Founders Cup 2003 Rematch Set for SAS Soccer Park

In the final season of WUSA the Atlanta Beat and the Washington Freedom battled for the Founders Cup Title, with Washington coming out on top with a dramatic 2-1 win in overtime. Although the Beat had an overall 6-3-1 record against Washington, the Freedom has held on to the title for the past three years. The Atlanta Silverbacks and the Washington Freedom SC will face off on June 29 at SAS Park in Cary, NC. Although it’s not a complete rematch of the 2003 Founders Cup match, many of the same players will play in the game as the battle for bragging rights continues. Both teams say they’re looking forward to the summer’s game. Washington Freedom SC Head Coach Jim Gabarrasaid , “The Washington Freedom SC are excited about returning to SAS Soccer Park for our match against the Atlanta Silverbacks. The quality of the facility and the opponent will provide a great event and bring back WUSA memories for us all."

The Atlanta Silverbacks launched the W-League team last year and the line-up currently boasts seven former WUSA players, including Canadian National Team members Sharolta Nonen (Beat) and Christine Latham (San Diego Spirit), along with former WUSA stars Nel Fettig (Carolina Courage), Mel Wilson (Beat), Leslie Gaston (Beat), Tara Minnax (Beat), Nikki Lamb (Beat) and Julie Augustyniak (Beat).

These players, and the rest of the team, will take on the Freedom SC’s stellar line-up which also combines former WUSA stars with rising collegiate standouts. The Freedom SC line up includes: Nicci Wright (Freedom), Lori Lindsey (Freedom), Casey Zimney (Freedom), Emily Janss (New York Power), Joanna Lohman (US U-21 National Team), Kimmie Francis (Maryland), and Mallory Mahar (Maryland). Triangle Professional Soccer will host the highly anticipated match-up between the Silverbacks and the Freedom SC. Chris Economides, Managing Partner of Triangle Professional Soccer, commented on the event, “Triangle Professional Soccer is very excited to host the game between the Washington Freedom SC and the Atlanta Silverbacks. Considering the previous success of the Carolina Courage here at this state-of-the-art venue, the women’s soccer fans of the Triangle are sure to want to come to SAS Soccer Park and support these great athletes.”

-- Jarrett @ 3/28/2006 05:39:00 PM