By MICHAEL BOYLAN
Sports Editorr

Last weekend was a big weekend for women's soccer, as the U.S. women's team defeated China for the World Cup. The World Cup affected other women's soccer games though, especially the games of our local W-League team, the Atlanta Classics.

The Classics, currently 7-4 and in second place in the Southern Conference, went on a North Carolina road trip last weekend to face the defending champion Raleigh Wings and the Charlotte Speed.

Friday's match pitted the Classics against their rivals, the Wings. Canada's early departure from the World Cup proved detrimental to Atlanta's chances, as Silvana Burtini, Canada's leading scorer returned to the W-League and scored two goals, helping defeat the Classics 4-1. The Classics only trailed 2-1 with 10 minutes remaining in the game but Raleigh's keeper, Siri Mullinix made several key saves to thwart Atlanta.

The lone goal from the Classics was scored by Kerry Gragg and assisted by Jenny Crawford.

Sunday's game with Charlotte had much more pleasing results. Kerry Gragg scored twice and the University of Georgia's all-time leading goal scorer, Mandy Aiken, scored once, as the Classics defeated the Speed, 3-2. Despite the fact that they trailed 3-0 at the half, Charlotte produced two goals in the final 13 minutes to get the Classics paces racing.

The Classics have a narrow hold on second place over the Tampa Bay Extreme with three games remaining in the season. If they can keep winning, the Classics should host the Southern Conference Final on August 7.

The road will be tough though, as several World Cup players will return to their W-League teams. Atlanta travels to Florida this weekend to take on the Jacksonville Jade. Their next home game will be on Saturday, July 24, when they host the Charlotte Speed at 7:30 p.m. at Adams Stadium. Call 770-TRY-FOOT for tickets.

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