Athletica goalkeeper Hope Solo saves Allison Falk's attempt on goal.  Solo also saved Aly Wagner's penalty kick in the 73rd minute to preserved Saint Louis Athletica's 0-0 tie. (Rovak | isiphotos.com)

Box Score (All statistics contained in this boxscore are unofficial)

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (April 25, 2009) -- The Los Angeles Sol tied Saint Louis Athletica 0-0 on a hot Saturday afternoon at Robert R. Hermann Stadium in St. Louis, MO. The Los Angeles Sol (3-0-1) remains undefeated while Saint Louis Athletica (0-2-1) is still seeking their first win.

“It was a very difficult game and we had very good chances. Goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc made huge saves for the team,” said Los Angeles Sol Head Coach Abner Rogers. “It was a physical game and St. Louis had that edge on us. Overall, it was a very exciting game for the fans.”

With close shots on goal by the Sol's Shannon Boxx and Aya Miyama and missed shots from Athletica's Daniela and Lori Chalupny the game remained scoreless in the first half. 

After the half, the action heated up.

In the 73rd minute, Katie Larkin eluded Tina Ellertson and dribbled into the penalty area. Ellertson tried to win the ball back, but was late on a slide tackle clipping Larkin’s back foot and causing a penalty.  Aly Wagner took the kick for the Sol, but was denied by goalkeeper Hope Solo.

“I don’t think she struck it very well,” said Solo. “Nevertheless I was going to my right.”

Following the penalty miss, Athletica dashed to the other end of the field and Daniela nearly scored but pushed her shot wide left. 

Athletica dominated until the 83rd minute, when a flurry of chances inside the area resulted in a handball on Sol Defender Allison Falk. Midfielder Lori Chalupny took the penalty, but Sol keeper Karina LeBlanc was up to the task.  Chalupny’s shot went right down the middle and LeBlanc barely moved as Athletica’s goal scoring drought continued.

“I didn’t hit it where I needed to and LeBlanc was right where I kicked it,” said Chalupny.  “That is the way the season has been going.”

“We have been working mostly on finishing in practice,” said Athletica's coach Jorge Barcellos. “I think what is missing is us being calm and tranquil. I think the pressure to score is getting to them.”

In the 89th minute, Angie Woznuk nearly gave Saint Louis a dramatic winner. Woznuk got to a second ball and put her shot toward the upper left hand corner only for Karina LeBlanc to make a spectacular save.

“Anytime you have seasoned world-class players missing like we did today with Marta, Camille Abily, and Han Duan you definitely miss their talent,” said Rogers. “We are looking forward to the challenge in Boston next week.”

The Los Angeles Sol will be on the road for the next game against the Boston Breakers on Saturday May 2, at 7pm ET at Harvard Stadium in Cambridge, MA.

Saint Louis Athletica returns to action against the Washington Freedom in the WPS Sunday on FSC televised match on Sunday May 3, at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown, MD. The game kicks off at 6pm ET.

Box Score (All statistics contained in this boxscore are unofficial)