(August 14, 2002)                                                                                             Hot News Main Page 

U.S. Women Are Team to Beat

ATLANTA GA (August 14, 2002) Favorite has become TRACEY LEONE's least-favorite word. ``For us, it's a one-game tournament,'' Leone, the coach of the United States women's under-19 national team, said. ``All we're thinking about right now is England.''

Over the past two years, the United States under-19 team has played 17 international matches, losing one and tying one while outscoring the opposition by 93-18. In qualifying matches for the first FIFA Under-19 Women's World Championship, the United States outscored its competition by a staggering 34-1. The finals of the 12-nation tournament begin Saturday with the United States' match against England and runs until Sept. 1 with games to be played in three cities in western Canada: Edmonton, Alberta; and Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia.

``All these girls are amateurs; they are just playing to represent their country,'' Leone said. ``This is the first time players this age will get to play in a world event.

``With our tradition of success in women's soccer, of course many people consider us the favorite. But Germany is outstanding, Canada is well prepared, Japan, England and China, who knows? There is no reigning champion. It is only a beginning.''

The United States roster is composed of six players who will be college sophomores this fall, seven college freshmen, three high school seniors and two high school juniors.

``This is an extraordinary group of young ladies,'' Leone said. ``In their short lives they have a lot of experience in soccer.''

Three of Leone's players - HEATHER O'REILLY, KELLY WILSON and JILL OAKES - have already played with the senior national team. Wilson, O'Reilly and LINDSAY TARPLEY are being called a triple-edged sword in attack for the
United States.

``Heather is scary dangerous,'' Leone said. ``I thank the Lord I don't have to play against her. Her out-and-out speed is remarkable. Wilson has a great soccer brain and Tarpley is extremely smart and tactical.''

After the match against England on Saturday, the United States is scheduled to play Australia on Monday and then finish first-round play against Taiwan on Aug. 21.

``Our focus is getting out of our group,'' Leone said. ``We have a good level of confidence. The players are really on a mission to be the very best.''

Fans will be able to follow United States matches live on the Internet at USSoccer.com.

[Source: Jack Bell; Dan Courtemanche, Vice President of Communications, WUSA, Work: 678-645-0757, Cell: 404-759-0216, Fax: 678-645-1771, Email: dan.courtemanche@cox.com - or - dcourtemanche@wusa.com
www.wusa.com]