FIFA Women's World Cup won by U.S. National Team last year to go to National Soccer Hall of Fame next week for public viewing until 2003

The National Soccer Hall of Fame opened the doors of its new, multi-million museum last June.

Carla Overbeck diagnosed with Graves's disease

"I told Carla that she did not have anything to prove to me," said U.S. head coach April Heinrichs, who preceded Overbeck as captain of the U.S. and who played alongside her on the 1991 Women's World Cup championship team. "I know that when she is healthy, she is one of the fittest players on this team. She continues to be a great leader and motivator. She's a world class player and I know that when she gets this condition under control, that she will be a consistent figure in our preparations as we move towards the Olympics."

Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Michelle Akers from WSW, GSW and her multitude of fans around the world after her shoulder surgery on Wednesday

`Her shoulder surgery was filmed by Discovery Health Channel's The FITeam Power Hour, a series that offers an inside look at how athletes achieve mental and physical fitness, and gives practical information for anyone seeking a vigorous, balanced lifestyle. The series, expected to premiere in September, will feature Akers' comeback from what should be her final surgery and her commitment to getting into shape for a run at her final Olympics.

U.S. National Team tentative training schedule in Charlotte

Michelle Akers to undergo arthroscopic surgery next week on her shoulder and will be out of soccer for up to three months

30 player Olympic Residency Camp roster named

Other News
Briana Scurry will rejoin the team after missing the Algarve Cup with a leg injury. Scurry is at 99 caps, and in Charlotte, will likely become the 11th member and first goalkeeper in the USA's 100-cap club. A trio of talented young goalkeepers will be pushing Scurry for the starting sport in the nets. Siri Mullinix, a member of the Women's World Cup residency camp who had a stellar match in helping the USA to the Algarve Cup title earlier this month will be joined by a pair of powerful young goalkeepers in Jen Branam and Hope Solo, both veterans of the USA's youth national teams.

Michelle Akers who suffered a dislocated shoulder while training will undergo an MRI later this week to determine if she will need surgery. USA v Iceland

2000 U.S Women's National Soccer Team Olympic Residency Camp Roster

• 1 Scurry, Briana
• 2 Fair, Lorrie
• 3 Pearce, Christie
• 4 Overbeck, Carla
• 5 Serlenga, Nikki
• 6 Chastain, Brandi
• 7 Whalen, Sara
• 8 MacMillan, Shannon
• 9 Hamm, Mia
• 10 Akers, Michelle
• 11 Foudy, Julie
• 12 Parlow, Cindy
• 13 Lilly, Kristine
• 14 Fawcett, Joy
• 15 Pryce, Nandi
• 16 Milbrett, Tiffeny
• 17 French, Michelle
• 18 Solo, Hope
• 19 Slaton, Danielle D
• 20 Sobrero, Kate
• 21 Kluegel, Jena
• 22 Welsh, Christie
• 23 Bush, Susan
• 24 Branam, Jen
• 25 Wagner, Aly
• 26 Mullinix, Siri
• 27 Ramsey, Alyssa
• -- Cramer, Aleisha
• -- Randolph, Sara
• -- Zepeda, Veronica

U.S. Team to be in 1st Pacific Women's Cup with Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, Canada, Scotland, USA, + 1 other team May 31, 2000 (possible venues Canberra, Sydney and Wollongong)

Under-21 Training Camp roster announced

Under-21 National Team Head Coach Jillian Ellis brings in a roster that includes 10 players who have earned caps with the National Team. Several of the pool players are being considered for the USA's Olympic Residency Training Camp that will be held at the OTC beginning in mid-April.

Under-16 National Team Camp Roster

Under-18 National Team Camp Roster

Tony Dicicco to be inducted into National Association for Sport & Physical Education's Hall of Fame

Tony DiCicco will be inducted into the National Association for Sport and Physical Education's (NASPE) Hall of Fame on Friday, March 24, in Orlando, Florida. Michelle Akers, the senior member of the team, is scheduled to make the presentation at NASPE's Hall of Fame Banquet.

The award honors outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to maintaining sport and physical education as an integral part of the total education program. Thereby furthering the image of sport, encouraging involvement in meaningful competitive sport programs by influential educators and citizens in all walks of life and symbolizing the educational and developmental potential of sport and physical education.

Past inductees have included Olympians such as Nancy Hogshead, Rafer Johnson, Peter Vidmar, and the late Wilma Rudolph, as well as University of Tennessee Women's Basketball Coach Pat Summitt; yachtsman and entrepreneur Ted Turner, and the late Arthur Ashe, among others.

According to NASPE President Carl Gabbard, "The NASPE Hall of Fame honors outstanding individuals who have achieved new levels of excellence in sport and physical education and inspired others by their example of what quality, physical activity and sport programs can do to make a better world."

John Stelzer to replace Jim Froslid as Director of National Team Administration

Stelzer,36, a native of St. Louis, Mo., has been with the Federation since 1992 in a variety of roles in his eight-year tenure. He previously served as the Director of National Team Programming, and will still oversee scheduling and National Teams/USOC interface.

Jim Froslid was recently named as General Manager for the A-League's Minnesota Thunder.

U.S. National Team Pool training headquarters to be in Chula Vista, California until Sydney Olympics

The U.S. National Team's residency training camp will at the ARCO Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California starting the middle of April. The camp is situated near the California-Mexico border in southern San Diego County.

This is the first time their pre-Major Tournament residency camp will be at ARCO, although U.S. Soccer asked them to train there in previous years the majority of the team wanted to continue in Florida.

25-30 players will be invited to the residency camp. Because of travel and scheduled games the National Team Pool will train for a total of about six weeks divided up into several sessions. A much shorter training time than the preparations undertook for the 96 Olympics, and the '99 World Cup.

Tracey Leone, Jillian Ellis and Steve Swanson named as U.S. National Team Coaches for U-16/U-14, U-21, and U-18 respectively

Tracey Leone has been appointed as the Head Coach of the Under-16 and Under-14 National Teams. She will also oversee the U-14 National Team developmental program. She will be a full time coach for U.S. Soccer.

Her reaction "I have in been involved with the National Teams at some level for 13 years. It's an honor to join U.S. Soccer during this incredibly exciting time for women's soccer. I will do all I can to help April Heinrichs in every way possible to win the Olympic Gold in Sydney as well as develop the youth teams for future championships."

Jillian Ellis has been appointed as the Head Coach of the Under-21 National Team. She will be a part time coach for U.S. Soccer.

Steve Swanson has been appointed as the Head Coach of the Under-18 National Team. He will be a part time coach for U.S. Soccer.

QUOTE:

National Team Head Coach April Heinrichs
"I'm tremendously exited about the opportunity to work closely with Tracey, Steve and Jillian. As a group, they bring a wealth of knowledge and diverse soccer experiences. Their ability to serve as leaders and role models, as well as great coaches, will be unparalleled in the women's game and of great benefit to the many talented young women vying for sports on our youth national teams."

Chastain, Hamm, Scurry and winning World Cup '99 Team nominated for espy awards

Brandi Chastain, Mia Hamm, Briana Scurry, and the Women's World Cup '99 Championship squad have been nominated for several 1999 ESPY Awards.

The eighth annual ESPY Awards will take place on February 14, live from the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev. at 8:00 pm ET on ESPN.

Chastain, Hamm and Scurry are the nominees for the ESPY Soccer Athlete of the Year, while the World Cup squad is one of the frontrunners for Team of the Year. Hamm is also nominated for Female Athlete of the Year and Decade, while Chastain has been nominated in the most memorable performance category for her game-winning penalty kick against China.

Heinrichs selects English born John Ellis as her assistant coach

John Ellis is Heinrichs' first coaching staff appointment. A native of England, Ellis came to the United States in the early 1980s and immersed himself in youth soccer coaching. Over the last 20 years, Ellis has worked with numerous girls and boys club teams in the Washington, D.C. and Virginia areas, including helping the BRYC Bluebells to an Under-19 Girl's National Championship in 1984 and the SYC Spirit to an Under-16 Girl's National Championship in 1988. Ellis helped guide five other girl's teams to regional titles and helped lead the Annandale Boys Club Red Rebels to an Under-19 Boys National Championship in 1982.

During the 1960s and 70s as staff coach for the English Football Association, with which he holds an Advanced Full Badge Coaching License, Ellis worked with the youth and full national teams in the developing soccer countries of Trinidad & Tobago, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia. He also served the English FA as a Director and Staff Coach for National Coaching Qualifying Courses and was Director of the English Schools Player Development Program.

Ellis holds a USSF "A" License, has worked extensively with the Virginia State Coaching Program as well as the Virginia ODP. Ellis previously worked with Heinrichs in the U.S. Women's National Team programs with the Under-16s, coaching such future stars as Aly Wagner, Danielle Slaton, Nandi Pryce and Aleisha Cramer.

Ellis resides in Manassas, Virginia with his wife Margaret. Ellis has two children, son Paul and daughter Jill, who is the Head Women's Soccer Coach at UCLA.

Quote
"What I love most about John Ellis is that for the last 40 years, he was worked in soccer every single day," said Heinrichs. "He brings a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to our staff as well as a worldly approach to coaching the Women's National Team. He will be a tremendous asset to myself and the team."

Hamm and some other World Cup '99 Championship players to take part in Third Annual Garret benefit game

Mia Hamm and several members of the 1999 Women's World Cup Championship squad will take part in an indoor all-star game to benefit the Mia Hamm Foundation and Garrett J. Hamm Fund at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin on February11th, at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Championship Team will challenge a team of collegiate all-stars in the third-annual Garrett Game to be played during an extended halftime period of that evening's Milwaukee Wave game. The following players are scheduled to play: Mia Hamm, Briana Scurry, Kristine Lilly, Carla Overbeck, Julie Foudy, Shannon MacMillan, Kate Sobrero, Tiffany Roberts, Cindy Parlow, Tisha Venturini and Lorrie Fair.

The Mia Hamm Foundation is focused on support for two important causes: raising funds and awareness for bone marrow diseases and continuing the growth in opportunities for young women in sports.

Tickets
Available through the Milwaukee Wave office (262) 241-7500, the Bradley Center Ticket Office, and all Ticketmaster locations.

Quotes from Carla Overbeck, Co-captain and U.S. defender of U.S. National Team about the importance of the new contract

"It was very important. We love the game of soccer and love to play. We would like to play it as a career and until now women have not had the opportunity to do so. For the younger generation they will be able to make a living playing soccer weather it is for the national team or training on their own. This is a huge step for women in sports. We have been fighting for this for the last 12 years. With the new contract and the commitment U.S. Soccer has made women will be able to play soccer as a career."

On Importance of severance pay and transition pay
"I think that the contact is about the younger players. With what we have gone through the last few years we wanted to make sure that the younger players could make a living when we left. As for severance pay we wanted some guarantees if some people that were on the world cup team didn't make the Olympic team and the next world cup team."

On where women's sports are
"Within in the last year our bonuses have been good. I have been on the team for 12 years and during that time we have had to have outside jobs to make a living. Women have to be treated equally as men. I have been doing appearances on the side and people would come up to me and tell me that they were behind us. We believed what were doing was right and had the support of the nation behind us. We had nothing to lose only the opportunity to make a statement for professional women sports."

U.S. National Team women reach parity with men in new labor contract with U.S. Soccer Federation announced today in New York City

A new labor contract with U.S. Soccer Federation for members of the U.S. Women's National Team was unveiled today.

"This is a historic agreement that continues to establish U.S. Soccer as a leader in the fight for gender equity in the world of athletics," said U.S. Soccer President Dr. S. Robert Contiguglia. "Across the last 15 years, U.S. Soccer has set revolutionary standards in providing our women's teams with full-time pay, residency camps, paid maternity leave and child care. With this agreement we have raised the level again by continuing to assure fair compensation between our women's and men's program, especially after everything this team has accomplished. The deal is based on not only equity, but performance and success on the field, so that the team can continue to 'win forever'."

It makes the U.S. Women's National Team the highest paid women's soccer team in the world and guarantees continued payroll parity with the U.S. Men's National Team. That includes paying the women $2,000 per appearance (which is identical to the men's fee) and balancing the U.S. Women's expected bonus compensation with that of the U.S. Men for appearances in major tournaments and victories against top opponents.

The agreement also includes a protective clause for the U.S. Women stating that if the Men's National Team ever receives compensation equal to a higher percentage of its gross revenues than the Women's National Team receives of its gross revenues, then the U.S. Women will receive a lump sum bonus to equalize the compensation ratios.

Press conference in New York scheduled for Tuesday February 1, 2000 to discuss progress in labor negotiations between U.S. Soccer and World Champion U.S. National Team

U.S. Soccer has scheduled a press conference for Tuesday (Feb. 1) at 1 p.m. ET at the Official All Star Cafe in New York City to discuss the progress of the current contract negotiations with representatives of the U.S. Women's National Team.

The U.S. Women have committed to returning to the field of play against arch-rival Norway on Sunday, February 6, 2000 at Lockhart Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

World Cup'99 Championship Team members help Surgeon General David Satcher and Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala launch Healthy People 2010 Campaign

Among the Team members enlisted to help the new initiative to get Americans moving now so that they will be leaner and healthier by 2010 was Goalkeeper Saskia Webber who said that she would like to persuade people that physical education is as important to a child as mathematics and English. Webber said "one of the worst cutbacks in society today is the physical education programs in schools and it's a fact that women who are involved in athletics and soccer are more likely to graduate, less likely to become pregnant and less likely to use drugs."

The campaign is the government's third decade-long public health plan since it started in 1979. The United States entered 2000 with more than 50 percent of the population considered overweight.

And This Was Just The 'B' Team!
By Jeremy Ruane in Melbourne

They may not have any of their Women's World Cup-winning combination on hand in their bid to win the 2000 Australia Cup, but the USA were still able to field a formidable combination in their opening match in the competition, when they took on the Czech Republic at Melbourne's Olympic Park .on January 7, 2000.

Youngsters many of them were, but they made light work of their European opposition in recording an emphatic 8-1 victory in front of a crowd which grew to 3034 by the game's conclusion.

After a couple of early 'sighters', striker Mandy Clemens was twice denied by Czech goalkeeper Zuzana Pincova in the tenth and eleventh minutes, but it took just sixty more seconds before the USA were on the board.

Susan Bush saw her shot headed off the line by Marie Tlachova, with the resulting clearance being directed to Sherrill Kester. Her cross picked out Jenny Streiffer, who thumped home the opening goal.

Five minutes later, the USA stretched their advantage, Clemens the architect with a fine run down the right before pulling the ball back to allow Bush to pick her spot.

After Pincova had saved a powerful Streiffer header, the goalkeeper covered herself in ignominy in the 39th minute, conceding one of the softest goals you'll ever see! Nikki Serienga - one of many to impress in this USA line-up - struck a twenty-yard shot which Pincova appeared to have covered, but inexplicably allowed to bounce over her diving form and into the bottom corner of the net.

At this, Czech heads visibly dropped, and the more athletic USA side, many of whom came to this tournament fresh from college soccer, proceeded to run riot in the second spell.

Just five minutes into it, the new-look World and Olympic champions punished another Pincova blunder, Kester sliding home a low cross from Christie Welsh, a half-time substitute who, on debut, played with all the panache of a veteran.

The USA went nap after 57 minutes, Danielle Slaton's blindside run proving the perfect outlet to cap off a Serienga-inspired raid. Slaton pulled the ball back for Welsh, whose shot was blocked on the line by Tlachova, the one Czech defender who never gave up the cause. Kester latched onto the rebound - 5-0.

Captain Michelle French inspired the USA's sixth goal, her deep 65th minute cross picking out Nandi Pryce on the far post. She headed the ball across for Streiffer, who joined Kester in bagging a brace of goals.

Welsh scored a richly deserved goal in the 74th minute, beating Pincova all ends up with an absolute belter from the edge of the area after a Kester-led raid.

Pincova's misery was not yet complete, for after saving at the feet of both Streiffer and Kester, she was rendered helpless by Welsh in the 83rd minute. The 'keeper did well to parry the striker's rasping drive, but was powerless to prevent Veronica Zepeda from lashing home the USA's eighth goal of the game.

It wasn't the final one, however, that honour belonging to Czech striker Iveta Dudova, who capitalised on an outnumbered US defence to score her country's lone goal in some style, lifting the ball over the advancing Lakesia Beene to bring about the final 8-1 scoreline.

The USA were well-served by many, with Serienga, Clemens, Welsh, Streiffer, Kester, Beene - when called upon, and midfield general Aleisha Cramer all impressing in this match.

It is their next performance, however, which will provide a better indication of their potential. World Cup quarter-finalists Sweden, 2-0 conqeurors of host nation Australia in Sydney, will be a far sterner test of this team's credentials, and will give US Soccer a far clearer indication of the true worth of Mia, Kristine, Michelle and company to their hopes of winning Olympic gold once more.
  Cup Results

U.S. National Team arrives in Australia

The U.S. team arrived in Melbourne at 8:30 a.m. on January 4th and trained for the first two days under cloudy skies and biting rain at the Green Gully Soccer Club in Melbourne. The sun broke through in the third day as U.S. coaches Lauren Gregg and Jay Hoffman put the team through its final paces at Bob Jane Stadium in preparation for the Czechs. The tournament champion will be determined on total points with the tie-breakers being goal difference, total goals scored and then head-to-head results. There are no injuries to the U.S. squad. Melbourne is 16 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the USA.
  Mainly players from U.S. Under-21 and Under-18 National Teams on roster for Australia Cup Tour
  Second Australia Cup schedule set for USA, Sweden, and Czech Republic

U.S. SOCCER hires first two women's national staff coaches to launch Project Gold

Dave Simeone and Jeff Pill have been hired by the U.S. Soccer Federation as the first two women's National Staff Coaches as part of Project Gold, a 10-year plan designed to keep the U.S. women on top of the world.

The women's National Staff Coach is one of the key components of Project Gold. The role of these individuals is three-fold: 1) to help develop players, 2) to create a scouting network to find the best youth players in and outside of the Olympic Development Program and 3) assist in coaching education.

In the first year of the Project Gold, four National Competitive Staff Coaches are slated to be hired, one for each region. Simeone and Pill represent Regions 3 and 1, respectively. In years two and three, four more coaches are to be hired. Over the next three years, up to 24 National Competitive Coaches may be hired with the purpose of assisting in the development of the women's game in the United States. The coaches will also be called upon to work with the U-18, U-16 and U-14 women's and girls national team programs.

"Having quality coaches like Jeff and Dave is a tremendous asset to launch us in our quest to remain the best," said former U.S. Head Coach Tony DiCicco, who authored Project Gold along with his assistant coaches.

Simeone comes to U.S. Soccer from his position as Director of Coaching and Player Development for the North Texas Youth Soccer Association. Simeone graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in education and received his Masters degree in physical education from Midwestern State University. He is a U.S. Soccer "A" licensed coach and has served as an assistant coach with the U.S. Under 18 and Under-21 Women's National Teams. He is currently the interim U 18 Women's National Team coach. Someone has also coached girls in the Olympic Development Program on the state and regional level, coached women's state and regional teams and ran both the men's and women's programs at Huntingdon College in Alabama for two seasons.

Pill comes to U.S. Soccer from his position as Director of Coaching and Player Development with the New Hampshire Soccer Association. He is also the former Under-14 Girl's National Coaching Coordinator for Region I. Pill has coached girls on the numerous age levels for the New Hampshire ODP teams and at the club level. He was also an assistant men's coach for the 1989 New Hampshire Division II national championship team. Pill was the head coach at Derryfield School boys in Manchester, NH, from 1985-93 and won seven state titles. Pill is an U.S. Soccer "A" licensed coach.

Mainly players from U.S. Under-21 and Under-18 National Teams on roster for Australia Cup Tour

The following players will represent the United States and leave for Australia on January 2, 2000

United States Women's National Team Roster

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Player Mullinix, Siri Bryan, Thori Lindsey, Kelly Pryce, Nandi Clemens, Mandy Zepeda, Veronica Wagner, Aly Monroe, Mary Frances Bush, Susan Cramer, Aleisha French, Michelle Welsh, Christie Mascaro, Jenny Aldama, Heather Serlenga, Nikki Kester, Sherrill Slaton, Danielle Beene, Lakeysia

Team Staff:
General Manager: Brian Fleming, Orlando, Fla.
Coach: Lauren Gregg, Charlottesville, Va.
Coach: Jay Hoffman, Chagrin Falls, Ohio

More year end honors for the U.S. National Team and Chastain

U.S. National Team
The U.S. Women's National team was named as one of the Ms. Foundation's Top Ten Female Role Models of the year in its third annual list of inspirational and courageous figures.

Brandy Chastain
Brandi Chastain was named as one of People Magazine's 25 most intriguing people of 1999 in the December 31, 1999 issue. She was honored as one of the "25 Most Intriguing People of 1999."

U.S. Women's Soccer Team Named SPORTS ILLUSTRATED "Sportswomen of the Year"

December 13, 1999
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED announced that it has chosen the U.S. Women's World Cup team as its "Sportswomen of the Year." The entire 20-member team will appear on the cover of SPORTS ILLUSTRATED this week as captured by photographer Mark Abrahams. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED chose the team for its annual year-end honor for symbolizing in character and performance the ideals of sportsmanship.

"This is the biggest sports magazine that's out there so to be considered the story of the year means a lot to all of us," said U.S. forward Mia Hamm. "We continue to play for the same reason we played since the first day -- because we love what we do and we love being on this team. This summer we were given the opportunity to show the world what this game means to us and how much we mean to each other. This is a great honor and I think it shows how times are changing. The respect that we received this year was unbelievable."

The U.S. Team will be presented with the traditional "Sportsman" award -- a replica of an ancient Greek amphora. Recently, the team was also named the "Sportswomen of the Year" by SPORTS ILLUSTRATED for WOMEN Magazine.

Recent news from the U.S. Team

November 29, 1999
Three more players were added to U.S. Team Training Camp roster. Goalkeeper Meredith Flaherty, who played a major role in Florida's national championship last year; defender Skylar Little, who anchored UCLA's defense this past season during a stellar year for the Bruins; and 14-year old defender Stacey Lindstrom, who has participated in the U.S. Under-14 National Team Training Camps the past two years.

U.S. National Team chosen as "1999 Sportswomen of the Year" by Sports Illustrated for Women.

Julie Foudy will handle color commentary for both the Semi-finals and Final Game of the NCAA College Cup on December 3 and 5th at San Jose.

DiCicco conducts his final National Team Camp with 26 players hoping to win a place in the 2000 Olympic Team

Friday November, 19
Retiring National Team Head Coach Tony DiCicco, along with long time Assistant Coach Lauren Gregg and Asssistant Coach Jay Hoffman will conduct a Camp at the ARCO Olympic Training Center in San Diego, Calif. from November 29 to December for 26 players trying to makethe National Team roster.
None of the 20 players from the 1999 Women's World Cup Team will attend the camp. DiCicco has invited a combination of veterans, several players who just missed making the World Cup squad and young up-and-coming stars. Returning to the fold will be Thori Bryan, who has earned 53 caps and was a member of the 1995 Women's World Cup Team, as well as 1996 Olympic Team member Staci Wilson. In addition, DiCicco has recalled midfielder Justi Baumgardt who played in six matches in 1998 and former Duke star Kelly Walbert, who saw time with the national team back in 1994. Former N.C. State star Kim Yankowski will get her first look. Yankowski led the USL W-League in assists for the Raleigh Wings and was named to the W-1 First Team.
Former Under-21 captain Michelle French, who was a member of the residency training camp for the 1999 Women's World Cup will participate, as will two of her former teammates at the University of Portland, Kristen Eaton and Kim Stiles. Former UNC star Robin Confer, currently the assistant coach at Texas A & M, gets the call-up as does W-League Most Valuable Player Danielle Dion of the Chicago Cobras, who earned a "double" of awards last summer, adding Goalkeeper of the Year honors to her MVP.
Several players will come into camp after stellar senior college seasons. Sherrill Kester (Duke) and Kim Clark (USC) helped lead their teams to the NCAA playoffs. Two sophomores coming off banner years will also attend the camp. Stacey Tullock was named Pac-10 Offensive Player of Year for Arizona State, scoring 17 goals with seven assists, and is already the all-time leading scorer in Sun Devil history for goals and points. Emily Brown received First-Team All-Big 10 honors, breaking Illinois single season goals, points and shots records, while finding the net 17 times.
A slew of talented youngsters, all high school seniors, have also been called in. Under-18 National Team goalkeeper Hope Solo played an integral role in leading her team to the Pan-American Games gold medal this summer. Solo will be joined by U-18 teammates Nandi Pryce, who marshaled the defense at the Pan-Ams, and Catherine Reddick, who scored the winning goal in the gold medal game.
Midfielder Aleisha Cramer, the nation's top recruit, has played for the USA at every age level, earning her second full national team cap in Denver against Brazil on Sept. 26 of this year. Forward Veronica Zepeda was a member of the Nordic Cup champion U-21 team last summer in Iceland.
Preliminary roster for the training camp. Six additional players will be named in the coming week.

December '99 Training Camp -- ARCO Olympic Training Center -- San Diego, Calif.
Player	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	DOB	Hometown	College/Club	Caps/Goals
Baumgardt, Justi	M	5-8	135	7/22/75	Federal Way, Wash.	Portland	16/3
Bryan, Thori	D	5-8	140	4/17/74	Joppatowne, Md.	NC State	53/0
Brown, Emily	M	5-6	128	4/24/80	Wilmette, IL	Illinois	0/0
Cramer, Aleisha	M	5-10	130	7/29/82	Lakewood, CO	Colorado Rush	2/0
Clark, Kim	M	5-6	120	10/5/77	Cupertino, Calif.	USC	0/0
Confer, Robin	F	5-8	135	2/21/76	Clearwater, Fla.	UNC	8/1
Dion, Danielle	G	5-8	137	6/18/6	Atlanta, Ga.	UMass	0
Eaton, Kristen	D	5-6	140	3/22/77	Boise, Id.	Portland	0/0
French, Michelle	D	5-4	135	1/27/77	Kent, Wash.	Portland	3/0
Kester, Sherrill	M	5-3	120	3/7/78	High Point, N.C.	Duke	0/0
Pryce, Nandi	D	5-101	40	5/30/82	Casselberry, Fla.	C. Florida United	0/0
Ramsey, Alyssa	F	5-8	140	9/21/82	Charlotte, N.C.	Charlotte Soccer Club	0/0
Reddick, Catherine	D	5-5	125	2/10/82	Birmingham, Ala.	Briarwood Lightning	0/0
Solo, Hope	G	5-9	140	7/30/81	Richland, Wash.	Washington	0/0
Stiles, Kim	M	5-8	130	10/2/376	Spokane, Wash.	Portland	0/0
Tullock, Stacey	M	5-7	125	9/20/78	Phoenix, Ariz.	Arizona State	0/0
Walbert, Kelly	M	5-4	125	9/22/74	Tucon, Ariz.	Duke	1/0
Wilson, Staci	D	5-2	120	7/8/76	Livingston, N.J.	UNC	14/0
Yankowski, Kim	M	5-4	125	4/27/72	Pt. Pleasant, N.J.	NC State	0/0
Zepeda, Veronica	M	5-0	100	6/11/82	Riverside, CA	Claremont Stars	1/0

DiCicco Resigns as Head Coach of U.S. Women's National Team

Wednesday, November 3, 1999 - Tony DiCicco, who has more wins than any coach in U.S. Soccer history, resigned his position today as Head Coach of the U.S. Women's National Team, effective at the end of the year.

DiCicco took over the U.S. team at the beginning of 1995 and guided the USA to a third place finish at the 1995 Women's World Cup in Sweden. DiCicco revamped the team's style, and along with a core of veteran players, regrouped and refocused to win the 1996 Olympic gold medal and the 1999 Women's World Cup, becoming the first coach and first team to hold both titles concurrently. After making his final decision yesterday, DiCicco spoke to his players and staff via conference call this morning.

"I can't think of anyone more deserving of the attention and praise brought on by the U.S. Women's National Team's success and popularity than Tony DiCicco," said U.S. Soccer President Dr. S. Robert Contiguglia. "He has won every trophy in sight and done it with grace and style. He has been an integral part of the team's success since our first World Cup championship in 1991, and he has met every challenge head on. We respect, understand and admire his desire to share his life with his family."

DiCicco steps aside to spend more time with his wife and four sons, ages 8, 12, 14, and 17, who supported him through a schedule which saw him on the road for as many as 250 days a year. DiCicco began his career with the Women's National Team in 1990 as the goalkeeper coach, and was an assistant on the 1991 Women's World Cup championship team, before taking over the head job from Anson Dorrance in 1995. He continued to train the national team goalkeepers, helping make Briana Scurry into an international star. DiCicco was also the main force behind organizing and strengthening the youth Women's National Team programs, enabling the Under-16, Under-18 and Under-21 teams to compete with great success and continue to develop players for the future. DiCicco helped institute the two-year old U-18 program.

"The main reason I'm stepping down is that it's more important for me to be a world class husband and father than a world class coach," said DiCicco. "When I looked at the generous financial opportunities available to me next year, I didn't see how they could possibly enrich my life more than spending time with my wife and boys. The things I'll miss the most are the players, what they taught me, what we learned together and how they made me feel. And how much fun it was to go after something great together."

DiCicco finishes with a 103-8-8 record in full international matches and a winning percentage of .899, both U.S. records. DiCicco's teams won five straight U.S. Women's Cups, and during his tenure, he saw Mia Hamm break the international record for goals scored and Kristine Lilly break the record for most appearances.

"U.S. Soccer gave me a tremendous privilege and opportunity when they hired me for the head coaching position," added DiCicco. "When I took over the team, I might not have been the first choice in many people's minds. But Alan Rothenberg and Hank Steinbrecher thought I would develop into a coach that would win for them, and I did. I sincerely appreciate the chance U.S. Soccer gave me. I think together we brought women's soccer to a whole new level both in America and globally."

"Tony DiCicco has been a model of professionalism as the head coach of our U.S. Women's National Team," said Hank Steinbrecher, Secretary General of U.S. Soccer. "He will be sorely missed. I honestly believe he was the Phil Jackson of soccer coaches, bringing a sense of unity and team to a squad of veteran players who have been together for over a decade. This was clearly a decision from the heart and we respect that more than any other. He has said all along that spending time with his real first team, his family, was critical to him coming out of the Women's World Cup."

DiCicco steps down after accomplishing perhaps his greatest triumph, leading the USA through the preparation and competition of the Women's World Cup that included a sometimes overwhelming amount of pressure and distractions on the home team. The tournament concluded with the largest crowd ever to watch a women's sporting event as the USA won the Women's World Cup in front of a sell-out of 90,185 fans at the Rose Bowl. The television audience of 40 million made it the highest rated soccer match ever in the United States.

"I want to thank my staff and especially my assistant coaches, Lauren Gregg and Jay Hoffman, and mental skills coach Colleen Hacker," added DiCicco. "Their loyalty, expertise and uncanny ability to fill in the gaps when I needed it will always be tremendously appreciated."

"Tony is no doubt one of the best women's soccer coaches in the world," said Carla Overbeck, who served as team captain during the majority of DiCicco's tenure. "Being a mother myself, I totally empathize with him wanting to be at home with his family. We will always cherish the successes we achieved, and we will miss him tremendously as a coach and friend."

DiCicco's last year was his finest in terms of statistics. The USA went 25-2-2, setting a record for wins in a calendar year, and scored 111 goals, the second highest yearly total in the history of the program.

"Obviously, it's a sad day for the team because we all have tremendous respect for Tony as a coach, a person and friend," said Julie Foudy, who co-captained the team with Overbeck. "But we understand his commitment to his family and his desire to spend more time with his wife and sons. He's put in a lot of years with us, and spent many hours away from his family for us, and sacrificed a lot for the team. We'll always be proud of the things we accomplished together. It will very difficult to replace him, but we look forward to working with a new coach in our goal to win the Olympics."

"For U.S. Soccer, the focus now turns to finding a replacement," added Steinbrecher. "Within the coming weeks we will begin to identify candidates and then begin the interview process, but no timetable has been set at this time."

U.S. Soccer is in discussions with DiCicco to continue with the Women's National Team's programs in an advisory capacity. DiCicco will also be pursuing a range of new business interests. He will also continue to conduct clinics and speaking engagements as well as run his highly successful summer soccer camp business.

Tony DiCicco's Career Coaching Record with U.S. Women's National Team
Year	GP	W	L	T	GF	GA	Notes
1995	23	19	2	2	82	16	Wins first match 7-0 over Denmark in Orlando, Fla.
1996	24	21	1	2	80	17	Defeats China, 2-1, for gold medal in Athens, Ga.
1997	18	16	2	0	67	13	Then record 17,358 view win over England
1998	25	22	1	2	89	12	USA Wins first Goodwill Games gold medal
1999	29	25	2	2	111	15	Women's World Cup triumph captures America's hearts
Total	119	103	8	8	429	73

CBS SPORTS SPECTACULAR to broadcast special behind the scenes look at Toys "R" Us Victory Tour on November 21

CBS Sports and SFX Entertainment announced today that the CBS SPORTS SPECTACULAR will broadcast the "Toys "R" Us Victory Tour Special", an exclusive behind the scenes look at the national indoor soccer tour, featuring members of the world champion U.S. Women's National Team. Scheduled air date for the one hour special is Sunday, Nov. 21, and will follow NFL games in most markets (4:30-5:30 p.m. ET).

To be shot during a match on Sunday, Nov. 14, at the Continental Arena in East Rutherford, N.J., the show will combine game action and backstage footage, providing viewers with an upclose look at the players that captured the country's imagination during this past summer's World Cup championship run. The United States, featuring players such as Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, Briana Scurry, Michelle Akers, Julie Foudy, Joy Fawcett, Kristine Lilly and Carla Overbeck, will be taking on a World Stars squad made up of such World Cup standouts as Sissi and Roseli of Brazil, Ulrika Karlsson of Sweden, Hege Riise and Ann Kristin Aarones of Norway and Charmaine Hooper of Canada.

"CBS Sports is thrilled to be able to give soccer fans a chance to see some of the best women's players in the world," said Rob Correa, Vice President, Programming for CBS Sports.

"We're pleased that CBS Sports will be the television home for the 'Toys "R" Us Victory Tour Special,'" said Joel Feld, Senior Vice President and Executive Producer for SFX Sports Group. "The players who make up the U.S. Women's National Team are an extraordinary group of women and the impact of their victory this past summer continues to touch the lives of kids and families across the country.

19 members of Champion U.S. Team to be present when Toys 'R' US Victory Tour begins on Friday in Pittsburgh.

The Toys "R" Us Victory Tour kicks off Friday October, 22 at Civic Arena in Pittsburgh, Pa. Game time is 7:30 p.m. EDT. The 12-match, nationwide tour will continue on Sunday, Oct. 24, when the teams play in suburban Detroit at The Palace of Auburn Hills at 2 p.m. EDT. Lorrie Fair is not playing since she gave up the large monetary rewards involved so as to retain her NCAA eligibility at UNC.

All 19 U.S. World Cup players eligible to participate have signed to play during the tour including World Cup starters Brandi Chastain, Joy Fawcett, Julie Foudy, Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly (Detroit only), Carla Overbeck, Cindy Parlow, Kate Sobrero (Bloomfield Hills, Mich. native) and Briana Scurry, who are scheduled to play this week. Since indoor soccer is played with six players on the field, in contrast to 11 for the outdoor game, 12 U.S. players will suit up for each city on a rotating basis. 19 members of the World Cup squad will be in attendance in Pittsburgh to kick off the tour.

The World Stars roster for the first two matches includes Canada's Charmaine Hooper, who has scored four goals in her last two matches against the Americans, one of the world's top goalkeepers in Sweden's Ulrika Karlsson, Japan's all-time leading scorer Homare Sawa, Australian captain Julie Murray and her Matilda teammate Sarah Cooper, Nigeria's colorful stars "Marvelous" Mercy Akide, Patience Avre and Florence Omagbemi and Brazil's high-scoring tandem of Roseli and Pretinha. Other players who have signed on for the World Stars and will join the team mid-Tour include the last two MVPs of the World Cup - Hege Riise of Norway (1995) and Sun Wen of China ('99) - and its leading scorers - Ann Kristin Aarones of Norway ('95) and Wen and Sissi of Brazil ('99).

"We are excited to get the Toys "R" Us Victory Tour underway and look forward to bringing international soccer excitement to two new cities," said U.S. captain Carla Overbeck. "These matches will be fun and high-scoring, but very competitive with the team the World Stars has assembled."

Tickets for the Toys "R" Us Victory Tour are available at the arena box office or through TicketMaster outlets, including on-line at www.ticketmaster.com.

DiCicco adds 17 year old Aleisha Cramer to roster for Brazil match as hamstring injuruy keeps Mia Hamm at home.

A hamstring injury suffered in the match against Ireland on Sept. 4 in Boston will keep Hamm out of Brazil game. She will stay home and rest.

Head Coach Tony DiCicco added 17-year-old Aleisha Cramer from Green Mountain High School, Lakewood, Colorado to the roster. Cramer's debut for the National Team was in 1998 when she played for the first 72 minutes against Ukraine in Los Angeles. She has represented the USA at the Under-16 and Under-18 levels and played for the Under-21s this summer in Iceland. Quote

"I'm very excited to get the chance to train again with the national team," said Cramer, who helped lead Green Mountain High School to back-to-back state titles in her sophomore and junior seasons. "Just the chance to play with these players is a tremendous opportunity. I watched all of the Women's World Cup games on TV and I was as big a fan as anyone else, so getting to play along side them is really a dream come true. Every time I get to play with these players I learn a lot."

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Michelle Akers To Receive Soccer Award At SICA Conference

U.S. National Team midfielder Michelle Akers has been selected to receive the Soccer Industry Council of America's highest honor - the Simon Sherman Leadership Award - at an October 15 testimonial dinner at the Canopy Palms Resort on Singer Island, Florida as part of SICA's Annual Leadership Conference.

The Simon Sherman Leadership Award is given annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to the development of soccer in the United States. Previous winners include Clay Berling, founder of Soccer America weekly, Alan Rothenberg, president of US Soccer and Chairman/CEO of
World Cup USA 1994, Lolly Keys, director of external affairs for the American Youth Soccer Organization , Andy Caruso, founder of Kwik Goal Ltd and Anson Dorrance, then head coach of the US Women's National Team.

The award is named after the late founder of the Kudos soccer shoe company, Simon Sherman, whose family has participated in the testimonial dinner every year since 1989. The dinner celebration is a highlight of SICA's Annual Leadership Conference, a gathering attracting representatives from soccer's leading suppliers, including adidas, Brine, Diadora, Kappa, NIKE, Puma, Reebok and Umbro.

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United States Olympic Committee awards U.S. National Team Coach Tony DiCicco and family an inaugaral USOC President's Coaching Award.

The United States Olympic Committee has awarded U.S. Women's National Team Head Coach Tony DiCicco and his family with an inaugural USOC President's Coaching Award. The award will be given annually to a person, persons or program that provides "behind the scenes support" which enables a coach to achieve major success during the preceding year.

DiCicco has had little else but major success since taking over the Women's National Team in 1994. He is 99-8-8 all-time and a victory over Brazil on Sept. 26 at Mile High Stadium in Denver will make him the first coach in U.S. Soccer history to win 100 games. On April 22, 1999, in Hershey, Pa., he coached in his 100th international game. DiCicco's winning percentage of 89% is the best ever, and against Japan in Kobe on May 17, 1998, he surpassed Anson Dorrance as the all-time win leader in the history of U.S. Soccer. He is also the first coach to win an Olympic gold medal and a Women's World Cup title.

But none of his success could have been achieved without the support of his family, wife Diane and four sons, Anthony (17), Andrew (14), Alex (12) and Nicholas (8). All will be honored at the USOC Coaching Recognition Banquet in Washington, D.C., on Sat., Sept. 18th at 7 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center.

"The demands that the national team inherently creates are large," said DiCicco. "There is a lot of time away from the home and a lot of travel, so unless you have the support of your family, which is not always easy, there is very little chance of being successful at your profession. I'm extremely proud that my family is being honored in this way because of their undying ability to adjust and provide a loving environment whenever I arrived back home. It helped me maintain the balance necessary to win at the highest international level."

"Our relationship is about commitment and respect for each other, but it's so much bigger than that," said Diane DiCicco. "These women on the team are awesome. Of course, there have been huge adjustments. Tony joined the women's program as an assistant in '91 when Nick as just born. But when someone is following their heart, it's really not a question. Tony and I have been lucky enough to stay connected and allow him to follow his dreams."

"There are many, many people who travel a lot or work lots of hours, but I also like to think we're pioneers of what's possible for families," added Diane DiCicco. "It is possible to have it all. I can see he has a God-given talent and that's what makes it easier for me. I can see coaching is such natural thing for him. I know it sounds corny, but this has been his destiny."

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U.S. National team to play Brazil in Denver on September 26th at Mile High Stadium

In a preview of the Nike U.S. Women's Cup in October the Brazilians will meet the U.S. National Team In Denver, Colorado on September 26, 1999.

The game will kick off a 5 p.m. ET (3 p.m. Local) and be broadcast live on ESPN. Tickets go on sale tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. MT and range from $15-$30. Tickets can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 303/830-8497, or for Group Sales information, please call the Colorado Rapids at 303/299-1599 or 1-800/844-7777.

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August 14, 1999
Toys "R" US sponsors U.S. National Soccer Team Victory Tour

Toys "R" US is sponsoring the Toys "R" US Victory Tour of 12 indoor games celebrating the U.S. National Team's recent world championship. The Toys "R" US Victory Tour is a series of 12 indoor soccer exhibitions featuring members of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team competing against a world team of international all stars. Players will include Mia Hamm, Carla Overbeck, Joy Fawcett, Julie Foudy, Brandi Chastain, Briana Scurry and Michelle Akers, among others. The Tour will be played in 12 cities giving fans an opportunity to see their favorite players compete.

"We are still amazed by all of the attention our team received and how the nation came together to celebrate our victory," said Brandi Chastain. "Now thanks to the support of Toys "R" Us, we can show our appreciation to the fans for their ongoing interest and encouragement."

At each of the games, Toys "R" US will honor one member of the U.S. Women's Soccer Team for her off-field accomplishments. In addition, one lucky fan will participate in the Toys "R" US Penalty Kick, an opportunity to score a penalty kick against a U.S. Women's Soccer Team player. Unique Toys "R" US Victory Tour merchandise will also be available at each venue as well as Toys "R" Us stores nationwide. The Tour will be produced by SFX Family Entertainment and SFX Sports Group. Tour schedule

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August 11, 1999
U.S. National Team Highlighted on Quaker Cereal Box to Promote Youth Soccer

The Quaker Oats Company (NYSE: OAT) and the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) announced the launch of U.S. Soccer Golden Goals - the first nationally distributed boxed cereal devoted exclusively to the sport of soccer. The new sweetened corn and oat cereal - shaped like mini soccer balls - will feature the U.S. National Team celebrating their World Cup championship on the box.

An ongoing percentage of sales will be donated to youth soccer through the U.S. Soccer Foundation.

"The Women's World Cup win generated tremendous enthusiasm for soccer and we're pleased that Quaker is making the unprecedented commitment to further its popularity," says Dr. S. Robert Contiguglia, president, USSF. "In launching U.S. Soccer Golden Goals, Quaker is encouraging kids to share in the fun and excitement of soccer, which helps teach good sportsmanship and teamwork skills."

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August 5, 1999
U.S. National Team Victory Tour to be sponsored by Toys"R' Us

Today in New York Toys'R" Us will announce their sponsorship of the first ever indoor soccer tournament to feature the U.S. National Team players competing against international all-star teams in 11 cities across the United States from October 22nd to December 15th.

Full details will be available here after the Press Conference with Carla Overbeck, Julie Foudy, Brandi Chastain and Saskia Webber.

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August 4, 1999
U.S. U-16 tie first game at "U.S. Soccer Festival '99" in Portland, Oregon U.S. Under-16 National Team 1 - USASA East 1

The U.S. Under-16 Women's National Team fought hard toward the end of the match and produced a barrage of shots to try to pull out a victory, but had to settle for a 1-1 draw to an experienced USASA East team.

After dominating much of the first half and outshooting their opponent 7-2, Team USA found itself down 1-0 with just a third of the match to play. The East scored in the 64th minute when a ball played from the midfield beat the U.S. offside trap. Forward Jessica Reifer raced in alone, drew goalkeeper Sarah Lombardo out, and slotted it home after some nifty dribbling.

The Americans were energized by the entrance of 4'11" substitute Kayla Lockaby in the 72ndminute. Lockaby scored the equalizer in the 86th minute when she knocked home a loose ball in the box after East 'keeper Jill Gelfenbien bobbled then dropped a cross on the doorstep of the goal. Lockaby, possibly the next Tiffany Milbrett with her flashes of speed and quick turns, had a chance to win the game a minute later but put it over the crossbar. The U.S. would register three dangerous shots in the last four minutes.

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