Relive the glory days of women's professional soccer with this exclusive Washington Freedom (2001-2010) vintage tee!
This premium throwback shirt celebrates one of the pioneering teams in American women's professional soccer history. The Washington Freedom was one of the eight original franchises in the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA), the world's first fully professional women's soccer league where all players were paid professionals, which began play in April 2001.
The Freedom made history by hosting the inaugural WUSA match on April 14, 2001, at RFK Stadium against the Bay Area CyberRays, featuring soccer legends Mia Hamm for Washington and Brandi Chastain for Bay Area. The Freedom won 1-0 with Brazilian striker Pretinha converting a penalty kick after Hamm was fouled in the box, marking the first goal in league history, all in front of an impressive crowd of 34,148 fans - still the largest in American women's professional soccer history.
While the team finished seventh in their inaugural season with a 6-12-3 record, they led the WUSA in attendance with an average of 14,421 fans per match, a distinction they maintained throughout the league's existence. The Freedom improved dramatically in subsequent seasons, reaching the Founders Cup championship game in 2002 and winning the league title in 2003, their final WUSA season before the league suspended operations.
After the WUSA folded, the Freedom continued operating, playing exhibition matches in 2004-2005 and then joining the semi-professional W-League in 2006. When Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) launched in 2009, the Freedom returned to professional status as a charter member, continuing their legacy until 2010 when financial difficulties led to the team's eventual sale and relocation to Florida.
Our distressed, vintage-look design captures that authentic women's soccer nostalgia with a perfectly weathered, cracked appearance that looks like it's been in your collection since the team's championship season.
Product Details:
- Premium Gildan 5000 heavy cotton (5.3 oz, 100% preshrunk)
- Classic unisex fit available in sizes S-5XL
- Multiple color options available
- Tear-away label for maximum comfort
- Vintage design printed on front only (back is blank)
- Produced using cutting-edge direct-to-garment printing technology
Perfect for women's soccer enthusiasts, D.C. sports fans, or anyone who appreciates the pioneering days of professional women's sports in America. Own a piece of women's soccer history today!