North Carolina State University Athletics
Wolfpackers Shine In WUSA
7/9/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
July 9, 2001
Halfway through the WUSA (Women's United Soccer Association) season, seven former NC State women's soccer players are on a roster in the eight-team league.
Leading the way is former All-American forward Chamaine Hooper. Hooper, who played at NC State from 1987-1990, currently leads the Atlanta Beat in goals (4) and is tied for the team lead in points (10). She has helped lead the Beat to a league-best 24 points (6-1-6) heading into the second half of the season. Hooper is also a member of the Canadian National Team.
Accompanying Hooper in Atlanta is defender Mary Pitera, who is on the team's reserve squad. Pitera (1988-1991) was named All-ACC in 1991.
One of NC State's most decorated players is Thori Staples Bryan, a defender for the Bay Area CyberRays (5-4-3, 18 points). Bryan leads her team in minutes (1080) and has played every second of Bay Area's 12 games. Bryan was an All-American in 1994 and 1995 as well as the National Freshman of the Year in 1992, according to Soccer America.
Joining Bryan on the CyberRays squad are midfielders Megan Jeidy and Linda Kurtyka. Jeidy (1994-1997) was a member of the All-ACC second team in 1995 for the Wolfpack, while Kurtyka (1989-91, 93), who played professionally in Japan, is currently on the team's reserve squad.
Locally, two former players are on the Carolina Courage (3-8-2, 11 points) roster. Kim Yankowski, a Freshman All-American in 1990, has one assist to her credit as a starting midfielder for the squad. Goaltender Michelle Bertocchi, (1990-1994), was called up last week and has been placed on the reserve squad. Bertocchi was a three-time member of the All-ACC squad during her career at NC State.
League play continues Thursday when Atlanta travels to the Big Apple to take on the New York Power at 7:00 p.m., while the Courage heads north to face the Boston Breakers at 7:30.
