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A Loss for Women's Soccer

Last week's kickoff of the Women's World Cup Soccer Tournament left American fans and players hoping for more. Five days before the championship began, the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) said that it did not have enough money to stay in the game. The news hit the U.S. national team hard.

The WUSA is the only major women's professional soccer league in the country. The eight-team league was created in 2000, after the U.S. women won the 1999 world championship.

At first, WUSA games drew large crowds. But TV ratings and game attendance are down. More important, the league could not find businesses willing to invest in the league and help pay its expenses.

Twelve players from the 1999 U.S. World Cup team are on this year's team. They all belonged to WUSA teams. The players are eager to defend their title--and the game they love.

Soccer fans across the country are trying to help the league. National team captain Julie Foudy has heard from students who have started petitions and local campaigns to save the WUSA. "This league was an empowering experience" for young fans, says Foudy. The U.S. players hope to win the World Cup on October 12. Then they can focus on an even bigger goal--staying in business. Veteran player Joy Fawcett told TFK, "We're going to keep on fighting."

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