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Wildcats Hammer Freedom in Rematch
Pichon, D'Amico Lead the Way
WEST WINDSOR, NJ - When the New Jersey Wildcats faced the Washington Freedom in an exhibition match two weeks ago, the Freedom kept the Wildcats from winning for the first and only time this season. Tonight, the Wildcats made up for not winning that tilt with a dominating 7-0 exhibition victory over the Freedom in front of 656 fans at Mercer County Community College. Marinette Pichon led the way with two goals and an assist while new addition Alli D'Amico connected twice.
In the first match - a 1-1 tie in Germantown, MD - the Wildcats held a wide advantage in shots but couldn't overcome an early 1-0 deficit. Tonight, the Wildcats were much more proficient putting five of seven shots into the back of the net in the first half. New Jersey held a 17-3 advantage overall in shots.
Pichon factored in every one of the first three goals of the game. The French star rolled a nifty cross through the goalmouth for D'Amico to tuck into the empty net before connecting on two goals of her own. Pichon redirected a cross from Maura Gallagher in the 21st minute before nailing in the rebound of a D'Amico header two minutes later for three goals in a five minute span.
D'Amico slotted a pass from Bonnie Young in the 35th minute before Anne Makinen cracked in the goal of the game in the last minute of the half. Makinen stole the ball in the middle of the field and lined a 40-yard shot just under the bar for a 5-0 halftime edge.
Rochelle Willis got into the act with a blast of her own just under the bar after a nice run into the box in the 49th minute. Marieke van Tienhoven closed out the scoring in the final moments when she stole the ball inside the Freedom box and snuck a shot inside the near post.
All three Wildcats goalkeepers combined to post the shutout. Amanda Brown - the W-League leader in goals against average - started the game in goal before giving way to Becky Wachsberger and Alissa Kacar.
The Wildcats return to action this Saturday when they host the Long Island Lady Riders in a W-League matchup at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Stadium in New Brunswick. This will be the Wildcats only visit to Memorial Stadium this season. New Jersey topped Long Island on the road 5-0 earlier this season. | 
