Around the WUSA

Published on December 10, 2002 under Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) News Release

ATLANTA (Tuesday, December 10, 2002) - Entering the month of December the Women's United Soccer Association continues to focus on the upcoming 2003 season. During the next four months each of the league's eight teams will be looking to fill its needs for the upcoming season. The following are some news and notes from the past 30 days.

2002 NCAA Women's College Cup:

Each of the eight WUSA teams had representatives in Austin, Texas to scout the future talent of the WUSA during the 2002 NCAA Women's College Cup (December 6-8). The final four teams battling for the national championship were Santa Clara, North Carolina, Portland and Penn State with the Pilots defeating the Broncos 2-1 (OT) on Sunday, December 8. The talent in this past weekend's NCAA championship is expected to make a major impact in the WUSA next season as well as seasons to come.

"This past weekend was great," said Philadelphia Charge Head Coach Mark Krikorian. "The games were well played and the talent level continues to increase at the collegiate level, which is an indication of how much women's soccer has grown in the United States. Players are becoming more and more tactical and skillful. They're also becoming more knowledgeable in the game overall. With the talent that is out there, it should make for a very exciting draft for us."

Leading the way is Santa Clara midfielder Aly Wagner. Wagner is a member of the U.S. national team and is expected to be the first pick in the 2003 WUSA Draft.

"Aly Wagner and Christine Sinclair (Portland) were clearly the two stars of the NCAA finals," said WUSA Commissioner Tony DiCicco, who attended last weekend's event. "Despite being a sophomore, Sinclair has shown that she will have a future in the WUSA. Wagner shows a higher level of understanding of the game of soccer and will bring a lot to this league."

The College Cup showcased a number of seniors whose futures seem destined for the WUSA. Goalkeeper Lauren Arase (Portland), defender Lauren Orlandos (Portland), midfielder Dewyn Hawkins (Santa Clara), forward Christie Welsh (Penn State) and midfielder Erin Misaki (Portland) preformed well this past weekend and grabbed the attention of many head coaches in the WUSA.

The underclassmen also made some noise during the NCAA final. Canadian national team star Sinclair (the College Cup Offensive MVP) scored two goals, including the game-winner to give the Pilots the NCAA title. Santa Clara's Jessica Ballweg was named the College Cup's defensive MVP following her strong performance in the back for the Broncos. Santa Clara sophomore Leslie Osborne (a member of the U.S. U-19 national team) was a consistent offensive threat from the Broncos.

"(Leslie) Osborne and (Jessica) Ballweg are young," said DiCicco. "However, they have a wonderful pedigree for playing in the WUSA. Other young players who grab your attention are Cat Reddick (North Carolina) and Heidi Drummond (Penn State). Both clearly posses the talent to play in our league."

POSTSEASON NEWS & NOTES

DECEMBER ROSTER CUT DOWN AND WAIVERS DRAFT MOVED TO DECEMBER 16 AND 18: On December 16 each of the eight WUSA teams will be required to cut its roster to no more than 18 players (including three reserves) and no less than 12. A waivers draft will be held December 18 (yet to be determined). Any player released on the December 16 waivers deadline will be available to be picked up by another team via the waivers draft. Any player not selected in the waivers draft may re-enter the league through the tryout process.

McDERMOTT STEPS DOWN: On November 15, Marcia McDermott stepped down as head coach of the Carolina Courage to pursue other interests. McDermott, the only female head coach in the WUSA during its first two seasons, compiled an all-time record of 20-17-7. McDermott holds the WUSA record for wins in a season (12).

"It was an extremely hard decision," said McDermott. "I really enjoyed coaching this team and working with this coaching staff, but the timing is right in my life to step away from coaching. I am grateful to the WUSA and the Carolina Courage for the opportunity to coach at this level. It has been an unbelievable experience to work in this league, and I am proud of what we accomplished."

McDermott guided the Carolina Courage from a last place finish in 2001 to the 2002 regular season title and its first Founders Cup championship.

"This is a positive change in my life," stated McDermott. "Coaching soccer has afforded me so many great opportunities to develop. I feel ready for new challenges and opportunities."

Carolina Courage President and General Manager Jerome Ramsey praised McDermott for her accomplishments.

"We are grateful to Marcia for her enormous contributions to our organization," said Ramsey. "Not only did she deliver success in a very short span of time, but she also laid the foundation for the Courage to be competitive for many years to come. Although we will miss Marcia's passion and leadership, we respect and support her decision to pursue other interests outside of coaching."

THREE WUSA PLAYERS NAMED FINALISTS FOR 2002 FIFA WORLD PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Three WUSA players (Atlanta's Sun Wen; Carolina's Birgit Prinz; Washington's Mia Hamm) have been named finalists for the FIFA Player of the Year, soccer's world governing body announced November 18. Either Prinz, Hamm or Sun Wen will be crowned World Player of the Year at the 12th annual Gala in Madrid on Tuesday, December 17.

Hamm, 30, the inaugural 2001 FIFA Player of the Year winner, battled back impressively from injury to spearhead both club, Washington Freedom, and country, USA, to success in 2002. Despite ending up on the losing side in the WUSA Founders Cup II in August, the talented Hamm scored the winning goal in the CONCACAF Gold Cup against Canada to send the USA to the FIFA Women's World Cup in China PR in 2003. Hamm holds the world record for goals scored in international competition, having notched an incredible 136 goals as well as 114 assists for the USA.

Prinz, 25, who came onto the WUSA scene in June 2002, won almost all there is to win in 2002. In Europe, she helped her FFC Frankfurt team to the UEFA Women's Cup, as well as German Championship and Cup. Across the Atlantic, she had the energy to lead the Carolina Courage to victory in the WUSA Founders Cup II, earning the Most Valuable Player award in the final. Heading for a century of caps, Prinz has maintained an average of a goal every other match for Germany and easily led them to qualification for China 2003.

Sun Wen, 29, was runner up for last year's award. Injuries have slowed her WUSA performance in her two years with Atlanta. In announcing the finalists, FIFA wrote, "the watchable China playmaker has continued to impress with her vision and knowledge of the game. With her country qualified as hosts of next year's FIFA World Cup(tm). The diminutive player was voted MVP at the last tournament, FIFA Women's World Cup USA '99, and was awarded the adidas Golden Shoe with seven goals."

U.S. NATIONAL TEAM FACES JAPAN: The U.S. Women's national team will begin preparation for the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup in China with its first-ever full international match in San Diego, facing Japan at Torero Stadium on Sunday, January 12, 4:00 p.m. ET. It will be the first-ever international soccer match at Torero Stadium. Ticket prices for the match are set at $20, $30, $35, $40, $45 and $150 for the special limited VIP field-level seats and went on sale to the general public on November 25. The match against Japan will kick off the USA's road to China and the Women's World Cup to be held from Sept 24-Oct. 11 in five Chinese cities.

Japan will attempt to qualify for the Women's World Cup in the spring at a site to be determined. Japan has played in all three previous Women's World Cups and is a favorite to qualify for its fourth. The U.S. holds a 13-0-1 advantage over Japan in the all-time series, but in the last meeting on December 17, 2000, the two teams drew 1-1, in Phoenix, Arizona.

The U.S. will travel to China in January for a major international tournament featuring the top four teams in the world as each nation gears up for the 2003 Women's World Cup. The USA, Norway, Germany and Women's World Cup host China will clash in a series of three doubleheaders in three Chinese cities, all in the three provinces in the southwest region of the country.

The Four Nations Tournament will kick off on January 23 at a venue to be determined in the Zhejiang Province, as China faces Germany and the USA takes on Norway. The teams will move to the Women's World Cup venue Wuhan for the January 26 matches that feature China vs. Norway and the USA vs. Germany. The blockbuster tournament will finish in Shanghai, site of the 2003 Women's World Cup Final, with rematches of the 1995 Women's World Cup Final as Germany takes on Norway and the 1999 Women's World Cup Final as the USA faces China.

NATIONAL TEAM DUTY: Five countries featuring WUSA players took the pitch during November/early December.

Canada: Atlanta's Charmaine Hooper, and Sharolta Nonen and Boston's Karina LeBlanc led Canada to the 2002 CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup final versus the United States on November 9 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The trip to the tournament finals versus the U.S qualified Canada for the 2003 Women's World Cup in China (September 24 - October 11). Canada fell to the U.S. 2-1 in overtime on a "golden goal" by forward Mia Hamm in the 94th minute. Hooper tallied the game-tying goal during stoppage time of the first half. With the score 1-1, the match headed to overtime with the United States claiming its fifth regional title with the Hamm goal. Hooper's seven goals in the tournament tied the Atlanta forward for the "Golden Boot" award with teammate Christine Sinclair and the United States' Tiffeny Milbrett. Hooper was also named to the Gold Cup Best XI.

France: Philadelphia's Marinette Pichon helped lead France to a berth in the 2003 Women's World Cup in China (September 24 - October 11, 2003) with a 1-0 victory over England on November 16. Corinne Diacre scored the only goal of the game as France added to the 1-0 advantage from the first leg in England to take the fifth and final place allocated to European sides at the World Cup finals next year. Pichon's goal in the first leg of the playoff (October 17) gave France the 1-0 advantage heading into the November 26 encounter.

Mexico: Boston's Monica Gonzalez and Washington's Monica Gerardo led Mexico to the semifinals of the 2002 CONCACAF Women's Gold. Mexico defeated Costa Rica 4-1 on November 9 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena to claim third place in the Women's Gold Cup. Gonzalez started the scoring for Mexico with a 13th-minute penalty kick goal. With the win, Mexico earned a playoff spot against the third-place finisher in Asian qualifying for a final 2003 Women's World Cup berth. Gonzalez was named to the Gold Cup "Best IX" with her performance during the tournament (three goals).

Nigeria: San Diego's Merci Akide and Flo Omagbemi are currently taking part in the 2002 African Women's Championship (hosted by Nigeria) as qualification for the 2003 Women's World Cup in China. On December 7, Akide registered two goals as Nigeria defeated Ethiopia 3-0 in Warri. Nigeria will next face Ghana on Tuesday, December 10. The top two teams in the eight-nation tournament will earn Africa's berths at the 2003 Women's World Cup.

The United States: 16 WUSA players suited up for the U.S. national team to take part in the 2002 CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup (World Cup Qualifying) in late October/early November. (LaKeysia Beene; Brandi Chastain; Tiffany Roberts; Joy Fawcett; Kate Sobrero; Jenny Benson; Lorrie Fair; Angela Hucles; Julie Foudy; Shannon MacMillan; Tiffeny Milbrett; Abby Wambach; Briana Scurry; Mia Hamm; Cindy Parlow; Kristine Lilly). On November 9 the U.S. Women's national team won the 2002 CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup in dramatic fashion with a 94th minute "golden goal" from forward Hamm in sudden death overtime to defeat Canada, 2-1, in the championship game on a wet, soggy field at the Rose Bowl. It was Hamm's first goal of the tournament, but the 136th of her career.

The USA and Canada had already qualified for the 2003 Women's World Cup in China by virtue of their victories in the Women's Gold Cup semifinals, but were playing for regional bragging rights.

The USA struck first with a remarkable goal from Milbrett in the 27th minute. The sequence started when Aly Wagner (Santa Clara University) played a pass into Lilly's path on the left wing. Lilly beat Canada's Candace Chapman around the corner and whipped a cross into the middle for Milbrett, who was making a hard lateral run across the six-yard box. Milbrett beat former Carolina Courage star Silvana Burtini to the ball and fired a beautiful first-time volley with her left foot over Boston's Karina LeBlanc and into the roof of the net. It was the 95th international goal of her career.

In overtime (94th minute) with the score tied 1-1,Hamm lifted the ball into the right corner of the net past LeBlanc to give the U.S. its fifth regional title.

Milbrett, who claimed a share of the "Golden Boot" award (seven goals in the tournament - tied with Canada's Charmaine Hooper and Christine Sinclair), was named the tournament MVP.

Fawcett and Chastain, along with Wagner, MacMillan and Milbrett were all named to the Women's Gold Cup Best XI. Parlow was named Honorable Mention All-Tournament Team.

The U.S. will next face Japan at San Diego's Torero Stadium on January 12 in preparation for the 2003 Women's World Cup.

WUSA STARS ON LOAN: Four WUSA players are currently on loan.

Carolina forward Birgit Prinz and Washington defender Steffi Jones have been with their former club team since August 28 and will remain with FFC Frankfurt until early February.

Prinz (7 goals) and Jones (2 goals) have led FFC Frankfurt to a 7-2-0 (first place in the Women's Bundesliga) record during the 2002/2003 season. In FFC Frankfurt's last match, Prinz recorded two goals as FFC Frankfurt defeated Tennis Borussia Berlin 8-2 on November 17.

In the UEFA Women's Cup, Prinz recorded a hat trick to lead her team past Finnish club Helsinki, 8-0 in the second leg of the quarterfinals on December 1. The win moved FFC Frankfurt into the semifinals of the UEFA Women's Cup. In a rematch of last year's UEFA Women's Cup Final, FFC Frankfurt will meet Swedish powerhouse Umea in March.

Washington's Bai Jie has been loaned to Guangzhou Army Women's Soccer Team (her former club team in China) while San Diego's Zhang Ouying has been loaned to her former club Hebei FC. Both players will remain in China until early February.

BACK TO SCHOOL: During the offseason a number of WUSA players headed back to the classroom.

Atlanta's dynamic twin duo of Julie and Nancy Augustyniak have been hitting the books during the fall as the two are working to complete their undergraduate degrees at Clemson University. Julie will be graduating in December with a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences and a minor in German. Nancy is working towards a degree in Health Science.

Seven members of the Boston Breakers spent time in the classroom during the offseason - Karina LeBlanc [correspondence courses] Alexa Borisjuk [UConn - student teaching], Kristin Slater [Arizona State Univ.], Jena Kluegel [UNC- Chapel Hill], Heather Aldama [has her degree but is substitute teaching in California to gain class time toward a teacher certificate], Dagny Mellgren [hoping to finish up her degree by January] and Maren Meinert, who received her German coaching license is working on her masters degree in Germany.

New York's Sara Whalen is attending Fordham University to complete her Master's Degree in School Psychology. Nicole Williams is finishing up her studies at the University of Georgia, majoring in Business Management.

San Diego's Kim Pickup is working toward her teaching credential at Cal State Northridge. Lori Lindsey is back at the University of Virginia finishing her undergraduate degree. During her time at UVA, Lindsey has been the volunteer assistant coach for the Cavaliers this season. Amy Sauer is in Florence, Italy, studying abroad while finishing her undergraduate degree in political science for Stanford.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS: The holiday season is in full swing with many in the WUSA taking part in their communities.

The Atlanta Beat kicked off the holiday season this past weekend as the team's players and coaches marched in the Children's Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7. The parade marked the beginning of Atlanta's Festival of Trees. The Festival of Trees, which takes place inside the Georgia World Congress Center Exhibit Hall A from December 7-15, is home to hundreds of uniquely decorated trees donated by various Atlanta-area corporations.

The Boston Breakers will help ring in the holiday giving season with the Salvation Army this week. Kristine Lilly, Kate Sobrero, Allie Kemp and Sarah Dacey participated in the Salvation Army's annual celebrity bellringers program. The players will staff the kettle in front of Macy's Department store in downtown Boston on Thursday, December 12th from 12:30-1:30 p.m. (ET).

On Saturday, December 7, the Carolina Courage took part in the city of Durham's holiday parade, and on Sunday, Dec. 8, members of the Courage were on hand to light the Christmas tree at the Cary Town Hall.

On December 13, the San Diego Spirit will be on hand to help support Toys for Tots 2002, a toy drive organized by the Marines that helps underprivileged children have a great Christmas. The Spirit will be in front of the NBC 7/39 building in downtown San Diego from 6 a.m. - 8 a.m. accepting toys.

The Washington Freedom and the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission are holding a Toys for Tots Toy Drive at RFK Stadium December 2 through Friday, December 20. The Freedom will be collecting new, unwrapped toys to give to needy children this holiday season.

Women's United Soccer Association Stories from December 10, 2002

• Around the WUSA - WUSA
• Milbrett Up for US Soccer Awards - New York Power

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