Sports Then and Now

In their final spring exhibition game before the Women’s Professional Soccer league regular season kicks off April 10, the St. Louis Athletica fell 2-1 to the Atlanta Beat today in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Former Athletica defender Kia McNeil opened the scoring with a first-half goal and the Beat added a second thanks to Ramona Bachmann. Shannon Boxx added one for the Athletica, but St. Louis couldn’t add any more.

St. Louis had several positives added to the game when captain Lori Chalupny returned to action for the first time since taking time off for concussion-related issues. “It felt great to get back on the field. Today was an especially important game for us because it gave us a chance to see where we stand,” said Chalupny.

She started the game, and has been cleared to play in matches, having previously been cleared to practice only. “I’m still working to get back to 90 minutes match fit, but I keep feeling better and better every minute.”

Lindsay Tarpley also saw her first game time since she joined St. Louis. Recovering from an ACL injury she suffered last August in practice with her former team, the Chicago Red Stars, Tarpley played 15 minutes today.

It felt good to play in the game because it was another step in the right direction in my recovery process,” said Tarpley following Saturday’s game. “I’m hoping I will be able to help the team in whatever way I can.”

Ashlyn Harris started in goal in the absence of Hope Solo. The back line consisted of  Elaine, Tina Ellerston, Kendall Fletcher, and Elise Webber. Boxx, Tina DiMartino, and Aya Miyama started in midfield while Madelaine Eldund India Trotter started at forward.

St. Louis begins their regular season against FC Gold Pride at the Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park on April 11 at 3:00. Tickets can be purchased at 1-888-STL-GOAL.

This article was excerpted from a press release and reworked by freelance writer Lauren Salter.