The game ends in a scoreless tie but it was certainly not lacking in offense. Each team had a lot of shots and 5 shots on goal. There were some serious near misses both way. I thought we played better generally in this game than in the one when we beat them. We were more in control. One of our big problems was Leslie Gaston's superb defensive performance for the Beat. The game was a lot of fun. Those of us who sit behind the Beat bunch enjoy teasing Tom Stone. I'm not sure he enjoys it as much as we do. Our defense did really well. Lucky made some good saves. Nel was outstanding. Bre had a good game and played the entire 90 minutes this time. Fotop had a good, intense game and Birgit was great defensively as well as on offense. Carla seemed to perform well in the midfield. Venus had some shining moments. Too bad we could not score! The Beat played well and with intensity.
I agree, there was nothing between these two teams last night. Birgit and Fotop had a couple of good chances each in the second half but the ball never seem to fall exactly right for them and neither really got off any really dangerous shots. Jarrett
Unfortunately, that was my first time out this year. Given WUSA's teetering finances, I'm ashamed about that. And I had a good time (apart from the man 15 feet away who felt obliged to stomp on the bleachers as loud as possible through much of the game) - but I didn't think either team looked very good. I thought the run of play favored Atlanta slightly, as the Courage had, what, two real chances (Venus' errant header and Fotop's major scuff in alone)? Anyway, my views having not seen them since the Semifinals last year. I am going to be more critical, but nobody should take anything personally. I'm just pessimistic by nature: *I was disappointed with Boyd. Her only virtues seem to be her aerial ability and size. She has iron feet, both on the run and with the ball, and needs to be more aggressive. Without Slaton, they have no forward attack or passing from the back. *Overbeck is remarkably and completely done. I saw no evidence in that game that she is still capable of sprinting. *Fotop had the worst game I've seen her have since year 1. Admittedly, the midfield has completely vanished without Riise and Roberts together, but she just couldn't do anything at all. *Prinz is fantastic, and its tough watching her having to come back so deep and then try to do something with so many defenders on her. She is a true pleasure to watch though. *Although Gaston did OK, Sharolta Nonen continues, every time I see her, to just be amazing. *I was quite surprised to see Marcia Wallis signing autographs after the game, since I was unaware she had been signed. I thought she was supposed to be really good? They need some new attacking options, that is for sure.....And what is the deal with Callie Withers getting pulled 20-some minutes after coming on? Is she injured?