This summer hardly has been the ideal time to start a women's soccer league. While the recession saps the enthusiasm and income from potential sponsors and fans, a series of high-profile events like the Confederations Cup, World Cup qualifying and the tours of popular European clubs such as Barcelona and Chelsea have commanded most of the spotlight.
But then again, women's soccer didn't exactly thrive when launch conditions were ideal. With the U.S. national team and players like Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain and Julie Foudy at the height of their popularity following the 1999 Women's World Cup and 2000 Olympics, the Women's United Soccer Association nevertheless spent itself into oblivion after just three seasons, failing to attract either the large crowds it expected or consistent television viewership.
For the next four years, former Yahoo! executive (and Foudy's former Stanford teammate) Tonya Antonucci worked quietly but diligently to reestablish the women's pro game in the U.S. The result is Women's Professional Soccer, a modest, seven-team outfit whose playoffs begin Saturday outside Washington, D.C.. Antonucci recently chatted at length with Fanhouse about the ups and downs of the league's first season and its future. The conversation is after the jump:
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (July 19) -- 
Nomar Garciaparra
Los Angeles is truly devoid of stars at the moment. In reality, there is only one player who should make this list, and everyone else should receive honorable mention. Not having a professional football team hurts the LA area, but what star power they lack in the pro game is usually made up for in the collegiate ranks. Presently however, none of the major collegiate programs has a bonafide star, which makes this list harder to do. Plus, there was the question as to whether or not Anaheim teams should be included. Anyways, here's my list of the top five athletes in LA, with thanks to all my friends who provided assistance. 
