Hamm Is Difference for Freedom

She no longer wears Tar Heel blue, but Mia Hamm seems to play her best games when she’s in North Carolina.

Hamm scored in the 59th minute and had an assist Saturday as the Washington Freedom beat the Carolina Courage, 2-1, in the WUSA season opener in front of 6,061 at Cary, N.C.

Carolina beat Washington, 3-2, in last year’s championship game.

Hamm’s winning shot bounced off the hands of rookie goalkeeper Meghann Burke to give Washington the victory. The former North Carolina star has scored the winning goal in three of the four games Washington has played at Carolina.

“That was a lucky shot,” Hamm said. “I was just trying to cross the ball. But we’ll take the three points and get on the bus.”

Boston 2, San Diego 1 -- Dagny Mellgren scored in the first half and Maren Meinert scored the winner in the second half to lead the Breakers in front of 6,161 at San Diego.

Atlanta 5, New York 0 -- Briana Scurry recorded her 14th career shutout and the Beat had a team record for goals in a victory in front of 8,967 at Atlanta.

San Jose 1, Philadelphia 0 -- Katie Barnes scored in the 32nd minute to lead the CyberRays in front of 6,042 at San Jose.