FC Gold Pride (0-1-0) opened up the 2010 WPS season on the road
facing off with the Saint Louis Athletica (1-0-0), the same team
they closed the season against in 2009.
The Pride fell 2-0 to Saint Louis on Sunday, after conceding
two goals from Athletica's Eniola Aluko.
The Pride took the field for the first time in 2010 looking
to carry their momentum from a strong preseason into the first
game.
Kelley O’Hara, in her first professional game, worked
hard for her team creating multiple scoring opportunities but to no
avail.
Ultimately it was the Athletica that would strike first in
the match as Aluko scored her first goal of the season in the 39th
minute, after receiving a ball from Shannon Boxx.
"We came out tentative in the first half and it took awhile
to find a rhythm," said Pride Head Coach Albertin Montoya.
"But we came out in the second half with more energy and
created a lot of opportunities, but unfortunately couldn't put the
ball in the back of the net."
FC Gold Pride came out in the second half more aggressive and
increased the pressure on the Athletica to push for the equalizer,
but Hope Solo and her defense remained strong throughout the second
half.
Tiffeny Milbrett showed her tenacity and endurance continuing
to create some offense for the Pride but again, the team came up
empty.
Midway through the second half, Athletica went up 2-0, when
Aluko combined with Boxx again, this time on a corner kick in the
61st minute to score her second goal of the game.
"From this game, we now know what we need to improve on, and
we'll be ready for next weekend," said Montoya.
The Pride returns to the Bay Area to host the reigning WPS
Champion Sky Blue FC in their home opener Saturday, April 17 at 7
PM at Castro Valley High School Athletic Stadium.
