DC United Women News Release - www.dcunitedwomen.com
Saturday, July 9, 2011
GERMANTOWN, Md. – For the first time in club history, D.C. United Women set a franchise milestone by coming back from a score deficit to earn a victory. United Women exploded midway through the second half, scoring three goals in four minutes to erase the lead held by the visiting New Jersey Rangers Friday night at the Maryland Soccerplex.
Following a slight pushback in kickoff time due to traffic problems hampering New Jersey’s arrival, D.C. United Women seemed to dominate play early by relentlessly attacking the Rangers' defense. D.C. peppered the New Jersey goal with shots throughout the half, yet could not find a way past Ranger keeper Natalie Migoya. Numerous times Migoya answered the call, making critical saves for the visitors.
The missed opportunities of the first half proved costly, as New Jersey scored the open goal a quick counter. A long Ranger clearance found New Jersey forward Fanta Cooper deep in D.C. territory. Cooper slotted a pass to fellow Ranger Maya Hayes who buried the shot past sprawling United Women keeper DiDi Haracic for the 1-0 New Jersey lead that held through halftime.
After the break, D.C. looked to wear down the undermanned Rangers by going to the bench, inserting key impact players Hayley Siegel and Christy Welsh. The strategy reaped huge dividends, as the veterans anchored an unprecedented offensive surge.
After intercepting a Ranger clearance, United Women midfielder Siegel rocketed a full volley untouched into the upper left corner of the New Jersey net to earn the equalizer in the 63rd minute.
With fans still celebrating Siegel’s dramatic blast from just inside the right corner of the penalty area, the talented midfielder fed a crisp diagonal pass down the left side to teammate Welsh on the next possession. Welsh drove hard past the New Jersey defense and unleashed a missile of her one into the lower right corner of the Ranger goal in the 65th minute.
Immediately after the ensuing New Jersey kickoff, D.C. defender Annie Case collected an errant pass and found the feet of United Women youthful forward Ashley Herndon. Herndon struck a high velocity shot that was too much for Ranger keeper Migoya to handle to cap the home side scoring at 3-1 in the 66th minute.
The victory keeps D.C. United Women undefeated at home this year and still alive for a playoff spot. D.C. must win its final game and still needs help in other upcoming Northeast Division matches.
D.C. United Women close out their regular season at home tomorrow for a Sunday, July 10 rematch with the North Jersey Valkyries at the Maryland Soccerplex in Boyds, Maryland. Sunday’s game will also be Youth Soccer Recognition Day. Match time is scheduled for 5 p.m.