It's no apparition; it really is the Spirit

By: MICHAEL KLITZING - Staff Writer | Sunday, June 27, 2004 12:07 AM PDT ∞

The players and management trying to revive the Women's United Soccer Association have understood what they have been fighting for all along. This weekend in Carson, the point is being driven home even more.

In the days leading to today's two-game festival at The Home Depot Center, several WUSA players helped conduct youth soccer clinics as part of the league's community outreach program. In the process, they came face to face with several young girls hoping for a pro league to which they can aspire.

"Those of us who are on the national team are so fortunate to call the national team our job, but with each year there are just more and more talented players coming through because of the youth programs," said San Diego Spirit forward Shannon MacMillan, a San Pasqual High graduate.

"You would be amazed at how many people come up to us in the mall or when we're out at dinner ---- fathers and moms and girls saying, 'We hope you guys get it back because we want to play,' or 'We want our daughters to have this opportunity.' "

The Spirit's only game for 2004 ---- the team's first match since the cash-strapped league suspended operations last September --- is today against the Carolina Courage, the first game of the doubleheader. Legendary Washington Freedom forward Mia Hamm, who will retire from soccer after the Olympic Games, will suit up and play for the Spirit, a one-time guest appearance.

Spirit midfielder Julie Foudy has had experience similar to MacMillan's since the WUSA went on hiatus. While Team USA's third-place run at the 2004 World Cup provided somewhat of a distraction after the shutdown, the feedback from disappointed fans and aspiring players proved too much to ignore once international competition was over.

It came in the form of letters and e-mails. Foudy heard of kids holding bake sales and selling lemonade to donate money to the league. She heard of petitions signed by grade-school children who wished to see play resume.

"It's heartbreaking, because you hear the stories and there's so much good and such role models that come out of this league," Foudy says. "This league is not just about the players now ---- it's about the next generation."

Indeed, the public outcry is part of the reason hope for a relaunch exists. Several sponsors decided to stay on board through the hard times after receiving scores of letters. The WUSA is accepting donations from concerned fans through its Keep the Dream Alive Foundation.

Social ramifications aside, the man who heads the league's revival effort is most adamant about making sure a potential relaunch is a sound financial decision.

"It has an important social part, but the WUSA is not a cause," said Tony DiCicco, the coach of Team USA during its 1999 World Cup championship run. "I don't want it to be a cause. It has to be a business."

In that sense, today's games in Carson are a big step. This is the second festival of the summer aimed at showcasing the league for potential sponsors and ownership groups, and keeping the WUSA brand name in the public eye.

DiCicco said he expects the crowd at the Home Depot Center to exceed the league average of 7,100.

"We just need to go out there and have fun ---- it's not so much about winning the game," MacMillan said. "We need to make sure the community knows we're still out there trying to get this thing going again.

Said Foudy: "The fact that we're getting back out there again is great for the fans, and it's a step forward. Hopefully, it will lead to something bigger for next year, 2006 and beyond."

It would seem 2006 is the operative date.

DiCicco admits the league is already behind schedule for a full relaunch next year. The official decision will come in July when league brass will hold a summit to hammer out a new business model. After that point, the WUSA will resume marketing in search of new sponsors and investors.

Either a soft relaunch ---- playing with a reduced number of teams and a reduced schedule ---- or another festival is likely for 2005.

"What I'd like to see next year is to have a number of our teams operating," DiCicco said. "That would be another step toward a full launch where you've got teams that are playing 10-12 home games."

"Hopefully, we can create a better business plan to go with next time around," Foudy said. "I really believe there will be a next time around."

WUSA

WHAT: Women's soccer festival

WHERE: Home Depot Center, Carson

WHEN: Today

SCHEDULE: Spirit vs. Carolina Courage, noon; San Jose CyberRays vs. Philadelphia Charge, 2:30 p.m.

NOTABLE: Mia Hamm will make a guest appearance with the Spirt.

Contact staff writer Michael Klitzing at mklitzing@nctimes.com.