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Chinese Bai Jie Joins Freedom in WUSA
Chinese star Bai Jie trained with the Washington Freedom for the first time on Tuesday, and was expected to beef up the Freedom's defense to catch the first-ever title in the inaugural WUSA women's soccer league.
"We're very lucky to have her," said Mia Hamm, the best U.S. scorer in the team. "She's fearless and she doesn't back down from anyone. It's nice to have that versatility, so obviously she 's comfortable with the ball at her feet. She's tenacious and she 's tough to get around."
Bai, 29, who was signed in late March, arrived in Washington on Saturday. Bai is a versatile player who could help the Freedom anywhere on the field. She even played some forward in a scrimmage.
Known as a tenacious marking back, Bai gained the respect of the U.S. women's national team during the 1999 Women's World Cup. She also can play in midfield or up front, as she has at times for the Chinese national team over the past year.
While coach Jim Gabarra said he is not sure yet where Bai will play for the Freedom that has won the first two consecutive games, Bai said she would be happy to play wherever Gabara wants her.
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