Boxscore (all statistics contained in this boxscore are unofficial)

SANTA CLARA, CA (July 5, 2009) – Lori Chalupny struck from distance to give Saint Louis Athletica a 1-0 win over FC Gold Pride in a Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) match at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Chalupny’s 73rd minute effort was a cleanly struck line drive from well outside the left edge of the penalty area that beat Nicole Barnhart to the upper far corner. The goal, Chalupny’s second of the year, gave Athletica a hard-earned three points and moves them into sole possession of second place in the WPS standings. Athletica now have 20 points on the season.

“It was a great ball from Tina Ellertson to free me up on the left side,” said Chalupny. “I took a good first touch across the defender to find some space. It couldn’t have been a better strike, upper corner, far post.”

“Three big points,” exclaimed head coach Jorge Barcellos. “Three very important points.”

Barcellos’ assessment is short but true. Athletica are now in a great position to cement a playoff position and a home playoff game in the WPS Super-Semifinal if they can maintain their advantage over Boston and Washington. Saint Louis is now two points clear of Boston and four clear of fourth place Washington. Athletica have seven games remaining, four of which are at home.

Knotted at zero moving late into the second half, FC Gold Pride started to establish momentum. Hope Solo was forced to make two dramatic saves on back-to-back shots to keep FC Gold Pride off the board. Four minutes later, however, Chalupny scored, setting Saint Louis Athletica up to defend for the remaining 15 minutes plus stoppage time.

Athletica dominated the play in the first half creating five quality chances to FC Gold Pride’s none. Eniola Aluko nearly struck for an 11th minute opener on a ball fed in by Angie Woznuk. Barnhart made a comfortable save on Aluko’s shot. Melissa Tancredi nearly got Saint Louis on the board in the 16th minute when her header just sailed over the top of the crossbar. Tancredi rose to meet an Angie Woznuk free kick but Tancredi’s shot would not have counted as the linesman judged her to be offsides.

Next up for Saint Louis is a Wednesday afternoon tilt in Los Angeles on July 8.  FC Gold Pride will travel to Chicago for a re-match with the Red Stars on Sunday, July 12.  

FC Gold Pride and Athletica will meet again Athletica on July 26.

Boxscore (all statistics contained in this boxscore are unofficial)