Background Information

The WUSA's first game was played April 14th 2001. The Washington Freedom and Bay Area Cyber Rays played at RFK Stadium in Washington DC. The Washington Freedom won the game 1-0 on a penalty kick goal by Pretinha. The first season was a showcase of talent. The winner of the Inaugural season was the Bay Area Cyber Rays who topped the regular season champions, Atlanta Beat 4-2 on penalty kicks. The second season of WUSA play kept providing fans with world-class action. The first WUSA All Star game was played in Portland on September 21 2002, as the South beat the North 6-1led by rookie Abby Wambach who tallied 2 goals and an assist. The Carolina Courage won the regular season title and went on to win the Founders Cup 2 at Herndon Stadium in Atlanta. The Courage topped the Freedom 3-2 after a Freedom own goal proved to be costly. The 2003 season opened on April 5. 2003 proved to be a thrilling year; a competitive fire was lit under all teams. Unfortunately 10 players suffered serious season ending knee injuries. The second WUSA all star game was held June 19 at SAS stadium in Cary, North Carolina. The World All-Stars defeated the American All-Stars 3-2. Maren Meinert won the MVP for her two goals and assist. The season had a dramatic ending when the Boston Breakers captured the regular season crown taking it from the Atlanta Beat who were in first most of the season. Two dramatic semi-finals were played. The Beat came from behind and topped San Diego with Charmaine Hooper's overtime goal. Boston and Washington played 105 minutes of scoreless soccer, when the game went to penalty kicks Freedom goalkeeper Siri Mullinix proved to be the difference stopping two penalty kicks. Founders Cup 3 in sunny San Diego was just as exciting and suspenseful. The Freedom and Beat were tied 1-1 at the end of regular play. Six minutes into overtime Abby Wambach found the goal and to clinch the cup. Wambach scored both goals Freedom goals in the 2-1 game and was named MVP for her outstanding play. Then on September 15, 2003 the WUSA suspended operations as a result of insufficient revenue to support a fourth year of play.