Venus James scored again Tuesday, but Djurgarden/Alvsjo fell off the Swedish League lead thanks to a strike from Malmo FFÆs American, defender Denise Reddy.
Former Rutgers University star ReddyÆs first goal of the season, from a Malin Andersson cross two minutes into the second half, proved decisive in a 1-1 draw that dropped Djurgarden/Alvsjo (5-0-1) two points behind Umea IK (6-0-0) in the Damallsvenskan. Malmo (3-1-2) is seven points off the lead.
James, a former UCLA standout who won WUSA titles with the San Jose CyberRays and Carolina Courage, handed Djurgarden/Alvsjo a 19th-minute lead. James scored in her Damallsvenskan debut 10 days earlier, netting the second goal in a 2-0 victory over Stattena IF.
On Wednesday in Finland, FC Honka — with former Duquesne defender Becky Barritt — takes on MPS in a second-round match in the Nasten Suomen Cup (translated: Finnish WomenÆs Cup).
In Germany, first-place FFC Frankfurt is home against SC 07 Bad Neuenahr — with former Cal State Dominguez Hills forward Dianne Garza — in its tuneup before SaturdayÆs DFB Pokal Frauen (German WomenÆs Cup) final in Berlin against former Atlanta Beat defenders Nancy and Julie Augustyniak and FFC Turbine Potsdam.
FINLAND
Naisten Suomen Cup, Second Round
* Becky Barritt (FC Honka, D1), vs. MPS (D1), Wednesday.
Season cup stats: 0 games, 0 goals.
GERMANY
* Dianne Garza (SC 07 Bad Neuenahr, D1), at FFC Frankfurt, Wednesday.
Season league stats: 0 games, 0 goals.
SWEDEN
* Venus James (Djurgarden/Alvsjo, Damallsvenskan), at Malmo FF, 1-1 (Tuesday).
Started at forward, played 65 minutes. Scored goal in 19th minute to provide 1-0 lead.
Season league stats: 2 games, 2 goals.
* Denise Reddy (Malmo FF, Damallsvenskan), vs. Djurgarden/Alvsjo, 1-1 (Tuesday).
90 minutes in central defense. Scored goal in 47th minute for 1-1 tie.
Season league stats: 6 games, 1 goal.