2002 record: 11-9-1 (semifinalist)
SCOUTING REPORT
Atlanta was favored, almost universally, to win the second WUSA title, so last season was a tad disappointing. Except that the Beat a) won more games (11) than the squad that finished on top of the standings in Year 1, and b) was moments from its second title game before falling in overtime to Carolina in the semifinals. Better depth, especially in the attack, and the back line Coach Tom Stone has long wanted might mean that this, finally, is the Beat's year. Atlanta's strengths are no secret: It tempers a savvy, versatile attack with a physically punishing style that bothers foes. Charmaine Hooper, Cindy Parlow and Homare Sawa are a handful. Briana Scurry is a wall supported by a solid, speedy back line. Nikki Serlenga, the Beat's quarterback, and Kylie Bivens have been exquisite midfield partners. Sun Wen is gone, back to China, but the additions of swift Conny Pohlers, who scored at will in Germany, and Mexico's crafty Maribel Dominguez, the W-League MVP, adds options up front. Parlow takes a creative role behind the front two, and Bivens moves to right back, where Stone has wanted her all along.
ROSTER
GOALKEEPERS 1 Briana Scurry, 24 Melanie Wilson.DEFENDERS15 Julie Augustyniak, 25 Nancy Augustyniak, 4 Kylie Bivens, 29 Leslie Gaston, 6 Sharolta Nonen.
MIDFIELDERS 22 Ifeoma Dieke, 16 Marci Miller, 8 Homare Sawa*, 5 Nikki Serlenga.
FORWARDS 3 Emily Burt, 13 Maribel Dominguez*, 10 Charmaine Hooper*, 12 Cindy Parlow, 9 Conny Pohlers*.
RESERVES 2 Katie Antongiovanni, 11 Abby Crumpton.
DEVELOPMENTAL Tara Minnax, Kristin Warren.
COLLEGE DEFERRAL Callie Withers.
COACH Tom Stone.
by Soccer America Senior Editor Scott French