Carolina will look to score early on San Jose, as the CyberRays have struggled early in games, scoring a WUSA-low two goals in the first 30 minutes of all matches in 2003. Carolina's Birgit Prinz has seven shots in two games this year against San Jose, but the German international has not scored against the CyberRays in 2003. Prinz had three goals and one assist in two games in 2002 against San Jose.

They Said it: "We're in a hole. We need all the points. We've got to get after these two teams.'' - San Jose Head Coach Ian Sawyers on the importance of the CyberRays matches at Carolina and Washington this week.

Referee: Rachel Woo. Assistant Referees: Karalee Sutton, Mike Stutt. 4th Official: Sandra Serafini.

Friday, August 1, 2003 - Boston Breakers at New York Power - 7:00 p.m. (ET) - MSG (New York); (Season Series: Series tied 1-1-0) (All-time Series History: Series tied 4-4-0)2-2

Boston earned two points last week, tying both Washington (2-2) on Wednesday, July 23 at Nickerson Field and San Jose (1-1) on Sunday, July 27 at Spartan Stadium. New York kept its playoff hopes alive after tying both San Diego (1-1) on Wednesday, July 23 at Torero Stadium and Atlanta (1-1) on Saturday, July 26 at Mitchel Athletic Complex. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 2-1 victory for the Breakers on June 25, 2003 at Nickerson Field. Midfielder Angela Hucles scored her first goal of the season to lead Boston past New York.

Key Players to Watch: Boston's Maren Meinert (9g, 7a, 25 pts. - 3rd among WUSA scoring leaders) recorded a goal and an assist last week to tie New York's Tiffeny Milbrett as the all-time leading scorer in WUSA history (78 pts.). Meinert has had more success versus the Power than any other team during her WUSA career (6g, 6a, 18 pts. in seven matches). Forward Dagny Mellgren (11g, 2a, 24 pts. - 4th among WUSA scoring leaders) has scored more goals versus New York than any other Boston player in team history (7 goals in 6 games). Mellgren has tallied four goals in her last four games. Goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc (7-4-7, 1.50 GAA) is the only WUSA 'keeper to play every minute of every match for her squad this season (1,620). LeBlanc holds a 4-1-0 record with a 1.60 goals against average versus New York all-time (five matches). New York's Milbrett (5g, 5a, 15 pts.) scored her team's lone goal in the July 23 tie with San Diego but missed the Power's last match due to a right hamstring strain. Milbrett is New York's all-time leading scorer versus the Breakers (6g, 5a, 17 pts. - eight matches). Midfielder Shannon Boxx (1g, 7a, 9 pts.) registered her first goal as a member of the Power on July 26 versus Atlanta. Boxx is one assist from tying New York's record for assists in a single season (8 by Milbrett in 2002). Goalkeeper Carly Smolak (3-5-1, 2.83 GAA) recorded four saves to help guide the Power to a 1-1 draw with Atlanta on July 26. Boston is the only team that Smolak has recorded two or more victories against during her WUSA career.

Key Matchup: (Boston defender Kate Sobrero versus New York forward Tiffeny Milbrett) - Sobrero will have her hands full trying to keep Milbrett off the score sheet. Milbrett has scored six goals and added five assists against Boston in eight games. Milbrett assisted on two goals the first time these two teams met.

The "Inside Scoop": In the eight meetings between both teams, no game has ended in a tie. The 2003 season series will mark the first time that neither team would sweep as both teams have recorded victories this season. In 2001, New York won all three matches, outscoring Boston 10-5. In 2002, Boston swept the season series, outscoring the Power 11-4. New York has now gone five games without a home loss (new club record). Both Meinert (Boston) and Milbrett (New York) are tied for the all-time lead in scoring in the WUSA (78 pts.).

They Said it: "Boston is a very good offensive club, that can score a lot of goals. They are playing real well right now and should be a good test for us." - New York Power Head Coach Tom Sermanni on Boston.

Referee: Tony Russo. Assistant Referees: Karaleee Sutton, Steve Karaduzovic. 4th Official: Christopher Price.

Saturday, August 2, 2003 - San Jose CyberRays at Washington Freedom - 4:00 p.m. (ET) - PAX TV (National Broadcast); (Season Series: Washington leads 1-0-1) (All-time Series History: Washington leads 4-3-1)

San Jose will enter its game with Washington coming off a midweek matchup with Carolina on Wednesday, July 30 at SAS Stadium. Washington earned four points last week with a 2-2 tie versus Boston on Wednesday, July 23 at Nickerson Field and a 2-0 victory over San Diego on Saturday, July 26 at RFK Stadium. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 2-2 tie on June 22, 2003 at RFK Stadium. San Jose's Pretinha registered two goals to earn the CyberRays a point on the road.

Key Players to Watch: San Jose's Katia (3g, 5a, 11 pts. - prior to the July 30 match versus Carolina) has scored more goals versus the Freedom than any other WUSA club during her career (5 goals in 7 games). Katia became the first player in WUSA history to record 200 shots after notching six on July 27 versus Boston. Defender Keri Sanchez (1g, 5a, 7 pts. - prior to the July 30 match versus Carolina) notched her fifth assist of the 2003 season on July 27. Prior to this season, Sanchez' had only one assist. Goalkeeper LaKeysia Beene (6-7-3, 1.19 GAA - prior to the July 30 match versus Carolina) became the first 'keeper in WUSA history to record more than 5,000 minutes (5,008). Beene has played in more WUSA matches than any other netminder in league history (56). Washington's Mia Hamm (8g, 11a, 27 pts. - 1st among WUSA scoring leaders) became the third player in WUSA history to record 20 goal and 20 assists in her career after 20th assist on Saturday, July 26. Hamm has already tied her career single-season high for goals with eight and has shattered her single-season mark in both assists (11 - previous 6 in 2002) and points (27 - previous 22 in 2002). Forward Abby Wambach (11 g, 4a, 26 pts. - 2nd among WUSA scoring leaders) has set the team mark for goals in single season after notching her 11th on July 26. Wambach tallied six goals and one assist during the month of July (six matches). Goalkeeper Siri Mullinix (8-4-4, 1.25 GAA) registered her career-high eighth win of the season on July 26. Mullinix is the fourth player in WUSA history to record 20 or more wins during her career.

Key Matchup: (San Jose defender Thori Bryan versus Washington forward Abby Wambach) - Wambach, one of the most dangerous strikers in the WUSA, is averaging a league-leading 1.73 points per game in 2003. The Freedom forward has scored six goals and one assist in her last six matches with Washington. Bryan and the CyberRays defense are ranked second in the WUSA, averaging 1.29 goals per game allowed.

The "Inside Scoop": Washington will be looking to win the season series with San Jose as the Freedom head into this matchup leading 1-0-1 over the CyberRays in 2003. The Freedom is unbeaten in its last three meetings with San Jose (2-0-1). Washington Forwards Mai Hamm and Abby Wambach are ranked first and second respectively among the WUSA scoring leaders. The two have combined for 54 points this season (17 points less than the entire San Jose team - 71 pts.).

Referee: Misail Tsapos. Assistant Referees: Ken Kaplan, Kim Oberle. 4th Official: Andrew Chapin.

Saturday, August 2, 2003 - Atlanta Beat at Philadelphia Charge - 7:00 p.m. (ET) - No TV; (Season Series: Atlanta leads 2-0-0) (All-time Series History: Atlanta leads 4-2-2)

Atlanta battled New York to a 1-1 draw on Saturday, July 26 at Mitchel Athletic Complex. Philadelphia was eliminated from playoff contention with a 3-1 loss to Carolina on Saturday, July 26 Villanova Stadium. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 1-0 victory for Atlanta on July 16, 2003 at Villanova Stadium. Forward Conny Pohlers notched the game's only goal as the Beat went on to clinch the season series with the Charge.

Key Players to Watch: Atlanta's Charmaine Hooper (8g, 7a, 23 pts. - tied for 5th among WUSA scoring leaders) notched her eighth goal of the season on Saturday, July 26 to give the Canadian international 75 points during her WUSA career (fourth player in league history to accomplish this feat). Philadelphia is the only team in which Hooper has not tallied a goal against during her WUSA career (eight matches). Forward Cindy Parlow (3g, 5a, 13 pts.) has had more success versus the Charge than any other team during her WUSA career (4g, 1a, 9 pts. in seven matches). Parlow recorded her first-ever WUSA hat trick versus Philadelphia on June 22. Goalkeeper Briana Scurry (8-3-5, 0.81 GAA) holds a 4-2-2 record with a 1.00 goals against average, including four shutouts versus the Charge all-time (eight matches). Scurry holds the WUSA mark for career shutouts with 20. Philadelphia's Marinette Pichon (10g, 2a, 22 pts. - tied for 7th among WUSA scoring leaders) has been held scoreless in her last four matches (tying her career high). Pichon is Philadelphia's all-time leading scorer versus the Beat (3g, 1a, 7 pts. in five matches). Midfielder/forward Melanie Hoffmann (5g, 5a, 15 pts.) is the only player on Philadelphia's active roster (other than Pichon) to record five or more goals in a season. Hoffmann's five assists lead the team this season. Forward Emily Burt (1g, 1a, 3 pts.) scored her first goal of the 2003 season on Saturday, July 26. Burt, a former member of the Beat, played 32 games for Atlanta, recording two goals and seven assists.

Key Matchup: (Atlanta defender Nancy Augustyniak versus Philadelphia forward Marinette Pichon) - Augustyniak has been a consistent performer on the back line for Atlanta. The WUSA all-star has helped lead Atlanta to eight shutouts this season and the league's best defense. She's had some great battles with the game's top forwards and will look to stop the reigning WUSA Most Valuable Player, Pichon. The French international has 10 goals and 2 assists and is one of the most creative and dangerous players in the league.

The "Inside Scoop": Atlanta has won three straight over the Charge. With a win or tie over Philadelphia, the Beat will clinch a spot in the playoffs (if Atlanta has not already clinched from Wednesday's results). Atlanta holds the league's all-time best road winning percentage (12-9-8, .552). Philadelphia has won only one match at Villanova Stadium in 2003 (1-4-3). Atlanta has already clinched the season series with the Charge (2-0-0). Philadelphia's Marinette Pichon has been held scoreless in her last four games (tying longest scoreless streak during her WUSA career).

They Said it: "Even though they've been eliminated from the playoffs, the Charge is still a very proud team and now they're just getting some of their best players back. Now they'll be playing for pride and some redemption. We've beaten them in both games this season, so I'm sure they'll want to come out and play their best to get one back."- Atlanta Beat Head Coach Tom Stone on Philadelphia.

Referee: Rachel Woo. Assistant Referees: Brenda Wright, Adam Smeltz. 4th Official: Stan Nagle.

Sunday, August 3, 2003 - Carolina Courage at San Diego Spirit -8:00 p.m. (ET) - Cox 4 (San Diego); Triangle TV (Carolina); (Season Series: Series tied 1-1-0) (All-time Series History: Carolina leads 5-1-2)

Carolina enters its match with San Diego coming off a midweek match with San Jose on Wednesday, July 30 at SAS Stadium. San Diego tied New York (1-1) on Wednesday, July 23 at Torero Stadium and fell to Washington 2-0 on Saturday, July 26 at RFK Stadium. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 1-0 victory for the Courage on July 19, 2003 at SAS Stadium. Defender Nel Fettig registered the only goal of the match (her second of the season) 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 July 30 match versus San Jose) has been held to her lowest point total during her WUSA career by San Diego (1g, 2a, 4 pts.). Prinz is one of nine players to record 20 or more goals during her career. Carolina's Fettig (2g, 2a, 6 pts. - prior to the July 30 match versus San Jose) has scored two goals this season, both of which were game-winning (including July 19 game-winner versus San Diego). Fettig has equaled her single-season high for goals with two (also in 2001). Goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill (7-4-3, 1.43 GAA - prior to the July 30 match versus San Jose) notched her first-ever victory over Philadelphia on July 26. Luckenbill holds a 4-1-2 record with a 0.82 goals against average all-time versus San Diego (seven matches). San Diego's Julie Fleeting (9g, 4a, 22 pts. - tied for 7th among WUSA scoring leaders) will be looking for her first career goal versus the Courage. Fleeting is only the second Spirit player (Shannon MacMillan - 2001 - is the other) to register 20 or more points in a single season. Forward Christine Latham (5g, 2a, 12 pts.) has scored four goals during the month of July. The Canadian international hopes to reister her first WUSA point versus the Courage. Midfielder Aly Wagner (2g, 3a, 7 pts.) leads the Spirit in game-winning assists this season (2). Wagner registered her first-career WUSA goal versus the Courage (5/24/03).

Key Matchup: (Carolina forward Birgit Prinz versus San Diego defender Joy Fawcett) - Prinz, Carolina's leading scorer in 2003, averages 1.44 points per game this season. The German international tallied her 10th goal of the season on July 26 and is two goals shy of tying her team-record 12 goals in one season. Fawcett anchors a defense which ranks third in the WUSA in team defense (1.32 goals per game allowed). San Diego has given Prinz more trouble than any other team, holding her to a career low four points (1g, 2a).

The "Inside Scoop": This will be the deciding match of the season series as both teams earned a victory at SAS Stadium this season. San Diego is winless versus the Courage all-time at Torero Stadium (1-0-2). One point separates these two teams in the race for a spot in the playoffs, heading into this week's action. San Diego has never shut out Carolina while the Courage has notched three shutouts versus the Spirit.

Referee: Sandra Hunt. Assistant Referees: Fabio Tovar, Raymundo Prisco. 4th Official: Kia Dehpanah. Referee: Todd Perry. Assistant Referees: Stan Nagle, Ed Marco. 4th Official: Jason Cullum.

TEAM INJURY REPORTS AS OF 07/28/03
ATLANTA BEAT: PROBABLE - F Abby Crumpton (Groin).
BOSTON BREAKERS: OUT -GK Tracy Ducar (tendinitis in both knees); PROBABLE - D Jena Kluegel (R foot bruise); M Stepahnie Mugneret-Beghe (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); QUESTIONABLE - F Tiffeny Milbrett (R hamstring strain); M/D Kristy Whelchel (knee strain).
PHILADELPHIA CHARGE: OUT - F Trina Maso de Moya (L ankle sprain); QUESTIONABLE - F Kelly Smith (R meniscus tear); F Deliah Arrington (R ACL tear); D Heather Mitts (broken R tibia); M Pavlina Scasna (L foot tendonitis); D Alexa Borisjuk (L hamstring strain); M Erin Misaki (R groin strain).
SAN DIEGO SPIRIT: OUT - F Shannon MacMillan (R ACL tear); M/F Allie Sullivan (L ACL tear); PROBABLE - F Julie Fleeting (slight concussion).
SAN JOSE CYBERRAYS: OUT - F Pretinha (R ACL tear); 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 - D Lindsay Stoecker (L knee tendonitis); D - Sandra Minnert (L knee strain).

NATIONAL TEAM DUTY AS OF 07/28/03
ATLANTA BEAT: None.
BOSTON BREAKERS: F Ragnhild Gulbrandsen (Norway)
CAROLINA COURAGE: None.
NEW YORK POWER: M Anita Rapp (Norway)
PHILADELPHIA CHARGE: None.
SAN DIEGO SPIRIT: None.
SAN JOSE CYBERRAYS: None.
WASHINGTON FREEDOM: None.

suspension Summary 07/28/03

Player Team Suspension Reason

None

Warning Summary 07/28/03

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.

Shannon Boxx 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: The Atlanta Beat battled to a 1-1 tie against New York at Mitchel Athletic Complex on Saturday, July 26 to remain in sole possession of first place in WUSA standings...Forward Charmaine Hooper scored the Beat's lone goal this week...Hooper is ranked second in the WUSA in assists (7), fifth in points (23), and seventh in goals (8)... Forward Cindy Parlow notched an assist, bringing her tally to five this season (second on the Beat) and 16 for her career... The Beat is 9-3-6 this season with three games left in regular season action, one at home and two one the road...Atlanta is 9-3-6 overall, 7-2-1 at home and 2-1-5 on the road...The Beat's magic number for making the playoffs is one (four to clinch homefield advantage)...The maximum number of points Atlanta could score is 42, a number that would break the previous record of points earned during a single season (40 points, set by Carolina in 2002)...The Beat boasts the league's top ranked defense (0.78 goals allowed per game) and second ranked offense (1.78 goals per game).

boston breakers: Boston battled to two draws last week and is tied with Washington for second place in WUSA standings, only five points behind first-place Atlanta...The Breakers tied Washington 2-2 at Nickerson Field on Wednesday, July 23 and played to a 1-1 tie with San Jose on Sunday, July 27...Midfielder Kristine Lilly scored her first goal of the season against Washington...Lilly has also recorded three assists on the season for five total points...Forwards Dagny Mellgren and Maren Meinert combined for a Boston goal on Wednesday, respectively recording a goal and notching an assist...The duo is responsible for 71 percent (20 out of 28) of Breakers goals and more than half of the points the team has recorded this season (49 out of 91)...Meinert's assist was her seventh of the season and her 30th overall, making her the WUSA all-time assist leader...She also scored one goal against San Jose on Saturday, bringing her season tally to nine, fifth best in the league, and her career tally to 24, sixth best in the WUSA...Meinert (tied for the all-time lead in scoring - 78 pts. with New York's Tiffeny Milbrett) also ranks third among the WUSA scoring leaders this season (25 points)... Boston has three regular season games remaining, one at home and two one the road ...Boston is currently 7-4-7, with a fourth ranked defense (1.5 goals allowed per game) and a fifth ranked offense (1.56 goals per game).

carolina courage: The Courage decisively defeated Philadelphia 3-1 at Villanova Stadium on Saturday, July 26...Forward Venus James scored two of the three Courage goals... Forward Birgit Prinz also put one in the net for the Courage, bringing her goal tally this season to 10 (tied for third in the WUSA)...Overall she is responsible for 35 percent of Carolina's goals this season...With 23 points, Prinz is the leading scorer for Carolina and is tied for fifth in the league...Carolina is 7-7-3 on the season with four games left in regular season action, two at home and two on the road...The Courage are 3-5-1 at home and 4-2-2 on the road... Only two points out of the fourth and final playoff spot, the Courage must perform well this week in order to keep hopes of a berth in WUSA playoff action alive...Carolina's offense is ranked third in the WUSA (1.71 goals per game) and its defense is ranked sixth (1.65 goals allowed per game).

new york power: New York played to a draw twice last week, recording a 1-1 tie with San Diego at Torero Stadium on Wednesday, July 23 and another 1-1 tie with Atlanta at Mitchel Athletic Complex on Saturday, July 26...Forward Tiffeny Milbrett scored the lone Power goal against San Diego...With five goals this season, Milbrett is New York's second highest goal scorer and the team's points leader, with 15...Milbrett is tied for first as the WUSA's all-time leading scorer (78 - with Boston's Maren Meinert)...Midfielder Shannon Boxx scored her first goal of the season against Atlanta on Saturday, bringing her career tally to six...Boxx's goal marked her as the 13th New York player to score a goal this season and made the Power the first-ever team in the WUSA to have 13 players to score a goal during one season... Boxx ranks second in the WUSA in assists (7)...New York is 7-8-4 this season and sits in fifth place in WUSA standings, just one point out of a playoff spot...With two games left in regular season competitions, one at home and one on the road, the Power have only six possible points left to win and can finish no better than second place...New York's defense is ranked seventh (2.05 goals allowed per game) and its offense is ranked fourth (1.58 goals per game).

philadelphia charge: Philadelphia will miss the playoffs for the first time in team history, following a 3-1 loss to Carolina at Villanova Stadium Saturday, July 26... It was the fifth consecutive loss for Philadelphia... It was the first time the team has gone an entire month without a win... Defender Heather Mitts returned to action after missing the last six games with a broken tibia... She suffered the injury in a 4-2 loss at Atlanta on June 22... Midfielder Pavlina Scasna, a promising Czech player who has sat out most of this season with tendonitis in her left foot, played the final 26 minutes... Kelly Smith entered the game in the 73rd minute, playing for the first time since May 3... She missed 14 games after suffering a meniscus tear and bone lesion in her right knee... She contributed with a shot on goal in the 88th minute... Philadelphia ranks sixth in team offense (1.33 goals per game) and last in team defense (2.17 goals per game).

san diego spirit: The Spirit continues to struggle on the road, losing to Washington 2-0 on Saturday, July 26 at RFK Stadium... San Diego tied New York 1-1 on Wednesday, July 23 at Torero Stadium... The Spirit has gone scoreless on the road for 280 minutes... The remaining two games against Washington and Carolina are at home... San Diego opponents have scored first in 12 of the Spirit's 19 Sprit games this season (2-6-4)... Nine of the 25 goals allowed by San Diego this season have come in the first 15 minutes...All-time, San Diego is 4-23-10 when not scoring first... The Spirit has a three-game winless streak for the fourth time this season... Julie Fleeting missed Saturday's game because of a mild concussion... San Diego could manage only four shots on goal against Washington...The Sprit plays its final two games at home against Washington and Carolina... San Diego and San Jose have both scored 81 goals all-time, 10 less than the next closest team (New York - 91)... San Diego ranks seventh in team offense (1.26 goals per game) and third in team defense (1.32 goals per game).

san jose cyberrays The CyberRays tied Boston on Sunday, July 27 at Spartan Stadium... Defender Brandi Chastain missed her third consecutive game due to injury (L quad strain)...The CyberRays are 1-2-1 in games without their captain in 2003, 2-4-2 all-time...The CyberRays will seek a season sweep against Carolina on Wednesday, July 30...The CyberRays swept the series in 2001 and the Courage returned the favor in 2002... San Jose and San Diego have both scored 81 goals all-time, 10 less than the next closest team (New York - 91)...The CyberRays rank second all-time in total team defense, allowing only 75 goals (Atlanta - 64)...For the season, San Jose ranks last in team offense (1.18 goals per game) and second in team defense (1.29 goals per game).

washington freedom: The Freedom became the first WUSA team to score 100 goals after a 2-0 win over San Diego Saturday July 26 at RFK Stadium and a 2-2 tie against Boston on Wednesday, July 23 at Nickerson Field...Abby Wambach broke her single-season team record with 11 goals (10 in 2002)...Mia Hamm broke Wambach's team record for assists in a single-season with 11 (10 in 2002)...Hamm became the third member of the 20 goal, 20 assist club all-time (Maren Meinert 24g, 30a, Danielle Fotopoulos, 27g, 22a)...Hamm had nine assists in her previous two seasons...Hamm and Wambach are battling for the league lead in points, ranking first and second respectively...No teammates have ever finished the season ranked first and second in scoring (Carolina's Danielle Fotopoulos and Birgit Prinz were second and third in 2002)...Siri Mullinix is tied with Atlanta's Briana Scurry for the league lead in victories with eight wins this season...Mullinix's previous best was seven wins in 2002...Washington ranks first in team offense (1.89 goals per game) and fourth in team defense (1.5 goals per game).



Women's United Soccer Association Stories from July 28, 2003


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