Battista makes her mark in Denmark with an assist for Odense Boldklub in last night's F.A. Cup victory. 

August 10, 2005... Sixteen year old Melissa Battista set up the go ahead goal just before halftime for Odense Boldklub's (OB) FA Cup match last night against Kolding in Denmark.  OB took the lead midway through the first half 1-0 off an Eva Vester goal and was sitting fairly comfortable when Kolding scored a tying goal against the run of play.  Then in the 42nd minute Battista ran down a ball outside the penalty area, turned back to the inside and sent a bending ball to Ndidi Kanu outside the top of the arc.  The Nigerian pushing up from her stopper position sent her 2nd touch screaming over the keeper's head and just under the cross bar.  OB went into halftime with the 2-1 lead and never looked back.

OB went on to score a 3rd goal and win 3-1 while dominating the remainder of the game having just missed scoring a 4th and 5th goal.  For Battista, who left the game in the 65 minute, it was a satisfying feeling to contribute to the team.  "Hopefully I can do more in the next game and end with more than one assist." said Battista.  Odense Boldklub plays on the road this Sunday against league champions and famous perennial power Brondby.  Battista is expected to play against 7 full internationals in the match which the defending champions are heavily favored to win as OB may be missing 3 more starters due to injury.