2002 record: 11-5-5 (WUSA runner-up).
SCOUTING REPORT
The Freedom's climb from next-to-worst to next-to-first was lost amid all the hoopla over Carolina's 2002 turnaround, but it was as impressive. Nobody was hotter at season's end than Washington, which benefited from solid defense, outstanding goalkeeping and massive contributions from, especially, Steffi Jones and Mia Hamm. Jim Gabarra – beaming at the prospect of Hamm and Jones for a full season, plus a healthy Lindsay Stoecker – had only so much tinkering to do. Left-footed Aussie Kelly Golebiowski was signed after impressing during an offseason exhibition. Sandra Minnert, Germany's top defender, arrives in June. Depth improved with the additions of Lori Lindsey and Gao Hong. The back four – particularly heady Jen Grubb in the center – is solid, supported by Jones and Stoecker in midfield and Soccer America Goalkeeper of the Year Siri Mullinix. WUSA Rookie of the Year Abby Wambach needs to continue growing, and the better Bai Jie's game fits with her teammates', the better for the Freedom. Success, ultimately, could largely depend on Hamm, whose electrifying show the last half of last season reopened the world's-best-player argument.
ROSTER
GOALKEEPERS 20 Gao Hong*, 18 Siri Mullinix.DEFENDERS 2 Emmy Barr, 14 Jennifer Grubb, 23 Skylar Little, 13 Sandra Minnert*(+), 5 Carrie Moore, 17 Casey Zimny.
MIDFIELDERS 15 Monica Gerardo, 8 Kelly Golebiowski*, 22 Steffi Jones, 6 Lori Lindsey, 16 Lindsay Stoecker.
FORWARDS 4 Bai Jie*, 9 Mia Hamm, 24 Jacqui Little, 28 Abby Wambach.
RESERVES 26 Meredith Beard, 12 Sarah Kate Noftsinger.
DEVELOPMENTAL 1 Erin Regan, 19 Laura Schott.
COLLEGE DEFERRAL: Missy Gregg, Ruth Montgomery.
COACH Jim Gabarra.
by Soccer America Senior Editor Scott French