“The Piranhas are one of our strongest W-League franchises and have demonstrated their ability to host a major event such as the finals,” said Dave Askinas, USL COO. “We look forward to working together with them to showcase some of the finest women’s soccer you will see in North America.”

The tournament will take place August 8-10 in Virginia Beach. Preliminary games will be played Friday, August 8 at 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm. The Third Place and championship matches will kick off at 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm Sunday, August 10.

The championship match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports World.

The Piranhas played host to the 2001 W-1 Championship, which saw the Boston Renegades win the first of their two straight W-League championships on a night in which the third place match was cancelled during a severe three-hour thunder storm, which delayed the final between Boston and Vancouver.

“The 2001 W-1 Finals were a fantastic event despite the storm and we are excited to go back to Virginia Beach in 2003,” said W-League Director of Operations Tammy Crawford, who was a member of the runners-up Vancouver squad in 2001.

The 2003 Championship will include numerous off-field events. The Piranhas, along with United Soccer Leagues, will host a youth soccer celebration on the beach August 9. Food, music, and a special guest surprise appearance will highlight the festivities.