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WUSA Invades World Cup

May 5, 2003 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) News Release


ATLANTA (Monday, May 5, 2003) - Nearly 50 WUSA Players are expected to showcase their skills on the international stage in the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup this fall. However, those players will have to change their travel plans following the May 3 announcement by the FIFA Executive Committee that they will transfer the Women's World Cup from China to another country due to the current health threat of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Following FIFA's decision to move the tournament from China, the United States, Brazil, Australia and Sweden have all been mentioned as possible replacements to host the fourth Women's World Cup, which was originally scheduled for September 23- October 11 in China. U.S. Soccer officials will meet with FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland on Tuesday, May 6 to discuss the United States as the host of the tournament.

The WUSA has ties to all four countries mentioned as potential World Cup hosts. The following is a brief look at some of those ties:

United States - 19 of the members of the championship-winning 1999 Women's World Cup team compete in the WUSA and former U.S. Head Coach Tony DiCicco is the WUSA's Commissioner. Nearly 80 percent of the WUSA players are eligible to play for the U.S. national team.

Brazil - Four Brazilian national team stars - San Jose's Sissi, Katia and Pretinha plus San Diego's Daniela - compete in the WUSA.

Australia - Former Australian national team head coach Tom Sermanni is the head coach of the New York Power. Four Australian national team stars -- Dianne Alagich (San Jose), Kelly Golebiowski (Washington), Joanne Peters (New York) and Cheryl Salisbury (New York) -- are members of WUSA teams.

Sweden - Boston Breakers Head Coach Pia Sundhage appeared 146 times for Sweden's national team and was the head coach of the Under-20, Under-18 and Under-16 women's national teams in Sweden.

"The WUSA has offered its full support to U.S. Soccer in its efforts to bring the Women's World Cup to the United States," WUSA President Lynn Morgan said. "The World Cup is a high-profile event for our league no matter where it is played. We look forward to FIFA's decision regarding the new site for the tournament."

WHO'S IN THE WORLD CUP? [13 of 16 decided - prior to change in host country]
China - host country
Canada, United States - CONCACAF - (North America, Central America and the Caribbean)
Russia, France, Sweden, Germany, Norway - UEFA (Europe)
Australia - OFC (Oceania)
Ghana, Nigeria - CAF (Africa)
3 SPOTS REMAIN
- 2 will be decided by the Asian qualifying tournament June 10-22 at Bangkok, Thailand.
- Final berth will be decided in a playoff between Mexico (CONACAF 3rd place team) and the nation that finishes third in the Asian qualifying tournament

WUSA'S SOCCER MOMS LOOKING FORWARD TO MOTHER'S DAY: When former President Bill Clinton and his team coined the term soccer mom, they were thinking of mothers who carted their children to and from soccer games in their minivans. Not in their wildest dreams did Clinton's team ever think that a "soccer mom" would be among the world's greatest female soccer players. The WUSA's five mothers may drive minivans, but these soccer moms compete at the highest level on the playing field every day. The world's ultimate soccer mom, San Diego's Joy Fawcett (left), 35, has three daughters (ages 8, 5 and 23 months) and continues to be among the world's best defenders. A regular starter on the U.S. national team, Fawcett is the only American player to play every minute of the 1995 and '99 Women's World Cups and the 1996 and 2000 Olympics. Carolina's Carla Overbeck, Fawcett's long-time teammate on the U.S. squad, has two children, including daughter Carson Elizabeth, who was born March 5, 2003. Overbeck hopes to make her 2003 WUSA debut on Saturday, May 10 at San Jose. A brief look at the WUSA's five soccer moms follows.

WUSA Soccer Moms

Carolina - Danielle Fotopoulos (daughter Alexia - age 2½ ) and Carla Overbeck (son Jackson - age 5½, daughter Carson Elizabeth - age 2 mos.) San Diego - Joy Fawcett (three daughters, Katelyn Rose - 9 on May 17, Carli - 6 on May 21, and Madilyn Rae - 23 mos.)

San Jose - Keri Sanchez (son Bryce in 3½) and Brandi Chastain has a stepson (Cameron Smith - 14).

BOSTON EXTENDS STREAK: Boston extended its home-unbeaten streak to 13 games with a 1-1 tie against the San Diego Spirit as part of a doubleheader with MLS' New England Revolution. The Breakers are 3-1-1 and off to their best start in the WUSA's three-year history. Boston is currently tied with Washington for the WUSA lead in points.

"The difference is this year, the team is coming out to play, we are more organized, we're playing with confidence and determination and everybody wants the ball," said Boston midfielder Kristine Lilly.

CAN CAROLINA AND PHILADELPHA PICK UP THEIR FIRST WIN THIS WEEKEND? After sitting in first place of the WUSA standings for all but seven days last season (ultimately finished second), Philadelphia is 0-3 and in last place in the WUSA. The last two years, the Charge never gave up more than three goals in a game. On Saturday in a 5-4 loss to New York, the Charge had allowed three goals by halftime. Following a scoring drought that saw the team start the season with a goal in 179 minutes, the Charge has scored five goals in the last 91 minutes. However, Philadelphia is still in the midst of the longest losing streak in team history. Charge Head Coach Mark Krikorian remains optimistic heading in Saturday's match at Washington on PAX TV.

"We knew there were going to be a transition period, said Krikorian. "A relationship doesn't develop overnight. I keep looking at our group and saying we have a whole lot more talent than we ever had before but we just aren't cohesive enough. It's my job to make us cohesive enough. It's a matter of time before we put it all together. We have to be patient and put it all together. All of us working together can become a very good team. We have very good players."

Carolina hits the road for the first time in 2003 after starting the season with three consecutive home losses. The Courage could see the 2003 debuts of goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill (thumb) and defender Carla Overbeck (maternity leave).

"The mood within the team is good. It's a positive mood, but we also know that a standard has not been met," said Carolina Head Coach Jay Entlich. "We are definitely confident, and we know that we need to raise the bar. Nobody is making excuses. Nobody is saying we've been unlucky."

PHILADELPHIA'S HEATHER MITTS TO BE ON WUSA.COM CHAT THIS WEEK: Philadelphia defender Heather Mitts will be the featured guest on this week's WUSA.com live web chat on Tuesday, May 6. The chat will begin at 8:00 p.m. (ET)/5:00 p.m. (PT) and will last approximately 30 minutes. Mitts 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 Six)

Saturday, May 10, 2003 - Philadelphia Charge at Washington Freedom - 4:00 p.m. (ET) - PAX TV (National Broadcast); (Season Series: First Meeting) (All-time Series History: Philadelphia leads 3-1-2)

Philadelphia is 0-3-0 for the first time in team history after a 5-4 loss to New York at Villanova Stadium on May 3. Four different Charge players scored in that match as both teams combined to tie the WUSA record for most goals in a game with nine. Washington is coming off a bye week in which the team defeated the Hampton Roads Piranhas (W League) in an exhibition 4-1 on Friday, May 2. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 1-1 tie at RFK Stadium on July 14, 2002.

Key Players to Watch: Forward Kelly Smith (1g, 2 pts.) found the back of the net for the first time since June 1, 2002 with a goal versus New York on May 3. Smith has tallied a goal and an assist versus all-time versus Washington (three matches). Midfielder Stacey Tullock (1g, 1a, 3 pts., tied for 16th among WUSA scoring leaders) recorded a career-high three points (1 g, 1a) versus New York on May 3. Tullock will face Washington for the third time in her career on May 10, looking to register her first point versus the Freedom. Rookie Deliah Arrington (1g, 2 pts.) notched her first career WUSA goal on May 3. Arrington may be asked to fill the void left by Marinette Pichon, who was called to national team duty (France). Washington forward Mia Hamm (3g, 2a, 8 pts., 3rd among WUSA scoring leaders) has registered two of the team's three game-winning goals this season. In four meetings with the Charge, Hamm has only registered one assist. Forward Jacqui Little (2g, 2a, 6 pts., tied for 5th among WUSA scoring leaders) is second on the team in scoring. Little has registered a point in four consecutive regular season games, dating back to August 10, 2002. Goalkeeper Siri Mullinix (3-0-1, 0.75 GAA) is undefeated in 10 straight regular season matches, dating back to June 29, 2002. Mullinix holds a 1-2-1 mark with a 1.50 goals against average versus Philadelphia all-time (four matches).

Key Matchup: (Philadelphia defender Jennifer Tietjen-Prozzo versus Washington forward Abby Wambach) In three meetings, Wambach has tallied two goals versus the Charge all-time. Having never lost at RFK Stadium, Tietjen-Prozzo and the Philadelphia defense (ranked seventh in defense in the WUSA - 3.00 goals per game) will have to contain the ever dangerous Wambach.

The "Inside Scoop": Washington has never beaten the Charge at RFK Stadium (0-2-1). Philadelphia has outscored the Freedom 5-1 in those three matches. The Charge is riding a four-game regular season unbeaten streak versus the Freedom (2-0-2), dating back to June 3, 2001 (2-1 win for Washington). This weekend's match (May 10) will be a rematch of last year's semifinals in which the Freedom defeated the Charge 1-0 at Villanova Stadium on August 17. The Charge has lost four straight regular season matches (the longest in team history), dating back to August 10, 2002. Washington is unbeaten in its last 13 regular season matches, dating back to June 29, 2002.

They Said it: "Despite our results, we have been playing better and better as a team each week. We expect to do the same in Washington. The Freedom is a sound team that doesn't make many mistakes and that has a number of offensive weapons. We need to make sure we defend as a team and the offensive chances will present themselves." - Philadelphia Charge Head Coach Mark Krikorian on Washington.

Referee: Kari Seitz. Assistant Referees: Kelly Lee, Martha Sinclair. 4th Official: Sarah Kraus.

Saturday, May 3, 2003 - San Diego Spirit at Atlanta Beat - 7:00 p.m. (ET) - Cox 4 (San Diego); Comcast Sports Southeast (Atlanta - tape-delay at 10:00 p.m. ET); (Season Series: First Meeting) (All-time Series History: Atlanta leads 3-2-1)

Atlanta had its four-game regular season unbeaten streak snapped with a 1-0 loss to San Jose on May 3. The loss marked the first versus the CyberRays at home for the Beat. San Diego extended its unbeaten streak to three games with a 1-1 tie versus Boston on May 3. Forward Julie Fleeting registered the equalizer in the 62nd minute to bring the score level at 1-1. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in 1-0 victory at Herndon Stadium for the Spirit on August 7, 2002. Julie Foudy notched her fifth goal of the season in that match to snap San Diego's three-game losing skid.

Key Players to Watch: San Diego's Fleeting (3g, 6 pts., tied for 5th among WUSA scoring leaders) is riding a three-game goal-scoring streak. The Scottish international has tallied one goal in two meetings all-time versus Atlanta. Forward Shannon MacMillan (1g, 2a, 4 pts., tied for 12th among WUSA scoring leaders) is the only player on San Diego with multiple assists on the season. During her WUSA career, MacMillan has scored three goals and two assists for eight points versus the Beat (six matches). San Diego midfielder Foudy (1a, 1pt.) registered one of her five career WUSA goals versus Atlanta. The U.S. national team captain has recorded a goal and an assist in six matches against the Beat. Atlanta's Maribel Dominguez (5g, 2a, 12 pts., 1st among WUSA scoring leaders) was held scoreless for the first time in her WUSA career on May 3. The WUSA Player of the Month for April has been responsible for 42 percent of the Beat's total offense in 2003. Midfielder Homare Sawa (2g, 1a, 5 pts., tied for 9th among WUSA scoring leaders)has had more success versus the Spirit than any other Atlanta player. The Japanese international has registered three goals and two assists in six matches versus San Diego all-time. Goalkeeper Briana Scurry (2-1-1, 0.50 GAA) lost her first match of the 2003 season on May 3. Scurry holds a 2-1-1 record with a 0.71 goals against average all-time versus San Diego.

Key Matchup: (San Diego forward Julie Fleeting versus Atlanta defender Sharolta Nonen) Fleeting has registered a goal in three straight games, leading San Diego to its best start in team history. Nonen anchors the league's leading defense which has allowed 0.50 goals per game. Fleeting has notched one goal in two matches versus Atlanta and will be looking to add to that total this weekend.

The "Inside Scoop": The series history between these two teams is tied in Atlanta (1-1-1). San Diego won its only appearance at Herndon Stadium 1-0 on August 7, 2002. Prior to the Beat's 1-0 loss to San Jose on May 3, the last time Atlanta was shut out at home was versus the Spirit on August 7, 2002. The Spirit is riding a three-game regular season unbeaten streak on the road, dating back to August 7, 2002.

They Said it: "Atlanta is going to be hungry after losing to San Jose. I know they are going to come out hard, especially at home. We just have to absorb their pressure and try to dictate the pace that we want to play. They are a very talented team with a lot of speed and it will be a very tough game on the road. But we are starting to come together as a team, getting much better in our possession, and hopefully that will get even better next week." - San Diego Spirit Head Coach Omid Namazi on Atlanta.

Referee: Rachel Woo. Assistant Referees: Brenda Wright, Patrick Baker. 4th Official: Corey E. Rockwell.

Saturday, May 10, 2003 - Boston Breakers at New York Power - 7:00 p.m. (ET) - Metro TV (New York); (Season Series: First Meeting) (All-time Series History: Series Tied 3-3-0)

Boston extended its WUSA-record home unbeaten streak to 13 games with a 1-1 tie versus San Diego on May 3. Forward Dagny Mellgren gave the Breakers an early lead with a goal in the fourth minute before the Spirit tied the match in the 62nd minute. New York won its second straight match of 2003 with a 5-4 victory over Philadelphia on May 3. Both teams combined to score nine goals (tying the WUSA record held by Boston at San Diego - July 6, 2002). The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 4-1 victory for the Breakers on August 4, 2002 at Nickerson Field. Four different Breakers scored to snap the team's four-game winless streak.

Key Players to Watch: Boston's Maren Meinert (4g, 1a, 9 pts., 2nd among WUSA scoring leaders)registered her first assist of the season on Mellgren's goal on May 3. Meinert, who has tallied a point in three straight matches, has totaled four goals and five assists all-time versus New York (five matches). Boston forward Mellgren (3g, 1a, 7 pts., 4th among WUSA scoring leaders) has registered a point in three straight matches. Mellgren is the all-time leader in goals scored for the Breakers versus the Power (7). Midfielder Kristine Lilly (2a, 2 pts.) is Boston's all-time leader in assists (27). Lilly has recorded a team-high seven assists versus New York all-time (six matches). New York's Tiffeny Milbrett (3g, 6 pts., tied for 5th among WUSA scoring leaders) notched her third goal of the 2003 season versus Philadelphia on May 3. Milbrett has tallied six goals and three assists versus Boston all-time (six games). Rookie Christie Welsh (3g, 6 pts., tied for 5th among WUSA scoring leaders) registered her first WUSA career multiple-goal game, scoring two goals in New York's 5-4 victory over Philadelphia on May 3. Welsh is second on the Power (only to Milbrett) in shots (16) and shots on goal (8). Goalkeeper Carly Smolak (2-3-0, 3.00 GAA) won her second consecutive match of the 2003 season with a 5-4 victory at Philadelphia on May 3. Smolak holds a 1-1-0 record with a 2.02 goals against average versus Boston all-time (two matches).

Key Matchup: (Boston defender Kate Sobrero versus New York forward Tiffeny Milbrett) - Sobrero will have her hands full trying to keep Milbrett off the scoresheet. Milbrett has scored six goals and added three assists against Boston in six games. Milbrett is also on a bit of a roll, scoring three goals the last two games.

The "Inside Scoop": The Power will look to snap a three-game losing streak to Boston. The Power swept the series in 2001, while Boston swept the series in 2002. Boston's Mellgren has recorded seven goals against the Power. With a win, the Power will record their first three-game winning streak in team history and match the total number of wins from 2002. Boston's unbeaten streak at home was extended to 13 games after the 1-1 tie with San Diego on May 3. Milbrett will be looking for her first goal at home since July 26, 2001.

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: Todd Perry. Assistant Referees: Thomas Supple, Bahij A. Salman. 4th Official: Christopher Price.

Saturday, May 10, 2003 - Carolina Courage at San Jose CyberRays - 10:00 p.m. (ET) - No TV; (Season Series: First Meeting) (All-time Series History: Series Tied 3-3-0)

Carolina is coming off a bye weekend and will be looking to snap a three-game losing skid. The Courage's first road trip on the season will feature the first-ever meeting between past WUSA champions. San Jose captured its first road win of the 2003 season with a 1-0 victory over Atlanta on May 3. The win marked the first-ever victory for San Jose in Atlanta. The last meeting between these two teams resulted in a 4-1 victory for the Courage on August 3, 2002. Forward Birgit Prinz notched two goals and an assist as Carolina clinched a berth in the 2002 WUSA Playoffs.

Key Players to Watch: Forward Danielle Fotopoulos (1g, 2a, 4 pts., tied for 12th among WUSA scoring leaders) is riding a seven-game point scoring streak, dating back to July 31, 2002. Fotopoulos has registered three goals and three assists for nine points versus San Jose all-time (six matches). Carolina forward Prinz (2g, 4 pts., tied for 12th among WUSA scoring leaders) leads the Courage in goal scoring this season. Prinz has tallied three goals and an assist for seven points all-time versus the CyberRays (two matches).Goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill will look to make her 2003 debut on May 10 after missing the team's first three game due to thumb surgery. Luckenbill holds a 3-2-0 record with a 1.40 goals against average all-time versus the CyberRays. San Jose's Brandi Chastain (1g, 2 pts.) registered her first goal of the 2003 season during the CyberRays' 1-0 victory over Atlanta. Chastain has recorded two assists all-time versus Carolina (five matches). Midfielder Sissi (2a, 2 pts.) came off the bench to tally the game-winning assist versus Atlanta on May 3. The Brazilian international holds the WUSA record for game-winning assists with nine. Goalkeeper LaKeysia Beene (2-2-0, 1.00 GAA) recorded her second shutout of the season on May 3. Beene is second all-time in WUSA history in shutouts (14).

Key Matchup: (Carolina midfielder Tiffany Roberts versus San Jose midfielder Sissi) - Roberts will need to limit Sissi's number of touches by controlling play in the midfield. The Brazilian playmaker is San Jose's all-time leader in assists with 22, including a league-record nine game-winning assists. Roberts will look to create the quick counterattack by disrupting the CyberRays attack and pushing the ball up the field.

The "Inside Scoop": Both teams have swept the season series during the first two years of this matchup. In 2001, the CyberRays won all three meetings with the Courage en route to become the WUSA champions. In 2002, it was Carolina who was victorious in all three meetings, ultimately winning Founders Cup II. Carolina holds a slight edge in scoring (10-9) in this series. The Courage has lost three straight matches to start the 2003 season.

They Said it: "They (San Jose) have a lot of balance with their Brazilian players, like Katia, and then Brandi Chastain coming out of the back. They also have a quality goalkeeper in LaKeysia Beene. They like to get their outside backs involved, and they run a lot of combinations in their midfield." - Carolina Courage Head Coach Jay Entlich on San Jose.

Referee: David Simon. Assistant Referees: Colin Arblaster, Sasha Mitelman. 4th Official: Yader Reyes.

TEAM INJURY REPORTS AS OF 05/05/03
ATLANTA BEAT: OUT - M/D Kylie Bivens (L ankle sprain); PROBABLE -D Ifeoma Dieke (R hamstring strain).
BOSTON BREAKERS: OUT - F Ragnhild Gulbrandsen (L Foot Bone Bruise); GK Tracy Ducar (tendonitis in both knees); M Devvyn Hawkins (L foot).
CAROLINA COURAGE: OUT - M Hege Riise (R ACL tear); PROBABLE - Kristin Luckenbill (thumb surgery); D Carla Overbeck (maternity leave).
NEW YORK POWER: OUT - D Sara Whalen (R ACL tear); D Kristy Whelchel (R ACL tear); D Cheryl Salisbury (Calf Strain - R); D Lauren Orlandos (Hamstring Strains); QUESTIONABLE - GK Saskia Webber (Calf Strain - R).
PHILADELPHIA CHARGE: DOUBTFUL - M Pavlina Scasna (L foot tendonitis).
SAN DIEGO SPIRIT: OUT - M Jen Nielsen (Broken L toe).
SAN JOSE CYBERRAYS: QUESTIONABLE - F Katie Barnes (R Calf strain); PROBABLE - D Kelly Lindsey (R knee contusion).
WASHINGTON FREEDOM: QUESTIONABLE - F Jacqui Little (R ankle sprain); PRBOBABLE - D Lindsay Stoecker (concussion); D Emmy Barr (R knee bruise); D Steffi Jones (R ankle sprain).

NATIONAL TEAM DUTY AS OF 05/05/03
ATLANTA BEAT: None. BOSTON BREAKERS: M Stephanie Mugneret-Beghe (France); F Dagny Mellgren (Norway).
CAROLINA COURAGE: M Unni Lehn (Norway).
NEW YORK POWER: M Anita Rapp (Norway).
PHILADELPHIA CHARGE: F Marinette Pichon (France). SAN DIEGO SPIRIT: None.
SAN JOSE CYBERRAYS: None.
WASHINGTON FREEDOM: M Bai Jie (China).

suspension Summary 05/05/03

Player Team Suspension Reason
None

Warning Summary 05/05/03

Player Team Reason
None

TEAM-BY-TEAM NOTES

atlanta beat: Atlanta is coming off its first loss of the 2003 season after falling to the San Jose CyberRays 1-0 on May 3 at Herndon Stadium... The loss was the first-ever for the Beat versus San Jose in Atlanta... Mexican international Maribel Dominguez was held scoreless for the first time in her WUSA career on May 3... Dominguez leads the WUSA in scoring with five goals and two assists for 12 points... The WUSA Player of The Month (April) is averaging 3.00 points per game and 1.25 goals per game to lead all WUSA players... Forward Charmaine Hooper leads the WUSA averaging 0.75 assists per game... Goalkeeper Briana Scurry ranks first in goals against average (0.50) and shutouts (2)... The loss snapped a three-game home-winning streak and a four-game unbeaten streak (dating back to August 10, 2002)... Atlanta ranks first in team offense (3.00 goals per game) and first in team defense (0.50 goals per game).

boston breakers: Boston extended its unbeaten streak at home to 13 games with a 1-1 draw with San Diego on May 3... The match was part of a MLS/WUSA doubleheader at Gillette Stadium... Dagny Mellgren registered her third goal of the season during that match... Maren Meinert her point scoring streak to three games with an assist on Mellgren's goal... Meinert ranks second among the league's leading scorers with four goals and one assist for nine points... Mellgren ranks fourth among the league's leading scorers with three goals and one assist for seven points... Goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc ranks first in victories (3) and second in saves (21)... At 3-1-1, Boston is off to its best start in team history... Boston is tied for third in team offense (1.80 goals per game) and ranks fifth in team defense (2.00 goals per game).

carolina courage: Carolina will travel to San Jose and take part in its first road game of the season after coming off a bye week... The Courage has lost three straight home matches to start the season... Forward Danielle Fotopoulos is currently riding a seven-game regular season point scoring streak, dating back to July 31, 2002... The team record for consecutive games, registering a point is nine held by "Fotop" and forward Birgit Prinz... Both Fotopoulos (1g, 2a, 4 pts.) and Prinz (2g, 4 pts.) are tied for 12th among the WUSA's scoring leaders... Goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill will look to make her 2003 debut this weekend after missing the team's first three matches due to surgery on her right thumb... Carolina's match with San Jose will mark the first time that past WUSA champions have met... Carolina ranks seventh in team offense (1.00 goals per game) and sixth in team defense (2.67 goals per game).

new york power: New York won its second straight match with a 5-4 victory over the Philadelphia Charge on May 3... The two teams combined to tie the WUSA record for goals in a game with nine (also scored on July 6, 2002 San Diego 5, Boston 4)... Midfielder Krista Davey registered the game-winning goal during stoppage time... Rookie Christie Welsh recorded her first WUSA career multiple-goal game with two goals versus the Charge... Welsh became only the second New York player to record more than one goal in a game in team history... Forward Tiffeny Milbrett and midfielder Justi Baumgardt also registered scores for the Power... Milbrett is one goal away from being the first player in WUSA history to record 30 goals... Of Milbrett's 29 career goals, the last 16 have been scored on the road... The last time Milbrett registered a goal at home was July 26, 2001... The Power will be looking for its first three-game winning streak in team history... New York is tied for third in team offense (1.80 goals per game) and seventh in team defense (3.00 goals per game).

philadelphia charge: Philadelphia dropped its third straight match with a 5-4 loss to New York on May 3... The nine combined goals between the two teams tied the WUSA record for goals in a game (also scored on July 6, 2002 San Diego 5, Boston 4)... Four different Philadelphia players scored versus New York (Marinette Pichon, Kelly Smith, Stacey Tullock and Deliah Arrington)... Pichon's goal in the third minute was the fastest goal scored by the Charge in team history... Tullock registered her first multiple-point match of her WUSA career with a goal and assist... Smith's goal was her first since May 25, 2002... After starting the season having not scored a goal in 179 minutes, Philadelphia has scored five goals in the last 91 minutes... Three of those goals have come off the foot of international players (Pichon, Melanie Hoffmann, Smith)... The loss to New York marks the Charge's longest losing streak in team history... Prior to May 3, Philadelphia had never lost a home-opening match... Philadelphia has now lost two straight home matches to New York...The Charge ranks fifth in team offense (1.67 goals per game) and is tied for seventh in team defense (3.00 goals per game).

san diego spirit: San Diego extended its unbeaten streak to three games with a 1-1 tie with Boston on May 3... The match was part of and WUSA/MLS doubleheader at Gillette Stadium...Forward Julie Fleeting notched the equalizer in the 62nd minute to even the match at 1-1... Fleeting has registered a goal in three straight matches (one shy of the team record held by Tara Koleski in 2001)...Fleeting leads the WUSA in shots on goal with 14... Rookie goalkeeper Jenni Branam made her WUSA debut, becoming the fifth starting goalkeeper in team history (a WUSA record)... For the second straight week the Spirit had fallen behind early only to come back for the win or the tie... At 2-1-1, San Diego is off to its best start in team history... The Spirit ranks sixth in team offense (1.50 goals per game) and is tied for third in team defense (1.00 goal per game).

san jose cyberrays: San Jose won its first-ever match in Atlanta with a 1-0 victory on May 3 at Herndon Stadium... Defender Brandi Chastain recorded her first goal of the season in the win... Midfielder Sissi notched her second assist of the season on Chastain's goal... Sissi has registered more game-winning assists than any other player in WUSA history (9)... With a win at Atlanta, the CyberRays have equaled the total number of road victories in 2002 (1)... Goalkeeper LaKeysia Beene notched her second shutout of the 2003 season to give her 14 for her WUSA career (2nd most all-time)... Sissi, who came in during the 60th minute on May 3, missed only her third start of her WUSA career... Sissi needs to register five more corner kicks to reach 100 for her WUSA career... San Jose's match with Carolina on May 10 will mark the meeting between past WUSA champions... San Jose ranks eighth in team offense (0.75 goals per game) and is tied for third in team defense (1.00 goals per game).

washington freedom: The Washington Freedom is coming off a bye week in which the team defeated the Hampton Roads Piranhas (W League) 4-1 at the Virginia Beach Soprtsplex in Virginia Beach, VA... Defender Jennifer Grubb tallied two goals in that match... Lori Lindsey and Abby Wambach also notched goals in that match... The Freedom is the only undefeated team left in the WUSA... Washington is riding a league-record 13-game regular season unbeaten streak, dating back to June 29, 2003... The Freedom is undefeated at home in its last seven regular season games, dating back to July 3, 2002... Washington ranks second in team offense (2.00 goals per game) and second in team defense (0.75 goals per game).

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Women's United Soccer Association Stories from May 5, 2003


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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