2002 record: 6-8-7 (didn't qualify for playoffs)
SCOUTING REPORT
Defense has been the undoing of the Breakers the first two seasons, with the presence in attack of Maren Meinert, Dagny Mellgren, Kristine Lilly and Bettina Wiegmann adding to nothing more than a pair of sixth-place finishes. Swedish legend Pia Sundhage was the architect of the Philadelphia defense that surrendered a league-low 22 goals last year, and she's focusing on shoring things up in Boston. A full season of Kate Sobrero, who started slow after knee surgery last year, will help. So would greater impact from Monica Gonzalez, who moves from midfield to central defense. Top draft choice Devvyn Hawkins provides depth and versatility. There are few problems with the attack, just another foot injury for Ragnhild Gulbrandsen. Wiegmann has departed, but French winger Stephanie Mugneret-Beghe may be a better fit. Lilly and Meinert – 1-2 on the WUSA's career assists list – are unparalleled as a midfield duo. A healthy Gulbrandsen, feeding off crosses from Lilly and Mugneret-Beghe, could produce a deadlier Mellgren. Nearly a dozen Breakers are subject to international call-ups, so depth – especially up top – will be tested.
ROSTER
GOALKEEPERS 1 Tracy Ducar, 23 Karina LeBlanc.DEFENDERS 12 Heather Aldama, 7 Monica Gonzalez, 5 Jena Kluegel, 16 Chrisy McCann, 15 Kate Sobrero.
MIDFIELDERS 3 Devvyn Hawkins, 11 Angela Hucles, 13 Kristine Lilly, 6 Maren Meinert*, 22 Stephanie Mugneret-Beghe*, 21 Sarah Popper.
FORWARDS 9 Ragnhild Gulbrandsen*, 14 Dagny Mellgren*, 2 Marcia Wallis.
RESERVES 8 Erin O'Grady, 4 Kelly Worden.
DEVELOPMENTAL Kristin Slater.
COACH Pia Sundhage.
by Soccer America Senior Editor Scott French