2002 record: 12-5-4 (WUSA champion).
SCOUTING REPORT
The defending champion got better during the offseason, although that's no guarantee of a repeat. Last year's was a magical campaign, and – as San Jose learned – coming up with a second act isn't so simple. New coach Jay Entlich won't have to worry about offense. Hege Riise, Soccer America's choice as WUSA MVP, remains the world's foremost playmaker, at least until Aly Wagner proves otherwise. Birgit Prinz, Riise's primary target, is an unstoppable force. Prinz, in two-thirds of a season, and Danielle Fotopoulos were outscored only by Katia in 2002. Unni Lehn and Danielle Slaton, both exceptional, tilt Carolina to the left. Slaton is rusty following offseason knee surgery. A search for a right-sided midfielder settled on Brooke O'Hanley, last year's rookie surprise, and Venus James, who possesses two WUSA championship rings. The improvements are in the back, where the arrival of Canadian national-teamer Breanna Boyd and 2001 first-round draft pick Danielle Borgman adds considerable depth. Nel Fettig was sensational after a move from midfield. Carla Overbeck, out until midseason, and Erin Baxter provide options. Tiffany Roberts, perhaps the WUSA's best defensive midfielder, takes on more offensive responsibility.
ROSTER
GOALKEEPERS 1 Meghann Burke, 2 Kristin Luckenbill.DEFENDERS 15 Danielle Borgman, 8 Breanna Boyd*, 3 Staci Burt, 13 Nel Fettig, 4 Carla Overbeck, 17 Danielle Slaton.
MIDFIELDERS 23 Erin Baxter, 16 Venus James, 7 Unni Lehn*, 12 Brooke O'Hanley, 10 Hege Riise*, 5 Tiffany Roberts.
FORWARDS 6 Danielle Fotopoulos, 9 Birgit Prinz*.
RESERVES 21 Kelsey Carlson, 11 Kate Gordon.
DEVELOPMENTAL Robin McCullough, Maite Zabala.
COACH Jay Entlich.
by Soccer America Senior Editor Scott French