Philadelphia Charge

The Philadelphia Charge was an American women's professional soccer team that played in the Women's United Soccer Association. The team played at Villanova Stadium on the campus of Villanova University near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

History
The team was founded in 2000 and began play in 2001 in the inaugural season of the Women's United Soccer Association.

Players
Several notable U.S. Women's National Team stars made their pro debuts with the Charge, including defender Heather Mitts (2001-2003) and goalkeeper Hope Solo, who appeared in 8 matches as a rookie backup goalkeeper in 2003.  Other notables included French international Marinette Pichon, who won the 2002 WUSA Most Valuable Player award for the Charge, and English star Kelly Smith.

2003 Roster

Coach: Mark Krikorian

Year-by-year regular season record

Awards
In 2001, Philadelphia Charge player, Doris Fitschen was named WUSA Defender of the Year.

In 2002, Philadelphia Charge player, Marinette Pichon was named WUSA's Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year and was the co-recipient with Mia Hamm for Goal of the Year for a scissor kick volley against the San Diego Spirit. Goalkeeper Melissa Moore was awarded Goalkeeper of the Year and Stacey Tullock was named Rookie of the Year. Coach Mark Krikorian took the honor of WUSA Coach of the Year the same year.

In 2003, the Charge was awarded the WUSA Team Fair Play Award and defender, Jenny Benson, was named WUSA Humanitarian of the Year.

League Suspension
The Women's United Soccer Association announced on September 15, 2003 that it was suspending operations.

See also

 Women's professional sports
 List of soccer clubs in the United States
 Women's association football

References

External links
 Philadelphia Charge website (archive.org)

Category:Defunct soccer clubs in Pennsylvania
Category:Women's soccer clubs in the United States
Charge
C
Category:Soccer clubs in Pennsylvania
Category:Women's United Soccer Association teams
Category:2000 establishments in Pennsylvania
Category:2003 disestablishments in Pennsylvania
Category:Philadelphia Charge
Category:Association football clubs disestablished in 2003
Category:Association football clubs established in 2000