Aug. 25, 2001
FOXBORO, Mass. – Two former Notre Dame women’s soccer players-goalkeeper LaKeysia Beene and defender Kelly Lindsey-ended their first season in professional soccer in stunning fashion by leading the Bay Area CyberRays to the championship of the first-year Women’s United Soccer Association.
The CyberRays and Atlanta Beat played to a 3-3 tie on Saturday at Foxboro (Mass.) Stadium, with Bay Area then claiming the title in the penalty-kick shootout (decided 4-2 after four kicks).
Beene-who was named the WUSA’s goalkeeper of the year on Friday night–made three saves in regulation and through 15 minutes of overtime. She then dove to her left to stop Atlanta’s first penalty kick, a low shot by one of the world’s top players, Sun Wen. Atlanta’s Charmaine Hooper later sent her attempt wide of the right post.
Lindsey-who was named to the second team all-WUSA squad-had the primary assist on the game’s first goal, after taking a rare shot from the left side of the box. Lindsey’s shot was bound for the right side of the goal, with Brandi Chastain then flicking the ball with her head for the early 1-0 lead.
Another former Notre Dame player was honored at the WUSA awards banquet on Friday night, as Boston Breakers defender Kate Sobrero was presented with the WUSA’s Humanitarian Award, in recognition of her charitable work in the Boston area.
Beene, Lindsey and Sobrero each are among 24 invitees to the upcoming U.S. national team camp (check back to www.und.com for details).
Saturday’s game brought back memories of Notre Dame’s 1999 NCAA quarterfinal at Nebraska, a 1-1 battle that extended to PKs after 150 minutes of action. Lindsey converted the decisive PK (4-3) that day and Beene `s save then sent the Irish onto the ’99 College Cup.