By EMBELE AWIPI

Thank you all for coming to this memorial.

We look at this scattered graveyard with the names USFL, ABA, and XFL and see WUSA outlived them all. I see a lot of friends and honored guests:

• Title IX, who hopefully liked the dividing of the chairs;
• Alumni groups from Virginia and Santa Clara, who have no other sports stars to brag about.
• Sportswear companies, who after all the good names were thought to be taken, managed to sell stuff with great names like C-Rays and Breakers on them (available in the gift shop/internet hookup in the atrium on your way out).

Many, like columnist Ann Killion, decried pulling the plug too early. Killion described the second consecutive World Cup in America as a "lifeline that was just within reach."

This lifeline, however, would not have been a cure, just a sedative.

The competition would not have made people "discover" women's soccer.

And, of course, the league could not count on a fluctuating cycle of interest every four years.

The audience, the WUSA's closest friends, was already there, and never really grew. Onlookers come and go, but the true fan was small and loyal.

Death is certain, just like taxes. We could pass blame for this death on the almighty dollar, but that would just leave a bad taste and continue the disjointed timeless rant about women's place in society and the search for (literally) a level playing field. But we have come to praise the WUSA, not to bury her. She leaves us without the distaste of a strike (like her sister, the WNBA, threatened), or the worry of a decline in attendance after the big names retired.

The WUSA avoided these issues and thus always will be remembered solely for its quality of play.

Yes, what great memories she gave: from the 'Rays winning the inaugural championship, to the penultimate game: a thrilling 2-1 overtime playoff victory for Atlanta over San Diego.

When it came down to it, the WUSA was never about money. This mantra is a cliché in other leagues, but what this particular league did was showcase both domestic and foreign talent. In that respect, the life of the WUSA was full of accomplishment.

And fret not for her dependents. They are free to pursue their dreams, like LaKeysia Beene opening a dojo and recording her debut rap album with Brandi. Sissi, Katia and Pretinha giving Samba lessons. And of course, we still have the world cup and Olympics coming up for a double shot of soccer excitement for the next 12 months.

Alas, the WUSA will be missed. Let us stop and say thanks to her for being a good league. The true fan mourns her, but her spirit and desire carry on in the college game and national team play. So when you watch your USA thrash other countries, remember the WUSA fondly and cherish the memories. And the one-of-a-kind jerseys.

EMBELE AWIPI is a radio host on KSRK 540 and KNRY 1240. He can be reached at embo1240@yahoo.com.

Originally published Monday, September 22, 2003