2001: Janine Szpara spent most of the season on the reserve squad, but was activated following backup goalkeeper Jen Mead's knee surgery. In her only action of the season, Spara subbed into the July 22 match against the Washington Freedom in the 58th minute when starter LaKeysia Beene was injured. Szpara preserved the shutout victory, making two saves.
Previous experience: Szpara is one of only four women to be named first team all-American in soccer all four years of her college career (1985-86-87-88) and is a pioneer of the women's game. She had six caps with the U.S. national team in 1986 and '87. In 1986, Szpara's Colorado College team advanced to the NCAA final four, losing 2-0 to a North Carolina team that included April Heinrichs, now coach of the U.S. women's national team, and Marcia McDermott, now coach of the WUSA Carolina Courage. She was Adidas Goalkeeper of the Year in 1988. From 1995 through '99 she played professionally in Japan for Shiroki Serena, which CyberRays teammate Brandi Chastain also played for, and the Takarazuka Bunnies, with whom she made the L-League all-star team in 1998.
Personal: Janine Marie Szpara ("Neen"). Graduated from Colorado College in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in History. Father Paul is a pharmacist, mother Jan, who recently died, was a family therapist. "She lives with me," Janine says.
2001 Regular Season Statistics
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