The Steel City Sparks sit on top of the WPSL east division after winning their opening game before an opening night crowd of 1250. Official game summary: *Most Valuable Players Most Valuable Offensive Player: Katie Barnes (Steel City Sparks) Why: For the two goals and applying pressure throughout the game. Her second goal was unassisted on a free kick. Most Valuable Defensive Player: Ashley Weimer (Steel City Sparks) Why: For solid central defending from the opening whistle. She anchored the defensive unit that held the Pride scoreless to bring the Sparks a win in their inaugural game. Referee: C.J. Morgante Referee Assistants: Andrew Tsouris, Nick Vuchenich 4th Official: David Potter Attendance: 1250 paid **Game Summary The game opened with fairly even play until the Sparks opened up the field with a progressive attack. Launching almost 10 shots in the opening half, the Sparks struck first and held the lead with constant offensive pressure and a stiffling defense. From the opening whistle of the second half, the Sparks dominated possession and controlled play throughout earning a shutout against a highly competitive Maryland.
I don't have any details, but it looks like the Steel City Sparks remain undefeated and on top of the WPSL East Division by beating Rochester Reign 2-1 yesterday.
Reign Scoring Summary: Linda Kurtyka (unassisted) 19 Reign Players: Heather Rinker, Andrea Alfiler, Shauna Kruger, Erin DeMarco, Linda Kurtyka, Sarah Popper, Julie Karcher, Tiffany Mears, Mary Guarino, Lindsay Bellini, Kalyn Miller, Lauren Popovich, Tamara Hatfield, Alex Sahlen, Anna Field, Stacia Harting Reign Stats SHOTS ON GOAL: 11; SAVES: 6; FOULS: 2; OFFSIDES: 4; CORNER KICKS: 0; CAUTIONS: 0; EJECTIONS: 0 Sparks Scoring Summary: Chrissie Abbot (Kambria Riggins) 13; Rachel Kruze; (Kambria Riggins) 18 Sparks Players: Megan Cox, Sarah Arsenault, Chrissie Abbott, Netta Agredano, Blair Gantz, Rachel Kruze, Karbria Riggins, Ashley Weiner, Tara Knauss, Nicole Bartkus, Lisa Zanti, Allyn Blind, Courtney Biddle, Erin McKasson, Sara Artuso, Rianna Coleman, Lesley Kohlmeyer, Tara Utchell Sparks Stats SHOTS ON GOAL: 7; SAVES: 7; FOULS: 3; OFFSIDES: 3; CORNER KICKS: 1; CAUTIONS: (); EJECTIONS: 0 *Most Valuable Players Most Valuable Offensive Player: Rachel Kruze (Steel City Sparks) Why: Kruze consistently built the attack from her center midfield position and scored the game winner. Most Valuable Defensive Player: Ashley Weimer (Steel City Sparks) Why: Anchored a solid defense all afternoon. Referee: Franco Bevilacqla Referee Assistants: Dave Cautree, Kevin Barci 4th Official: none provided Attendance: 50 **Game Summary The Rochester Reign's inaugural home opener saw momentum swing back and forth all afternoon. The Reign connected well in the first half with numerous dangerous chances on goal but the Sparks' Chrissie Abbott took advantage of a defensive breakdown and finished her chance at the 13 minute mark. Linda Kurtyka, the Reign's newest acquisition, finished on a far post header minutes later. The second half saw the Sparks take the upperhand, connecting much better through the midfield into the final third. Although the Reign nearly took advantage of a couple of defensive breakdowns, the Sparks' Rachel Kruze made a triumphant homecoming by scoring the gamewinner in the 81st minute. Rochester natives Rachel Kruze and the Reign's Sarah Popper were recently selected for the WUSA festivals this summer and put on a show for their hometown fans. The two went head to head in midfield with a brilliant display of skill and power until Popper came up lame later in the game though managed to tough it out through the end in a gutsy performance. The game was entertaining and hard fought by both teams on the sunny but breezy day in Rochester, N.Y.
Reign Come Up Short in Home Opener -- Lose 2-1 to Steel City -- (Rochester, NY 5/29/04) Despite outshooting the Steel City Sparks 13-7, the Rochester Reign came up short on the scoreboard. Linda Kurtyka's goal in the 19:00 tied the score at one as the Reign dominated play. A single breakdown in the first half led to the Sparks' only dangerous chance as Chrissie Abbott was able to finish on an assist from Kambria Riggins. Rochester native, Rachel Kruze scored the game-winner in the second half after taking over control of the midfield shortly after halftime. The much anticipated match-up between Kruze (Philadelphia Charge) and Sarah Popper of the Rochester Reign and WUSA's Boston Breakers was intense until Popper came up lame midway through the second half with a quad strain. The Reign look forward to a rematch in Pittsburgh on July 10th. The home opener for the Reign was a well fought game that saw the momentum shift back and forth throughout the game. The Reign dominated a majority of play in the first half, connecting well through the midfield and getting some dangerous crosses into the box from outside midfielders Tiffany Mears (formerly of San Diego WFC) and Linda Kurtyka (formerly of the San Jose Cybberays).