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U.S. Ends 2000 Season in a Tie

© Michelle Parke

The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team ended its busy 2000 season with a 1-1 tie versus Japan. The team played more games this year than in any other year in the team's history. It was clear the fatigue and frustration had finally gotten to the 20-member squad. In addition, the game marked the retirement of captain Carla Overbeck from National Team play. She will play for the WUSA's Carolina Tempest but her days as the leader of the successful U.S. team are over.

Throughout the game, the U.S. laced its usual passion for attack, which is probably due to the fatigue caused by an exhausting schedule. Tiffeny Milbrett and Mia Hamm found it tough to build an attack up front because of sporadic support from the midfield, another sign of fatigue. Japan showed they had studied game film of the U.S. because they exposed a couple of weaknesses including long balls down the middle of the field and getting behind the defense.

The U.S. scored first on a cornerkick by Shannon MacMillan. Brandi Chastain, a usual target on corners, drove in a header to put the U.S. up by a goal. Japan answered on a deadball play outside of the penalty area. Forward Homare Sawa crept in behind midfielder Lorrie Fair and redirected the ball past goalkeeper Siri Mullinix. Sawa is Japan's all-time leading scorer and will play for the Atlanta Beat in April. Although the U.S. fought back hard at times showing their patented passion for attack, they could not find the back of the net. MacMillan and Kristine Lilly had some great scoring opportunities but were unlucky.

Despite the disappointing tie, the U.S. players can look forward to a well-deserved rest. Coach April Heinrichs plans to take some younger players along with a few veterans to China for some international experience prior to the WUSA's launch in April.

Carla Overbeck will be missed on the National Team but her legacy will live on. We can look forward to seeing her in the WUSA this spring.

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