July 23, 2004 W-League Western Mass Lady Pioneers vs Toronto Inferno (from Inferno news release)
For Immediate Release
Date: Saturday, July 24, 2004
Attention: Sports Editors, Assignment Editors, Soccer Journalists, General Sportswriters, Sportscasters and other parties
PIONEERS SAIL TO VICTORY OVER INFERNO
Friday, July 23, 2004 - (Ludlow, MA) - The Western Mass Lady Pioneers overcame a two-goal halftime deficit as well as damp conditions at Lusitano Stadium en route to a 3-2 victory over the Toronto Inferno.
This W-League match was spattered with intermittent showers that forced each team into making adjustments to their game plans on the fly.
Inferno defender Sandi Potis opened the scoring by heading home a Keisha Garrick corner kick 37 minutes into the match.
Heather MacDougall put the Inferno up by two when she converted on a through ball by Holly Lincoln.
A dejected Western Mass team huddled together at midfield during the halftime break and started the second half with new life.
The Lady Pioneers were rewarded six minutes into the half when Courtney Leone put an Inferno miscue on a cross into the back of the net.
They tied the score at two off a free kick by Jen Sullivan that saw Inferno goalkeeper Anne-Marie Witco slip when she dove for the stop in the 62nd minute.
Western Mass’ comeback win was completed when Lara Batey bounced in a long dribbler that was out of Witco’s reach.
“We did not capitalize on enough of our chances,” commented Toronto Inferno Head Coach Tom McManus.
“When our team also makes a couple errors that led to goals in the second half, it does not make for a winning recipe no matter how much you are up at the half.”
The Toronto Inferno will look to avoid another puddle when they conclude their season on Saturday against the playoff-bound Boston Renegades, who will be facing these same Lady Pioneers in the first round.
Saturday's match takes place at Bowditch Stadium in Framingham, southwest of Boston, kicking off at 7:30 p.m.
Norm Kwong, Toronto Inferno Soccer Club
About the Toronto Inferno and W-League
The Toronto Inferno Soccer Club, founded in 1997, is the original Canadian W-League franchise. Recognized as the best women's soccer developmental league in North America, the W-League now counts seven Canadian franchises amongst its 37 member teams. The other 31 teams are located within America's 48 contiguous states.
For news, schedules, scores, standings, rosters and other information about the Toronto Inferno and W-League, please visit www.torontoinferno.com and wleague.usl.com.
The Inferno organization can also be reached by e-mailing us at torontoinferno@torontoinferno.com or telephoning 905-294-6199.
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Contacts:
Glenn Sutherland
Media Relations
Toronto Inferno Soccer Club
Home Phone: 416-282-9241
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