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American Morning

Inaugural Season of Women's Professional Soccer League Has Championship Game This Weekend

Aired August 23, 2001 - 11:41   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Some of the best soccer players in the world are going to take to the field this weekend as the first ever championship game the WUSA, the inaugural season of the women's professional soccer league that a lot of people got to see across the U.S. this summer. Two of the stars that will be facing off against each other are with us today, Brianna Scurry and also Brandi Chastain, Brandi playing for the Bay Area team.

And, Brianna, you skipped town. You are playing for the Atlanta Beat, right here, where we are.

BRIANNA SCURRY, ATLANTA BEAT GOALKEEPER: Well, you know, what can I say.

KAGAN: Congratulations to both of you ladies on making it to the championship round. You both both played in some huge games in your careers -- Olympic gold medals games, World Cup games. How does this one measure up.

SCURRY: For me, it's another great first, and I am very proud and very happy to be in the final, and you know, it's going to rank right up there with other accomplishments that I've had, and hopefully, we can do well on Saturday.

KAGAN: Brandi, what about you and your Bay Area Cyberrays?

CHASTAIN: Well, there's no doubt, I think we all feel the same sentiments as Bri, being the first, making history of women's soccer in this country is very special. But I think that also being a founder player like Bri, knowing that this is something that we've built from the ground up, and knowing how meaningful it will to countless of millions young girls who now have a place to go to see people that look like themselves and represent the things that they feel and they are experiencing. So that to me is just as important as winning the game on Saturday.

KAGAN: And of course been taking place all summerlong in soccer fields across the country.

What's that experience been like for you, Brianna?

SCURRY: It's been incredible. It's always a wonder for me when, after the game, when I go up to the little girl and sign her autograph book and she is excited and the parents are excited and they look at me like I am some superstar or something. But it's a very humbling experience, and it's something that I cherish every time that it happens, and I am very honored and very privileged to be in this position right now, and I am really enjoying it.

KAGAN: Brandi, you brought up the interesting point. I don't think that folks are familiar with how this is set up and the founding members and the salary cap that you put on yourselves and the investment that the players themselves have put into the league.

CHASTAIN: No doubt, that we went into this knowing that it wasn't about making money. This league is about promoting the game that we have dedicated our lives, to something we truly love. We felt the responsibility and, some people may fall it burden of carrying the women's game in this country for a long time. And knowing now that we have a place here with the WUSA, where international players are dying to come over and play in this league, knowing that is the best in the world, definitely outweighs the money that you put in your pocket.

KAGAN: What about the experience that's going to take place on Saturday as part of what you have throughout this season. You guys are going against women who are used to seen as teammates and working together with?

SCURRY: That's true. You know, it's been a great experience for me all year, a lot of fun. You know, it's been more fun than challenge, and I'm excited to play against Brandi and the Bay Area Cyberrays. I think it's going to be a great game, be very entertaining, and I think everybody in attendance and watching the TV is going to have a good time, and I hope that that it will be real fun for everyone.

KAGAN: Well, there's no doubt that both you women have a great time when you're on the field. And Brandi, despite all your soccer accomplishments is the things you're known for, after the shot heard 'round the world in the '99 World Cup, the shirtless shot. If your Cyberrays win, is the shirt going on -- going off or is it staying on?

CHASTAIN: People ask me that question a lot lately, and I'm not sure why they ask me.

KAGAN: I know that you are sick of it.

CHASTAIN: What I say to them, that was a completely spontaneous reaction to a wonderful moment, and hopefully, not Bri, but my team will be experiencing some spontaneous moments on the field. And to be honest with you, I know that I think that this is a little cliche, but it's true that we're already winners of making it to the final game, and we all set the goals at the beginning of the year to play for the first Founder's Cup, and it's going to be amazing to walk onto that field, wearing the your jersey and knowing that you are representing a wonderful community, and if we can come out victorious, who knows what will happen. But I will sure that we are all able to celebrate after it over for a fine first year for the WUSA.

KAGAN: You know what, it's one more step that have you done, both of you, all of your careers, and that's bringing more attention to soccer and to womens' sports, and as a girl who grew up in women's sports, I say, you go, girls!

CHASTAIN: Thank you.

KAGAN: Congratulations.

The game this week, TNT, 2:00 p.m.

SCURRY: Exactly.

KAGAN: May the best team win.

CHASTAIN: Thank you.

SCURRY: That'll be my team. I'll be keeping my shirt on, don't worry.

(LAUGHTER)

KAGAN: Good to see both of you guys.

SCURRY: Thanks.

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