Game Review: Washington Freedom SC vs. Hampton Roads Mariners :: July 19, 2006 Maryland SoccerPlex, Germantown, MD

- By Joseph Schoenbauer Thu., July, 2006



Germantown, MD - Wednesday night in front of some 500 fans, the Freedom came from behind to defeat the Piranhas 2-1 on goals from midfielders Meggie Curran and Kimmy Francis.

Following a goalless first half, the game came to life early in the second half. The Piranhas took the lead in minute 57 when Chi Chi Nweke broke away from the Freedom defense near half way before slotting the ball into the right hand side of the net.

The Freedom, who maintained possession very well in the first half without really troubling the Piranhas back line, quickly grew more determined. First it was Jacqui Little Rimando’s turn, who twice was through one on one against the Piranhas goalie, only to be foiled at the last moment.

Soon after, more good work on the wing from the Freedom’s number 10 Tara Kidwell set up a cross into the box, where Meggie Curran came forward to blast the ball into the back of the net to tie the game at 1-1.

Following 4 substitutions by the Freedom, it became clear that the legs of the Piranhas were not going to be able to hold up, and the Freedom heaped more and more pressure on. Finally the breakthrough came as the minutes ticked down when Kimmy Francis, who had hit the post earlier in the half, picked up a cross and unleashed a shot into the goal to complete the comeback.