In the second half, Hooper put one in the net to give the Beat a 1-0 lead. With how strongly the defense was playing, and with how many scoring chances Atlanta kept generating, one felt that it was only a matter of time before Atlanta would score again and seal the deal. Cindy Parlow had two awesome scoring opportunities that I am sure she would like to have back. Sawa took a couple of strong rips at net and Sun was generating scoring opportunities.
Unfortunately, with fewer than ten minutes remaining, the Spirit struck, albeit in rather controversial fashion. They have a player (I don't remember which one) who can to the flip throw in, which is extrememly dangerous for defenses. It is hard to do. I tried to learn how to do it while playing in college, to no avail. Well, she threw the ball right in toward the near post. The ball never touched a Spirit player, but glanced off of Scurry's hands and went into the goal. Two problems with that. One, it appeared that the throw-in was illegal as one of her feet appeared to entirely cross over the line (you can go over the line so long as you are still touching it with both feet). Two, though it appeared the Nigerian international for San Diego never touched Brianna Scurry, I have been called on numerous occassions for little more than breathing on a keeper. She clearly did more than that. I was stunned that no foul was called.
Despite that, it appeared that Atlanta might salvage the whole three points yet as they continued pressuring the goal. Chinese international Sun Wen rocketed a volley off her foot from about 15 yards out that looked good. Unfortunately, the San Diego keeper was up to the task and made a good save to preserve the 1-1 road draw for the Spirit.
Despite the disappointment of a 1-1 draw, there was too much encouraging from this match to be blue. The offense is getting more in synch with every match. Sun Wen is looking healthier with every match. With 12 days until the next match, she should be able to be ready to play a full ninty minutes when making a return visit to the Charge. Sawa always looks dangerous. Parlow is generating more very dangerous scoring opportunities for herself. Hooper seems in the middle of every play in the front. Despite the late goal, the defense still looks solid and depth is becomming apparent as well. Though Atlanta has finally given up a goal, no other team has given up fewer than three. Once the offense starts clicking, things bode well for this team.
It is still early in the season. Atlanta is now finally beginning to gel and no team has been able to pull away early. Atlanta, despite still working on getting things together, is only two points behind the league leaders and a win over Philadelphia on the 24th could but Atlanta at the top of the table.