USL News Release

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

The W-League’s Tampa Bay Hellenic faced the Atlanta Beat of Women’s Professional Soccer in an impromptu exhibition match on Saturday, May 29. The amateur side fared well against the professional club, battling to a 1-1 draw.

For Atlanta, Saturday was supposed to bring a regularly scheduled visit from St. Louis Athletica of WPS. Due to recent financial difficulties, the Athletica dissolved early last week leaving the spot open and Beat fans wondering what would take its place. Fortunately, the Hellenic, who were originally scheduled to play another match, made the trip north on short notice to fill this open date.

After a scoreless first half, Tampa Bay forward Rachel Yepez scored in the 67th minute to give the Hellenic the lead. The Beat were controlling tempo for most of the game, but could not convert any opportunities. Then, in a last ditch effort to equalize, Atlanta defender Rebecca Nolin put in an 89th minute header to level the two clubs. The Beat outshot the Hellenic, 30-1, but could only muster a single goal.

“We thank the Tampa Bay Hellenic for coming up to Atlanta on such short notice to play the Atlanta Beat in an exhibition match this past Saturday,” said Shawn McGee, Atlanta’s general manager and chief operating officer. “We have a great partnership with the Hellenic. We currently have two players on our roster who have played for the Hellenic in the past: Stacy Bishop and Mallori Lofton. In addition, one of our 2010 WPS draft picks, Shameka Gordon, is currently playing for them.”

Tampa Bay Head Coach George Fotopoulos said that he was disheartened to hear about the difficulties facing St. Louis Athletica.

“I was saddened to hear the news out of St. Louis,” Fotopoulos said. “I have players who I have previously coached there, as well as friends. The Hellenic and I wanted to do whatever we could to help and support the WPS and the growth of women’s soccer.”

Fotopoulos added that it was great opportunity to have the chance to play against a professional side.

“It was an honor to be able to compete against the Beat,” Fotopoulos said. “They are a first-class professional club from their owner all the way down to their team. The Atlanta Beat, I feel, will become a team that can compete for a WPS championship in the near future. We feel honored to be a part of their growth as a new franchise.”