Tucson, AZ (June 11, 2010) -  After a scoreless start to their season, and three frustrating draws at home, the Arizona Rush finally found their stride on Saturday with a 5-0 win over the Salt Lake City Sparta.  The Rush having signed new players from out of state and overseas have been tested to come together on the pitch as a team, and Saturday showed just that.

 

With a strong start the Rush's high pressure up top created plenty of goal scoring opportunities and gave them a 3-0 lead in the first 25 minutes.  The first goal came 17 minutes into the half with a through ball, by defender Mary Bowen, that split the Sparta defense.  Brianna Oeser, just back from playing in England, touched it past the Sparta keeper to give the Rush their first goal of the season. The Rush struck again in the next minute of play when Mallory Miller, 2005 PAC-10 Player of the Year, netted her first goal on a cross by forward Adrienne Lischke.  The Rush didn't stop there, Karina Camacho got her first of two goals on a well struck ball across the face of the goal by Sam Drees.

 

The solid defense led by Alex Balcer and Sylvia Gee, an Irish international, added another clean sheet to the Rush's perfect defensive record.  Sparta's attack was kept to only eight shots on goal and one corner kick.  They came out second half with more intensity and made the Rush work for every ball, but the Rush were still able to net two more goals.  Camacho and Leilani Skinner added to the score in the second half, assisted by Oeser and Nooria Sufi.

 

The Rush travel to Carson, California this Friday to play the U-23 Women's National Team.  They will be playing at the Home Depot Center, home to the Major League Soccer Clubs LA Galaxy and Chivas USA.  The game is at 6:00PM and there is no charge to attend.