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The San Diego Spirit of the Women's United
Soccer Association enters the final month of the season bidding
for a playoff berth. The Spirit will close out its inaugural
season with seven matches, four on the road (July 15 @ Carolina,
July 25 @ Bay Area, August 5 @ Boston and August 9 @ Philadelphia)
and three at home on July 29 vs. Atlanta, August 1 against
Mia Hamm and the Washington Freedom, and the season finale
on August 12 against the Carolina Courage.
Head Coach Carlos Juarez and his staff have
the troupes ready to face the challenge of the playoff race.
Escondido's own Shannon MacMillan is having a MVP season at
forward. MacMillan has been around the league lead in goals
and points throughout the entire season. Joining "Big
Mac" up front is "Marvelous" Mercy Akide, who
is coming into her own as a potent striker in the WUSA. Akide,
the 2000 African Female Player of the Year, has used her magical
skills to score goals. National Team member Julie Foudy and
Shannon Boxx have been consistent in the midfield to pace
the Spirit. Young stars Kim Pickup and Rhiannon Tanaka have
anchored the staunch defense. America's #1 Soccer Mom Joy
Fawcett will make her Spirit debut in late July. The addition
of one of the best defenders in the world will help solidify
the backline for the stretch drive. Goalkeeper Jaime Pagliarulo
makes stunning saves in every match and has recently played
with the U.S. National Team.
The Spirit did not stand pat going into
the final four weeks of the season. The team engineered the
first trade in league history by acquiring Chinese National
Team defender Wen Lirong and Norwegian goalkeeper Bente Nordby.
Nordby is recognized as one of the top netminders in the world.
Reserve the best seats in the house
for the final three matches at the renovated Torero Stadium
on the campus of the University of San Diego. See the best
players in the world grace the pitch. Individual game tickets
can be ordered by calling Ticketmaster at 619/220-TIXS.
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