2003 W-League
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The 2003 W-League Season was the 9th season of the
USL W-League The USL Championship (USLC) is a professional men's soccer league in the United States that began its inaugural season in 2011. The USL is sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation (U.S. Soccer) as a Division II league since 2017, pl ...
, the second-highest division of
women's soccer Women's association football, more commonly known simply as women's football or women's soccer, is a team sport of association football when played by women only. It is played at the women's professional sports, professional level in multiple c ...
in the
United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...
. The
Boston Renegades Boston Renegades was an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2003. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues USL W-League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the Northeast Divisi ...
were the defending champions. The
Hampton Roads Piranhas Hampton Roads Piranhas was an American women's soccer team, founded in 1995. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team played in the Atlantic Divisio ...
were crowned champions after defeating the
Chicago Cobras The Chicago Cobras, are a former USL W-League team based in Chicago, Illinois Illinois ( ) is a state in the Midwestern United States. Its largest metropolitan areas include the Chicago metropolitan area, and the Metro East section, of ...
in the Championship game.


Changes from the 2002 season


Format changes

The league went to the standard
FIFA FIFA (; stands for ''Fédération Internationale de Football Association'' ( French), meaning International Association Football Federation ) is the international governing body of association football, beach football and futsal. It was found ...
match points format: 3 points for a win (down from the previous 4), 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss, and eliminated bonus points for 3 or more goals scored.


Name changes

One team changed their name in the off-season:


Expansion teams

One team joined the league ahead of the start of the season:


Teams leaving

Two teams left to join the WPSL: * Maryland Pride * Rhode Island Rays Eight teams folded after the 2002 season: * Albuquerque Crush * Jacksonville Jade *
Kansas City Mystics Kansas City Mystics were a W-League women's soccer team that played their home games at the Blue Valley School District Athletic Complex in Overland Park, Kansas, United States. The team's coach, and general manager was Scoop Stanisic The team c ...
* Kentucky Fillies * Memphis Mercury * Oklahoma Outrage * Tampa Bay Xtreme * Texas Odyssey


Standings

''Blue indicates division title clinched''
''Green indicates playoff berth clinched''


Central Conference


Atlantic Division


Midwest Division


Eastern Conference


Northeast Division


Northern Division


Western Conference


Playoffs


Format

Four teams from both the Central and Eastern Conferences and two from the Western Conference qualified for the playoffs. All playoff matchups were in single-leg elimination tournament format with the higher seeded team hosting until the national semifinals. Seeding was determined by league record, with the
Boston Renegades Boston Renegades was an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2003. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues USL W-League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the Northeast Divisi ...
seeded first with 39 points. The host of the national semifinals was determined by bids at the 2002 USL Annual General Meeting. In the Central and Eastern Conferences, the top two teams from each division played, and then divisional winners played for the conference championship and to advance to the national semifinals. The top two teams in the Western Conference, having only one division, played each other to advance to the semifinals. As hosts, the
Hampton Roads Piranhas Hampton Roads Piranhas was an American women's soccer team, founded in 1995. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team played in the Atlantic Divisio ...
received a bye into the W-League national semifinals, with the third-place team from the Atlantic Division receiving a playoff berth. The W-League Championship final was televised live on Fox Sports World.


Conference Brackets

Central Conference Eastern Conference Western Conference


W-League Championship Bracket


Divisional Championships

---- ---- ----


Conference championships

---- ----


W-League Semifinals

----


W-League Third Place


W-League Championship


Season statistics

* Scoring Champion: Jeanette Akerlund (
Ottawa Fury Women Ottawa Fury Women was a Canadian women's soccer team based in Ottawa, Ontario. Founded in 2000, the team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues USL W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team competed i ...
) and
Kelly Parker Kelly Parker (born 8 March 1981) is a Canadian former soccer midfielder who last played for Atlanta Beat in Women's Professional Soccer. She was also a member of the Canadian national team from 2003 to 2012. Career Prior to joining SC Freibur ...
(
Ottawa Fury Women Ottawa Fury Women was a Canadian women's soccer team based in Ottawa, Ontario. Founded in 2000, the team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues USL W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team competed i ...
) (32 points) * Goal Scoring Champion: Jeanette Akerlund (
Ottawa Fury Women Ottawa Fury Women was a Canadian women's soccer team based in Ottawa, Ontario. Founded in 2000, the team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues USL W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team competed i ...
) and Carrie Kveton (
Boston Renegades Boston Renegades was an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2003. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues USL W-League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the Northeast Divisi ...
) (14 goals) * Assist Leader:
Rhian Wilkinson Rhian Emilie Wilkinson (born May 12, 1982) is a Canadian professional soccer coach and former player. She was most recently the head coach of Portland Thorns FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), where she led the team to the 2022 NW ...
(
Ottawa Fury Women Ottawa Fury Women was a Canadian women's soccer team based in Ottawa, Ontario. Founded in 2000, the team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues USL W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team competed i ...
) (7 assists)


Top scorers


Top assists


Awards

* Most Valuable Player: Phebe Trotman (
Vancouver Whitecaps Women The Vancouver Whitecaps FC women was a Canadian soccer club based in Vancouver, British Columbia that played in the USL W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team was formed in 2001 under the name Vancou ...
) * Rookie of the Year: Stacey Stocco (
Boston Renegades Boston Renegades was an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2003. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues USL W-League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the Northeast Divisi ...
) * Defender of the Year: Fanta Cooper (
Chicago Cobras The Chicago Cobras, are a former USL W-League team based in Chicago, Illinois Illinois ( ) is a state in the Midwestern United States. Its largest metropolitan areas include the Chicago metropolitan area, and the Metro East section, of ...
) * Coach of the Year: Mike Nesci (
Chicago Cobras The Chicago Cobras, are a former USL W-League team based in Chicago, Illinois Illinois ( ) is a state in the Midwestern United States. Its largest metropolitan areas include the Chicago metropolitan area, and the Metro East section, of ...
) * Goalkeeper of the Year: Meredith Flaherty (
Hampton Roads Piranhas Hampton Roads Piranhas was an American women's soccer team, founded in 1995. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team played in the Atlantic Divisio ...
) * Championship MVP: Mercy Akide (
Hampton Roads Piranhas Hampton Roads Piranhas was an American women's soccer team, founded in 1995. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team played in the Atlantic Divisio ...
) The W-League Championship All-Tournament Team was announced on August 10, 2003: F: Tina Frimpong (
Seattle Sounders Women Sound Football Club is an American women's soccer team in the Women's Premier Soccer League. Sound FC play its home games at Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila, Washington, six miles south of downtown Seattle. The team was founded in 2000 as Sea ...
), Kristen Graczyk (
Chicago Cobras The Chicago Cobras, are a former USL W-League team based in Chicago, Illinois Illinois ( ) is a state in the Midwestern United States. Its largest metropolitan areas include the Chicago metropolitan area, and the Metro East section, of ...
), Mercy Akide (
Hampton Roads Piranhas Hampton Roads Piranhas was an American women's soccer team, founded in 1995. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team played in the Atlantic Divisio ...
)
M: Melissa Bennett (
Seattle Sounders Women Sound Football Club is an American women's soccer team in the Women's Premier Soccer League. Sound FC play its home games at Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila, Washington, six miles south of downtown Seattle. The team was founded in 2000 as Sea ...
),
Florence Omagbemi Florence Omagbemi (born 2 February 1975) is a Nigerian former football midfielder. She was part of the Nigeria women's national football team across four FIFA Women's World Cups, several Africa Women Cup of Nations and at the 2000 Summer Olym ...
(
Hampton Roads Piranhas Hampton Roads Piranhas was an American women's soccer team, founded in 1995. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team played in the Atlantic Divisio ...
), Darci Borski (
Hampton Roads Piranhas Hampton Roads Piranhas was an American women's soccer team, founded in 1995. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team played in the Atlantic Divisio ...
), Kelly Parker (
Ottawa Fury Women Ottawa Fury Women was a Canadian women's soccer team based in Ottawa, Ontario. Founded in 2000, the team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues USL W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team competed i ...
)
D: Jenna Szyluk (
Hampton Roads Piranhas Hampton Roads Piranhas was an American women's soccer team, founded in 1995. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team played in the Atlantic Divisio ...
), Fanta Cooper (
Chicago Cobras The Chicago Cobras, are a former USL W-League team based in Chicago, Illinois Illinois ( ) is a state in the Midwestern United States. Its largest metropolitan areas include the Chicago metropolitan area, and the Metro East section, of ...
), Josha Krueger (
Chicago Cobras The Chicago Cobras, are a former USL W-League team based in Chicago, Illinois Illinois ( ) is a state in the Midwestern United States. Its largest metropolitan areas include the Chicago metropolitan area, and the Metro East section, of ...
)
G: Meredith Flaherty (
Hampton Roads Piranhas Hampton Roads Piranhas was an American women's soccer team, founded in 1995. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team played in the Atlantic Divisio ...
)


All-League and All-Conference Teams

The All-Conference Teams were announced on August 1, 2003. The All-League Team was announced on August 4.


Central Conference

G: Meredith Flaherty (
Hampton Roads Piranhas Hampton Roads Piranhas was an American women's soccer team, founded in 1995. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team played in the Atlantic Divisio ...
) *
D: Fanta Cooper (
Chicago Cobras The Chicago Cobras, are a former USL W-League team based in Chicago, Illinois Illinois ( ) is a state in the Midwestern United States. Its largest metropolitan areas include the Chicago metropolitan area, and the Metro East section, of ...
) *, Deanna Kriedel (
Charlotte Lady Eagles Charlotte Lady Eagles is an American women's soccer team, founded in 2000. Between 2002 and 2015 the Lady Eagles were a member of the United Soccer Leagues USL W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada, and a memb ...
), Erin Showalter ( Cincinnati Ladyhawks)
M:
Florence Omagbemi Florence Omagbemi (born 2 February 1975) is a Nigerian former football midfielder. She was part of the Nigeria women's national football team across four FIFA Women's World Cups, several Africa Women Cup of Nations and at the 2000 Summer Olym ...
(
Hampton Roads Piranhas Hampton Roads Piranhas was an American women's soccer team, founded in 1995. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team played in the Atlantic Divisio ...
), Elizabeth Ramsey (
Chicago Cobras The Chicago Cobras, are a former USL W-League team based in Chicago, Illinois Illinois ( ) is a state in the Midwestern United States. Its largest metropolitan areas include the Chicago metropolitan area, and the Metro East section, of ...
),
Julianne Sitch Julianne Marie Sitch (born September 18, 1983) is an American former professional soccer defender. She is currently a coach for the Chicago Red Stars and head coach of the University of Chicago men's soccer team. In 2022, she became the first wo ...
(
Chicago Cobras The Chicago Cobras, are a former USL W-League team based in Chicago, Illinois Illinois ( ) is a state in the Midwestern United States. Its largest metropolitan areas include the Chicago metropolitan area, and the Metro East section, of ...
) *, Sarah Wall ( Columbus Lady Shooting Stars)
F: Mercy Akide (
Hampton Roads Piranhas Hampton Roads Piranhas was an American women's soccer team, founded in 1995. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team played in the Atlantic Divisio ...
) *, Andrea Cunningham ( Cincinnati Ladyhawks), Annette Kent (
Windy City Bluez The Windy City Bluez were a W-League club based in Palos Hills, Illinois Palos Hills is a city in Cook County, Illinois, United States. It is a southwest suburb of Chicago. The city was established in 1958 and had reached a population of 18,53 ...
)


Eastern Conference

G: Meghan Frey (
Boston Renegades Boston Renegades was an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2003. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues USL W-League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the Northeast Divisi ...
)
D:
Linda Consolante Linda Hathorn ( Consolante, born May 23, 1982) is a Canadian retired professional soccer defender, who won the silver medal with the Canadian national team at the 2003 Pan American Games and finished fourth at the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup ...
(
Ottawa Fury Women Ottawa Fury Women was a Canadian women's soccer team based in Ottawa, Ontario. Founded in 2000, the team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues USL W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team competed i ...
), Francesca DeCristoforo ( Long Island Lady Riders) *, Caitlin Fisher (
Boston Renegades Boston Renegades was an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2003. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues USL W-League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the Northeast Divisi ...
)
M: Sue Flamini (
New Jersey Stallions The New Jersey Stallions were an American soccer team, founded in 1996, which competed in various divisions of the United Soccer Leagues until 2004, after which the team left the league and the franchise was terminated. The club originally star ...
),
Kelly Parker Kelly Parker (born 8 March 1981) is a Canadian former soccer midfielder who last played for Atlanta Beat in Women's Professional Soccer. She was also a member of the Canadian national team from 2003 to 2012. Career Prior to joining SC Freibur ...
(
Ottawa Fury Women Ottawa Fury Women was a Canadian women's soccer team based in Ottawa, Ontario. Founded in 2000, the team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues USL W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team competed i ...
) *, Melissa Shulman ( Long Island Lady Riders), Stacey Stocco (
Boston Renegades Boston Renegades was an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2003. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues USL W-League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the Northeast Divisi ...
) *
F: Jeanette Akerlund (
Ottawa Fury Women Ottawa Fury Women was a Canadian women's soccer team based in Ottawa, Ontario. Founded in 2000, the team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues USL W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team competed i ...
), Carrie Kveton (
Boston Renegades Boston Renegades was an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2003. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues USL W-League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the Northeast Divisi ...
), Jessica Reifer (
New York Magic New York Magic is an American women’s soccer team, founded in 1997. The team was an original member of United Women's Soccer from 2016-2017. They played in the USL W-League from 1997 until the league folded after the 2015 season. The team pla ...
) *


Western Conference

G: Megan Miller (
Seattle Sounders Women Sound Football Club is an American women's soccer team in the Women's Premier Soccer League. Sound FC play its home games at Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila, Washington, six miles south of downtown Seattle. The team was founded in 2000 as Sea ...
)
D:
Sasha Andrews Sasha Andrews (born February 14, 1983, in Edmonton, Alberta) is a Canadian soccer defender who plays for Icelandic club UMF Afturelding in the Úrvalsdeild. She won a bronze medal with the Canadian women's national soccer team at the 2007 Pan ...
(
Vancouver Whitecaps Women The Vancouver Whitecaps FC women was a Canadian soccer club based in Vancouver, British Columbia that played in the USL W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team was formed in 2001 under the name Vancou ...
) *, Shannon Forslund (
Seattle Sounders Women Sound Football Club is an American women's soccer team in the Women's Premier Soccer League. Sound FC play its home games at Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila, Washington, six miles south of downtown Seattle. The team was founded in 2000 as Sea ...
), Amy Gray Denver Lady Cougars
M: Kacy Beitel ( Denver Lady Cougars), Tara Kidwell ( Fort Collins Force),
Andrea Neil Andrea Neil (born October 26, 1971, in Vancouver, British Columbia) is a pioneer of women's soccer in Canada. Neil retired from the game after representing Canada more than any other Canadian player in history. With a career spanning 18 years she ...
(
Vancouver Whitecaps Women The Vancouver Whitecaps FC women was a Canadian soccer club based in Vancouver, British Columbia that played in the USL W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team was formed in 2001 under the name Vancou ...
), Tracey Spinelli ( Arizona Heatwave) *
F: Janelle Munnis (
Seattle Sounders Women Sound Football Club is an American women's soccer team in the Women's Premier Soccer League. Sound FC play its home games at Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila, Washington, six miles south of downtown Seattle. The team was founded in 2000 as Sea ...
), Carolyn Theurer ( Denver Lady Cougars), Phebe Trotman (
Vancouver Whitecaps Women The Vancouver Whitecaps FC women was a Canadian soccer club based in Vancouver, British Columbia that played in the USL W-League, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada. The team was formed in 2001 under the name Vancou ...
) * ''* denotes All-League player''


See also

* 2003 PDL Season


References

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Women A woman is an adult female human. Prior to adulthood, a female human is referred to as a girl (a female child or Adolescence, adolescent). The plural ''women'' is sometimes used in certain phrases such as "women's rights" to denote female hum ...
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