Jan. 23, 2003

BERKELEY, CALIF. - Freshman sensation Lindsay Tarpley, who captained the United States to the FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship and helped lead the University of North Carolina to the NCAA College Cup final four, has been selected the nation's top freshman by Soccer America magazine.

Tarpley, equally adept up top or in midfield, led the Tar Heels in scoring and was their pivotal player in midfield down the stretch, excelling despite a nagging shin-splints injury. She was the Atlantic Coast Conference's Freshman of the Year, was selected to the College Cup's All-Tournament team, and earned a spot in the U.S. national team's pool as it prepares for next fall's Women's World Cup in China.

Tarpley was one of three players selected to Soccer America's 11-player Freshman All-America team from the U.S. under-19 squad, which toppled Canada in the championship match last September when the standout from Kalamazoo, Mich., scored the winner in overtime.

Tarpley played ihn 25 games as a Tar Heel freshman. She was second on the team in goals scored with 16, tied for the team lead in assists with 15, led the squad in points with 47 and also in game winning goals with five.