Mia Hamm, one of three women's U.S. national team players allocated to the WUSA Washington Freedom seemed confident in the potential success of the new league and the Washington franchise to begin play next spring.

"You have to be highly competitive in order to get people into the seats," said Hamm after the 7-3 U.S. win over the World All-Stars in the indoor soccer exhibition. "We need to get the fans excited so we can have that affect for the (WUSA) league."

This 12-city tour of women's soccer catered to many of the same fans that packed WNBA arenas -- families. This is particularly true in Washington, where the Mystics (1998 and 1999 WNBA attendance champs) outdrew the NHL's Capitals, who won the Southeastern division last year.

"They really support this game," Hamm said. "There is a tremendous level of play in the (Washington) area. They provided a great atmosphere. The kids really know the game."

Kristine Lilly, the MVP of the match with two goals, agreed. "The people here saw what they should expect (next year). We are going to be very competitive," said Lilly, who was allocated to the WUSA Boston franchise. "I would love it if we drew 8,000 (fans per game)."

The atmosphere in the arena was much like indoor soccer leagues of the past, with a little twist. Souvenir soccer balls thrown into the stands, teenie bopper music (Britney Spears, Ricky Martin, NSync, etc.) blaring through the speakers throughout the match and half-time shows featuring kids playing some type of food obstacle course on the turf.

The only blaring difference was the $27 upper deck and $60 lower deck tickets at the arena. The circus-like atmosphere of the indoor game will not be duplicated when the inaugural WUSA match kicks-off on April 14, 2001.

"We play because we love it," said Hamm. "We carry high standards for ourselves, but we don't want to set ourselves to fail. It's only going to get bigger."

Next up for the WUSA - the Nov. 1 foreign draft where the top 16 players not already allocated will be selected in a weighted lottery.

"This is to guarantee league parity," said Jim Gabarra, who coached the U.S. indoor team and will coach the Washington franchise next year. He is the husband of recently Hall of Fame inductee Carin (Jennings) Gabarra.

December 4-10 will be the league combine, where 200 players will attempt to land roster slots in try-out camp, and the college draft will take place on December 11.

"With any start up team the first few games are key," said Gabarra, who played for the CISL's Washington Warthogs. "We want to make it (WUSA) something people want to see."

For more information on international women's soccer, the U.S. national team and the WUSA, check out the newest member of the internetsoccer.com network at womenssoccer.com