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WUSA Season Begins April 5

March 31, 2003 - Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) News Release


ATLANTA (Monday, March 31, 2003) - The Women's United Soccer Association season will kick off its third season on April 5, as all eight teams will be in action.
The highlight of opening weekend will be a rematch of Founders Cup II when the Carolina Courage hosts the Washington Freedom at 2 pm ET on Saturday. Carolina capped a worst-to-first season last year when the Courage downed the Freedom 3-2 in a thrilling championship match on August 24, 2002.

In addition to the championship rematch, Saturday's WUSA action will feature Tiffeny Milbrett and the New York Power invading Atlanta to battle the Beat. The new-look San Diego Spirit, with number one draft pick Aly Wagner and Head Coach Omid Namazi making their WUSA debuts, hosts Kristine Lilly and the Boston Breakers. The late game will feature Brandi Chastain and the San Jose CyberRays playing host to 2002 WUSA MVP Marinette Pichon and the Philadelphia Charge.

So what's in store for the WUSA in 2003? A look at 10 stories to watch follows.

WORLD CUP BOUND - Yes, it's been four years since the "Girls of Summer" won the 1999 Women's World Cup. The 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup will take place September 23 - October 11 in four cities in China. With the exception of the retired Michelle Akers, every member of the 1999 U.S. World Cup championship team competes in the WUSA. Washington's Mia Hamm (31), San Jose's Brandi Chastain (35), New York's Tiffeny Milbrett (30), Boston's Kristine Lilly (31) and San Diego's Julie Foudy (32) are just a few of the familiar faces who are essentially locks to make the 2003 U.S. World Cup team. However, the new breed of American stars such as San Diego's Aly Wagner (22) and Danielle Slaton (23) are expected to play a key role in the United States' success in China. Nearly 50 WUSA players are expected to compete in World Cup China 2003.

GLOBAL TALENT POOL - Including the United States, 14 countries will be represented in the WUSA in 2003, representing the world's best players. Those countries include: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, China, England, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Scotland and the United States.
One international newcomer will make history on April 5, as San Diego midfielder Daniela will become the youngest player to compete in a WUSA match when the 19-year-old Brazilian competes against Boston. Each WUSA team is allowed a maximum of four international players.

"The (WUSA) represents the summit of women's soccer, and every player would obviously want to kick in it one day," Philadelphia's Czech forward Pavlina Scasna said. "I wasn't any exception. Playing in America was my dream."

The WUSA features eight of the top 10 players in the 2002 FIFA World Player of the year voting. The two players currently not in the WUSA are former Atlanta Beat midfielder Sun Wen and University of Portland sophomore Christine Sinclair.
Washington's Mia Hamm won her second consecutive FIFA World Player of the Year trophy when she was honored with the 2002 award.

ALY UNDER THE MICROSCOPE - Will San Diego Spirit rookie Aly Wagner live up to all of the preseason hype? The clear number one pick in the 2003 WUSA Draft, Wagner has dazzled college soccer opponents and is now a star on the U.S. national team (41 caps, 11 goals). In fact, Wagner scored two goals in four games to lead the U.S. to the recent Algarve Cup title. Will the Santa Clara product endure the rigors of life as a pro and lead the San Diego Spirit into the playoffs for the first time?

INTERESTING STRATEGY - Philadelphia is the WUSA team that will likely have the least amount of players competing in World Cup China 2003. Head Coach Mark Krikorian only has two players who are almost certain to make their respective World Cup teams in midfielder Lorrie Fair (United States) and forward Marinette Pichon (France). Outside of Pichon, Philadelphia has two international players whose countries did not qualify for the World Cup in Kelly Smith (England) and Pavlina Scasna (Czech Republic), and a third, Melanie Hoffman of Germany, who has not been a regular with her national team in recent years. However, many experts expect the Charge to be among the elite teams in the WUSA as Krikorian will rarely have to deal with national team call-ups and the Charge will regularly have its full complement of first-team players.

NEW COACHES LOOK TO MAKE IMPACT - The WUSA started the 2002 season with the same eight coaches that started the 2001 season. Clearly the WUSA's second season was a measuring stick, as half of the league's eight teams will feature new head coaches. Boston (Pia Sundhage), Carolina (Jay Entlich), New York (Tom Sermanni) and San Diego (Omid Namazi) will all make their WUSA head coaching debuts on April 5.

WHAT CAN THEY DO IN A FULL SEASON? - Carolina's Birgit Prinz was third in WUSA scoring (12g, 8a, 32pts) in 2002 despite playing in only 15 games after finishing her German club season. Following offseason knee surgery, Washington's Mia Hamm did not see action until June 12 and then only as a part-time player. But Hamm's 3.92 points per game did lead all WUSA players last year. Philadelphia's Kelly Smith was arguably the WUSA's most dominant player in April and May of last season, winning the league's player of the month award in May before suffering a season-ending knee injury on June 1. All three players are 100 percent healthy and will be competing in the WUSA season for the entire year. Opposing defenses have now been officially warned.

THE OLD GUARD - When professional soccer players reach their mid-30s, it is often time to hang up the boots, especially for field players. The WUSA features six players who claim a date of birth in the 1960's, but these athletes aren't ready to hang it up yet. In fact, four of the six players are expected to start for their respective national team at World Cup China 2003. The following is a brief look at the WUSA's old guard:

Player Team Pos. DOB Note
Sissi San Jose M 6/2/67 Starting midfielder for Brazil is WUSA's oldest player
Gao Hong Washington GK 11/27/67 She could make China's World Cup team as no. 3 'keeper
Charmaine Hooper Atlanta F 1/15/68 Canada's all-time leading scorer Joy Fawcett San Diego D 2/8/68 Mother of three anchors the USA's defense
Carla Overbeck Carolina D 5/9/68 Former U.S. captain recently had second child
Brandi Chastain San Jose D 7/21/68 Teams with Fawcett in the U.S.'s central defense

THE SLEEPER - Now that the WUSA is entering its third season, is it still possible to unearth a domestic player who is considered a "diamond in the rough?" Well, Atlanta Beat Head Coach Tom Stone hopes so. Atlanta defensive midfielder Ifeoma Dieke (EE-fee-o-ma Dee -Kay) was the only true tryout player -- with no previous WUSA experience -- to make a 16-player active roster (WUSA 20 player rosters feature 16 active players, 2 reserves and 2 developmental athletes). How good is Dieke? According to Stone, she is a likely starter for the Beat on Saturday against New York. The former Florida International University star is expected to start alongside Nikki Serlenga in the midfield. Born in the United States, the 22-year-old Dieke's ancestry is Nigerian and she was raised in Glasgow, Scotland.


IMPACT OF "THE TRADE" - On September 30, 2002, the biggest trade in WUSA history took place when the San Diego Spirit sent three players (Shannon Boxx, Margaret Tietjen and Sherrill Kester) and the second overall pick in the 2003 WUSA Draft to the New York Power for the first pick in the 2003 WUSA Draft, midfielder Jen Nielsen and forward Wynne McIntosh. Of course, the most important part of the trade was San Diego securing the right to select Aly Wagner with the number one pick in the 2003 WUSA Draft. On the surface, the trade improved both teams in key areas. San Diego has the world-class playmaker they wanted in Wagner and added depth with Nielsen (McIntosh did not make the Spirit roster). Since Kester was eventually sent back to San Diego for goalkeeper Carly Smolak, New York has four potential starters from the trade in Boxx, Tietjen, Smolak and Christie Welsh, the All-American forward from Penn State who was selected with the second overall pick in the WUSA Draft. In addition, San Diego picked up the 17th overall pick in the WUSA Draft from New York when Smolak was sent to the Power. San Diego selected University of North Carolina goalkeeper and Southern California native Jenni Branham, the alternate goalkeeper on the 2000 U.S. Olympic team behind Briana Scurry and Siri Mullinix, with that 17th pick. The two teams and new players meet on April 19 at Mitchell Athletic Complex, the second game of the WUSA season for each club.

ANOTHER WORST-TO-FIRST? - The Carolina Courage did it last year. Can the New York Power continue the trend and go from worst-to-first and bring home Founders Cup III? A new head coach in Tom Sermanni and six new starters (projected for the home opener when the full complement of players are available) provide hope for the Power. New York finished 3-17-1 (10 pts.) in 2002. New York started last season 2-4-1 and finished the campaign 1-13. The Power allowed a WUSA-record 62 goals (2.95 per game), almost three times as many as WUSA leader Philadelphia's 22 goals. With the addition of Australian international Cheryl Salisbury, draftee Lauren Orlandos, and Shannon Boxx and Margaret Tietjen from San Diego, New York appears to have the talent and leadership that has been missing since the retirement of Gro Espeseth in 2001 and injuries to Sara Whalen and Kristy Whelchel last year. Additionally, rookie Christie Welsh provides a much-needed complement to Tiffeny Milbrett up front. The Power also lacked service for Milbrett last year, but Sermanni believes Australian newcomer Joanne Peters will create plenty of chances as the team's attacking midfielder.

WUSA News and Notes

WASHINGTON'S ABBY WAMBACH TO BE FIRST CHAT ON WUSA.COM IN 2003: Washington forward and 2002 WUSA Rookie of the Year Abby Wambach will be the featured guest on this week's WUSA.com live web chat on Tuesday, April 1. The chat will begin at 8:00 p.m. (ET) and will last approximately 30 minutes. Wambach will be on hand to answer fan questions. Fans can submit questions before and during the chat. For more information, log on to www.WUSA.com.

WUSA Game Previews (Week One)

Saturday, April 5, 2003 - Washington Freedom at Carolina Courage - 2:00 p.m. (ET) - TV - TBD; (Season Series: First Meeting) (All-time Series History: Washington leads 3-1-2)
In a rematch of Founders Cup II the Washington Freedom travels to Cary, North Carolina to face the Carolina Courage on Saturday. A 3-2 victory at Herndon Stadium in Atlanta, GA on August 24, 2002 propelled the Courage past the Freedom during the league's championship match. Hyundai Founders Cup Most Valuable Player Birgit Prinz registered a goal (the game-winner) and an assist in the match. 2002 FIFA World Player of the Year Mia Hamm recorded a late goal to cut deficit to one. However, Carolina held on for the victory, hoisting the Founders Cup trophy.

Key Players to Watch: Carolina's Prinz (12g, 8a, 32 pts. in 2002) finished second on the team in scoring (third league-wide), despite playing in just 15 of the team's 21 matches. Forward Danielle Fotopoulos (11g, 11a, 33 pts. in 2002) finished second among the WUSA's leading scorers last season. "Fotop" became one of only two players (Washington's Abby Wambach the other) to record double-digit totals in both goals and assists in a single season in 2002. Carolina defender Danielle Slaton (4g, 8 pts. in 2002) was named the 2002 WUSA Defender of the Year. Washington's Hamm (8g, 6a, 22 pts. in 2002) registered 22 points in only 506 minutes of action in 2002. Freedom goalkeeper Siri Mullinix (7-3-4, 1.19 GAA in 2002) led the league in save percentage in 2002. Mullinix set the WUSA record for saves in a match with 13 versus Boston on June 1, 2002. 2002 WUSA Rookie of the Year Wambach (10g, 10a, 30 pts. in 2002) became a dominant offensive force last season. In 2002, Wambach, along with Carolina's Fotopoulos, was the only player in WUSA history to record double-digit totals in both goals and assists during a season.

Key Matchup: (Washington forward Abby Wambach versus Carolina defender Danielle Slaton) The first (Slaton) and second (Wambach) picks in the 2002 WUSA Draft will square off in a rematch of last year's championship game. Wambach finished the 2002 campaign tied for fourth among the WUSA scoring leaders. Slaton led a Carolina defense that allowed only 1.43 goals per game in 2002.

The "Inside Scoop": Neither team had the edge during the 2002 WUSA regular season as the series was tied 1-1-1. The last meeting between these two teams at SAS Stadium ended with 5-2 victory for the Freedom. It was the worst home-loss of the season for the Courage. This match will also mark the WUSA coaching debut for Carolina Head Coach Jay Entlich. Carolina will be without the services of 2002 WUSA Goalkeeper of the Year Kristin Luckenbill, who played every minute for the Courage in 2002, due to an injury to her thumb. The Courage will look to rookie goalkeeper Meghann Burke out of Saint Louis University to fill the void.

Referee: Sandra Hunt. Assistant Referees: Karalee Sutton, Sandra Serafini. 4th Official: Abbas Piran.

Saturday, April 5, 2003 - New York Power at Atlanta Beat- 7:00 p.m. (ET) -Fox Sports (New York); CSS (Atlanta)(tape-delayed) (Season Series: First Meeting) (All-time Series History: Atlanta leads 4-0-2)
The Beat is coming off a successful 2003 campaign in which the team made its second consecutive playoff appearance. New York is looking to improve from a disappointing season after recording a 3-17-1 record in 2002. New York has never beaten Atlanta.

Key Players to Watch: New York's Tiffeny Milbrett (10g, 8a, 28 pts. in 2002) in the league's all-time leading scoring (26g, 11a, 63 pts.). In 2002, Milbrett registered all 10 of her goals on the road. Newcomer Christie Welsh (2nd overall pick in the 2003 WUSA Draft) will look to make an immediate impact in the Power lineup. New York defender Christie Pearce (1a, 1 pt. In 2002) will look to strengthen a defense which allowed a WUSA-record 62 goals during the 2002 season. Pearce has fully recovered from an ACL injury she suffered in 2001 and will improve the Power's defense this season. Atlanta's Charmaine Hooper (11g, 3a, 25 pts. in 2002) led her team in scoring for the second straight season. In 2002, Hooper led the league in game-winning goals with six. Midfielder Homare Sawa (7g, 6a, 20 pts. in 2002) had a breakout season last year. The Japanese international led the Beat in both shots (46) and shots on goal (24). Goalkeeper Briana Scurry (9-8-1, 1.33 GAA in 2002) will look to keep the Beat perfect versus the Power (4-0-2 all-time). The all-time WUSA leader in shutouts (13), Scurry tallied a league-high six in 2002.

Key Matchup: (New York forward Tiffeny Milbrett versus Atlanta defender Sharolta Nonen) - The league's all-time leading scorer Milbrett will look to get the Power off to a good start with a win at Herndon Stadium. Nonen, who anchored a defense which allowed 1.38 goals per game in 2002, has had some intense battles with Milbrett in the past two seasons.

The "Inside Scoop": The Beat holds a 4-0-2 record all-time over the Power and has a 1-0-2 record versus New York at Herndon Stadium. In the series history, the Power has had more success in Atlanta, registering four of its five total goals versus the Beat in the "Empire of the South" . Atlanta will be without the services of defender Julie Augustyniak this weekend. Augustyniak received two yellow cards during her club's semifinal matchup with Carolina on August 17, 2002.

They Said it: "Though its been a little tough to prepare for the nice weather we should have in Atlanta, versus what we have been training in up here in New York, our game preparations for the opener have us feeling very focused and confident in our organization. Atlanta is not an easy place to go to and win, so we are prepared for a tough battle and feel that we can meet that challenge." - New York Power Head Coach on playing Atlanta this weekend.

Referee: Terry Vaughn. Assistant Referees: Sarah Kraus, Brian D'Amato. 4th Official: Corey Rockwell.


Saturday, April 5, 2003 - Boston Breakers at San Diego Spirit - 9:00 p.m. (ET) - Cox 4 (San Diego) (Season Series: First Meeting) (All-time Series History: San Diego leads 4-1-1) Boston and San Diego square off in a rematch of the WUSA's highest scoring game (5-4; July 6, 2002). San Diego's Julie Foudy registered two goals in the match, including the game-winning penalty kick goal during stoppage time. In fact, 14 total goals were scored during the last two meetings between these two teams (July 6 and July 10, 2002).


Key Players to Watch: Boston's Kristine Lilly (8g, 13a, 29 pts. in 2002) finished last season riding a WUSA-record 10-game point-scoring streak. Lilly holds the team record for points scored in a game (5) after registering two goals and an assist versus San Diego (July 6, 2002). Forward Maren Meinert (7g, 16 a, 30 pts. in 2002) led the Breakers in scoring and finished tied for fourth among the league's scoring leaders. Meinert set the WUSA record for assists in a season after notching 16 in 2002. Forward Dagny Mellgren (11g, 2a, 24 pts. in 2002) was the team's leading goal scorer for the second straight season last year. Mellgren's 22 goals are more than any other player in Boston's history. San Diego's Shannon MacMillan (5g, 8a, 18 pts. in 2002) led the Spirit in both goals and assists last season. Midfielder Aly Wagner (1st overall pick in the 2003 WUSA Draft) will look to add a spark to San Diego's offense in 2003. Wagner, the 2002 MAC Hermann Trophy Award winner, will be the Spirit's "field general" this season. San Diego midfielder Foudy (5g, 4a, 14 pts. in 2002) was tied for the team lead in goals scored (5) during the 2002 campaign. The U.S. national team captain has logged more minutes than any other player in a Spirit uniform (3,445).

Key Matchup: (Boston midfielder Kristine Lilly versus San Diego defender Joy Fawcett) - Lilly will look to extend her league-record, 10-game point-scoring streak this weekend. Fawcett will lead San Diego's defense, looking to improve on a defense that allowed 2.00 goals per game in 2002.

The "Inside Scoop": San Diego holds a 3-0-0 record at Torero Stadium. This match will mark the coaching debuts for the San Diego's Omid Namazi and Boston's Pia Sundhage. Boston's "Big 3" will look to continue to dominate offensively. The three players combined for 72 percent of the Breaker's 36 goals in 2002. San Diego will have a new look this season as the team will sport a blue jersey with blue shorts at home. Along with the uniform change, the team will feature nearly a half-a-dozen new faces , including Wagner, Christine Latham (Canada) and Daniela (Brazil).

They Said it: "We are anxious to get the season going, and get off to a good start, especially at home. I know we'll keep improving as the season goes on and I'm looking forward to watching the team come together." - San Diego Head Coach Omid Namazi on the start of the 2003 WUSA season.

Referee: Kari Seitz. Referee Assistants: Emiliano Monje, Sandra Belmont. 4th Official: Bryan Elliott.


Saturday, April 5, 2003 - Philadelphia Charge at San Jose CyberRays - 10:00 p.m. (ET) - No TV (Season Series: First Meeting) (All-time Series History: San Jose leads 3-1-2)
In a series which has been dominated by the CyberRays at Spartan Stadium, San Jose held Philadelphia (one of the league's most potent offenses in 2002 - 1.71 goals per game) to just one goal during the 2002 season. The last meeting between these two teams in San Jose resulted in a 2-0 victory for the CyberRays. The shutout was the fourth of the season for San Jose and only the third time the Charge was unable to find the back of the net last season.

Key Players to Watch: 2002 WUSA MVP and Offensive Player of the Year Marinette Pichon (14g, 1a, 29 pts. in 2002) will return to lead the Charge in 2003. Pichon's 14 goals last season are the most in Charge history. English international Kelly Smith (4g, 3a, 11 pts. in 2002) tallied a team-high three game-winning goals in 2002, despite only appearing in seven games. Smith was lost for the season after tearing her ACL June 1. Goalkeeper Melissa Moore (11-3-6, 1.00 GAA in 2002) led the league in goals against average during the 2002 season. Moore's 11 victory's were the second most among all WUSA 'keepers. San Jose's Katia (15g, 6a, 36 pts. in 2002) was the WUSA's leading scorer in 2002. The Brazilian international also registered the WUSA Goal of the Year on June 9, 2002 versus San Diego. Midfielder Tisha Venturini-Hoch (6g, 3a, 15 pts. in 2002) had a breakthrough season offensively in 2002. Venturini-Hoch finished her second season of WUSA action second on the team in scoring. Goalkeeper LaKeysia Beene (8-7-5, 1.35 GAA in 2002) finished 2002 with four shutouts. The CyberRay goalkeeper is second all-time in career shutouts in the WUSA (12).

Key Matchup: (Philadelphia forward Marinette Pichon versus San Jose defender Thori Bryan) - Coming off a stellar 2002 campaign, Pichon returns to lead the Charge in its quest for a third straight playoff berth this season. San Jose's Bryan, who has played in every minute of every match for the CyberRays (3,780), is one of the WUSA's most athletic defenders. Pichon will look to have more success versus the CyberRays in 2002 after being held scoreless in the three previous meetings.

The "Inside Scoop": The CyberRays are the one team that the Philadelphia Charge has a losing record against (1-3-2). Philadelphia has never won at Spartan Stadium (0-3-0) with the CyberRays outscoring the Charge 8-2. San Jose holds the best home winning percentage in WUSA history (13-6-2, .651). Saturday's game will also mark the first meeting between San Jose's Mandy Clemens and her former club. Philadelphia traded Clemens to the CyberRays on October 1, 2002. Katia the WUSA record holder for points in a season, registered only one of her league-high 15 goals versus the Charge in 2002.

They Said it: "We are excited to finally start the season. San Jose is a great place to play and a great opponent to begin the year against.'' - Philadelphia Charge Head Coach Mark Krikorian on playing San Jose.

Referee: Mark Arblaster. Referee Assistants: Fabio Tovar, Dinesh Singh. 4th Official: Cory Dean.

TEAM INJURY REPORTS AS OF 03/31/03
ATLANTA BEAT: QUESTIONABLE - D Ifeoma Dieke (R hamstring strain); PROBABLE - F Conny Pohlers (L knee contusion)
BOSTON BREAKERS: OUT - F Ragnhild Gulbrandsen (L Foot Bone Bruise); PROBABLE -M Devvyn Hawkins (ankle sprain) CAROLINA COURAGE: OUT - GK Kristin Luckenbill (L thumb surgery); D - Carla Overbeck (maternity leave); PROBABLE - Robin McCullough (hip flexor strain)
NEW YORK POWER: OUT - D Sara Whalen (R ACL tear); D - Kristy Whelchel (R ACL tear)
PHILADELPHIA CHARGE: OUT - GK Hope Solo (Lumbar disc herniation) QUESTIONABLE - M Erin Misaki (R knee effusion); F Trina Maso de Moya (R ankle tendonitis) PROBABLE - GK Melissa Moore (L knee contusion); M Stacey Tullock (R knee/toe contusion) SAN DIEGO SPIRIT: None
SAN JOSE CYBERRAYS: None
WASHINGTON FREEDOM: None

NATIONAL TEAM DUTY AS OF 03/31/03
ATLANTA BEAT: None. BOSTON BREAKERS: None. CAROLINA COURAGE: None. NEW YORK POWER: None. PHILADELPHIA CHARGE: None.
SAN DIEGO SPIRIT: None.
SAN JOSE CYBERRAYS: None.
WASHINGTON FREEDOM: M Kelly Golebiowski (Australia); M Bai Jie (China)

suspension Summary 03/31/03

Player Team Suspension Reason
Augustyniak, Julie Atlanta Beat 04/05 vs. New York Two Yellow cards 8/17/02 at Carolina

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