The Philadelphia Charge, even without Kelly Smith, was the best team in the WUSA most of the 2002 season, just not at the end. The Charge could make amends this summer.

That's our guess, and it's very much a guess. The parity of talent in the league is astonishing, and the gang lofting the Founders Cup come Aug. 24 will likeliest be the team with sensational chemistry that avoided injuries and received MVP performances from its pivotal players. Or it will the team that's hottest at the finish.

It well could be Philly, which with Smith and Marinette Pichon employ two of the league's most dazzling talents. World Cup preps won't impact the Charge as much as it will everyone else.

It's just as easy to go with Washington, which with a full season of Mia Hamm and Steffi Jones may prove unbeatable; we're guessing the Freedom's on top when the playoffs start.

Or Atlanta, the club the others still hate to face. Or Carolina, with Birgit Prinz and Hege Riise. Or San Jose, deep in back and deadly in front. Or Boston, which may play defense, too, now that Pia Sundhage has taken charge.

Less likely: San Diego, which should ride Aly Wagner for a ton of goals (but will surrender even more), and New York, which should improve immensely – just not quite enough.

Soccer America Predictions

Founders Cup III

Philadelphia over Washington

Regular Season

1 Washington
2 Philadelphia
3 Atlanta
4 Carolina
5 San Jose
6 Boston
7 San Diego
8 New York

Awards

MVP: Mia Hamm (Washington).
Leading Scorer: Birgit Prinz (Carolina).
Rookie of the Year: Aly Wagner (San Diego).
Best Newcomer: Cheryl Salisbury (New York).

by Soccer America Senior Editor Scott French