North Carolina State University Athletics
Underwood and Knauss Continue Their Soccer Careers
6/9/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
June 9, 2004
Former NC State women's soccer players Lindsey Underwood and Tara Knauss have signed with semiprofessional teams to extend their playing careers. Underwood is set to play for the Ashville Splash of the W-League in Ashville, N.C. and Knauss is competing with the Steel City Sparks in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Underwood, a forward, began playing with the semiprofessional team back in April and played in her first game on May 16. The W-League stands as the highest level of non-scholastic women's soccer in North America with the WUSA dormant in 2004.
The Princess Anne, Md. native tallied 27 goals, 17 assists and 49 points throughout her four years at NC State. Last season she was second on the team in goals (8), assists (7) and points (23).
There are eight teams within the Atlantic Division of the W-League. In total, the league has six divisions and 40 teams across the US and Canada.
Knauss began playing with the Sparks of the Women's Professional Soccer League back in April and is once again a defender. The team is in its second season. Over 80 former WPSL players were on WUSA teams and many former and current National Team players have played on WPSL teams, including Julie Foudy, Brandi Chastain, Kristine Lilly, Joy Fawcett, LaKeysia Beene, Kylie Bivens and Tisha Venturini. Knauss's team is 3-2 and second in its division currently.
The Wilmington, N.C. native started all 19 matches for the Wolfpack last season and led the team in assists with eight.
Within the WPSL, there are three divisions and 22 teams overall. The Steel City Sparks play within the East Division.
For more information about these teams visit the websites listed below.
