January 8, 2003

W-League prepares for the 2003 season

The addition of an expected but not yet announced expansion franchise in Columbus, Ohio  will mean that twenty six teams will be playing this year.                                                                                                                      

2003 conference and division breakdown

Central Conference divisions

Atlantic

Asheville Splash

Charlotte Lady Eagles

Greensboro Twisters

Hampton Roads Piranhas

Northern Virginia Majestics

Midwest

Chicago Cobras,

Cincinnati Ladyhawks

Northern Kentucky TC Stars

Windy City Bluez

Expansion franchise in Columbus, Ohio?

The top teams of the two divisions will play the second place teams from the opposite division in the semifinals of the Central Conference playoffs with the winners meeting in the final.

Eastern Conference divisions

Northeast

Long Island Lady Riders

New Jersey Lady Stallions

New Jersey Wildcats

New York Magic

South Jersey Banshees

Northern

Rochester Ravens

Boston Renegades (defending two time champions)

New Hampshire Lady Phantoms

Ottawa Fury

Toronto Inferno

The top two teams in each division will play against each other in the Conference semi final playoffs, and the two division champions will go on to play in the conference final.

Western Conference division

Western

Arizona Heatwave

Denver Lady Cougars

Fort Collins Force

Mile High Mustangs

Seattle Sounders Select

Vancouver

The top two teams in the Western Conference will meet in the playoffs to determine the conference champion.

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The three conference champions will join the yet to be announced team hosting the W-League Championship tournament in the semi-finals with the winners meeting in the final. The final will be shown on Fox Sports World.