STORIES GO HERE---------------------->

The Atlanta Classics have announced the release of their

14 game 1999 W-League schedule. Already the highest level

of women's soccer in the united States, the W-League is now

the only international women's league in the world. Last year, the

W-League featured such U.S. national team stars as

Michelle Akers, Kristine Lilly, Carla Overbeck, Brianna Scurry

and Debbie Keller.

With the recent folding of the ABL (American

Basketball League), the classics now exist as the only women's sport

franchise in Atlanta.

The '99 Classics schedule includes home and away match

ups with Raleigh, Jacksonville, Charlotte, Jackson and Tampa Bay;

as well as games at Miami, Delaware and home against

Piedmont and Long Island.

The Classics' bid for a third straight postseason

appearance would take them to the conference playoffs the weekend

of August 6-8. The W-! National Championship will take place

in Raleigh, North Carolina the weekend of August 13-15.

The Classics are primed and ready to go after last year's

season ended in a disappointing 2-1 loss to the Raleigh Wings in

the South Conference Final.

"We've been one of the top teams in the nation for the

past two seasons," said Classics owner and head coach Michael

Sabatelle. "We had a great season last year and it took the eventual

national champions to knock us out of the playoffs. We're ready for

another shot at it."

The Classics will be conducting open tryouts the weekend

of may 1st and 2nd - that is the same weekend the United

States women's national team will be in Atlanta for an exhibition

against Japan in preparation for this summer's World Cup.

"I'm very anxious to begin the selection process for the '99

Classics team," said Sabatelle. "With 1999 being the summer of

the Women's World Cup, we're hoping all the fan's will start

getting excited about women's soccer."

The 1999 Atlanta Classics season kicks off at home on

Saturday, May 15 against the Jackson Calypso. The Classics will

be playing their home games this summer at DeKalb County

Adams Stadium (North Druid Hills Road). For tickets or additional

information on the Atlanta Classics, call (770) TRY-FOOT.

<!-------------