Expansion Independence and Beat Tie, 0-0
by WPS - Staff Report
04/11/2010 - 01:37 p.m.
The Philadelphia Independence (gray jerseys) and Atlanta Beat's (red jerseys) starters pose for a photo before making their WPS debut. The players are flanked by Philadelphia Independence owner David Halstead (left) and Atlanta Beat owner Fitz Johnson (right).
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WEST CHESTER, Pa. (April 11, 2010) - The Philadelphia Independence (0-0-1, 1 point) and Atlanta Beat (0-0-1, 1 point) played to a 0-0 tie Sunday evening at John A. Farrell Stadium in West Chester, Pa. Both teams were making their WPS debuts as 2010 expansion teams.
The first real opportunity for the Independence came in the 7th minute off a through ball to Amy Rodriguez, which Atlanta 'keeper Allison Whitworth tipped just wide. Atlanta’s Mami Yamaguchi, a threatening offensive presence all game, retaliated seconds later putting two shots in a row just outside of the post. Atlanta’s best opportunity of the game came in the 26th minute when Amanda Cinalli nailed a header off the far post. In the closing minutes of the first half, the Independence's Amy Rodriguez pushed forward on the right side, sending a floated cross into the box for midfielder Jen Buczkowsi, who was unable to connect cleanly.
The Independence came out looking reenergized in the second half and the physicality of the game increased on both sides. Lori Lindsey controlled the midfield for the Independence, distributing perfectly weighted through balls to the forwards and executing defensive tackles in the middle of the park. Independence goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc was outstanding in net, making three huge saves in the second half and posting a clean sheet for the match.
The Independence turned on the high pressure in the final ten minutes of the game. In the 82nd minute, Magnusdottir blasted a shot from from 30 yards out that beat Atlanta’s keeper but deflected off the crossbar. An Independence corner earned in the 86th minute was headed wide, and a chance by Rodriguez in the 87th was blocked by a defender. Second-half substitue Karina Maruyama was taken down outside the box in the 88th minute, earning the Beat's Kia McNeil a yellow card and giving Holmfridur Magnusdottir a shot on goal, which was collected by Whitworth. In the last twenty seconds of the match, Rodriguez collected a ball behind the defense and took on the goalkeeper 1-v-1, but was unable to bury the ball in the net.
The Philadelphia Independence travel to Boston to face in the Breakers on Sunday, April 18 at 6pm ET/3pm PT on Fox Soccer Channel. The Beat, meanwhile, will play at the Washington Freedom on Sunday, April 18 (7pm ET/4pm PT).
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POST-GAME QUOTES
PHILADELPHIA INDEPENDENCE
Head Coach Paul Riley
On tonight’s match:
“I thought we played well for our first game together. We had national team players leave during preseason and we have only played one game with everyone there, so I think overall it was a good showing. We have growing to do, but it felt good to get this match under our belt.”
On missing defenders Heather Mitts and Allison Falk
“Mitts is recovering from a quad injury, and it will be good to have someone with her experience in the back line. Estelle played her first professional match tonight and she did well but she was a bit like a deer in headlights. Reynolds went in at right back and did well, but that right back position is something we are going to address and we are looking forward to having Heather healthy. Falk is a fantastic player- she wins everything in the air, she’s good on the ball- but Nikki and Sara had a clean sheet tonight so I will have some tough decisions to make before next week.”
On the crowd
“The crowd was brilliant tonight. I love Philly fans- they get on the ref, which is great, and they were chanting and having a great time. Fans who love the game of soccer make all the difference.”
Lori Lindsey
On tonight's match
It was great to be here in Philly playing for such amazing fans, and I think it went well for our first time playing together. It’s fun playing with an expansion team and being on the same team with players that I’ve played against for a long time. I think it’s a work in progress, but it’s It’s a dream come true for women’s professional soccer to be back and growing.
ATLANTA BEAT
Atlanta Head Coach Gareth O’Sullivan
On the team’s first game
I think it was a good result tonight in our first game together as a team. I think the girls were disappointed because they wanted to get a result, but any time you have a 1 on 1 with your keeper in the last 20 seconds, you have to be pleased to come out with a draw. We got lucky there, but we had some opportunities that we almost put away, so overall I think it was a great matchup.
On playing Philly
I don’t think either team looked like an expansion team tonight, and I think both Atlanta and Philly are going to give any team they play against a good game. I think it’s going to be a fantastic rivalry between our teams- I get along great with Paul Riley, and we will be back in about three weeks for what I’m sure will be another tough battle.