By MICHAEL BOYLAN
Sports Editor

The Atlanta Classics headed to the W-League national tournament last weekend with revenge on their minds.

Last year, their season ended with a 2-1 loss to the Raleigh Wings in the finals. This year, the Classics led the league with goals and points. The team had to be thinking that this may be their time.

Unfortunately an NCAA rule left the Classics very shorthanded and missing much of their offensive firepower and defensive stability. The rule states that once the collegiate pre-season begins, players are not permitted to compete on outside teams. The Classics lost seven players to the rule and suited up only 12.

Among those missing were leading scorer Jenny Crawford, Laura Lauter, midfielder Julie Augustyniak and her sister Nancy Augustyniak, Kim Szurovy, Katherine Horney, and goalkeeper Sarah Crawford.

The Classics faced the undefeated Chicago Cobras Friday night and were down only 2-1 at the half. The goal from Atlanta came from midfielder Sara Burkett. Amy Rudge kept the Classics in the game until the 73rd minute when Chicago erupted for two more goals. One of the goals came from Canadian National Team star Charmaine Hooper.

“It's disappointing to lose,” said Classics coach Michael Sabatelle. “But under the circumstances, missing all those players, I think we played very well and hung in there as long as we could.”

The Classics played again Sunday against the Maryland Pride in the third place game.

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