Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Since filling the Rose Bowl and drawing millions of television viewers to watch it win the 1999 World Cup, the U.S. national team has only celebrated one major championship: the 2004 Olympics. For a program that helped pioneer the sport, a second-place finish in one event and semifinal losses in two others during an eight-year span, including last fall's 4-0 humiliation against Brazil, were hardly acceptable.

But under the guidance of Swedish coach Pia Sundhage, the Americans are reorganized, revitalized and, from all indications, recharged to return to the top of women's soccer. This year, they have ransacked most opponents in tournaments and friendlies to reclaim the No. 1 ranking in the world.

The true test, however, will come in China, where Germany, winner of the last two World Cups, is favored to win gold and Brazil looks to continue its ascent.

The U.S. team will have to compensate for the absence of injured veterans Abby Wambach, Leslie Osborne and Cat Whitehill and all-time appearance leader Kristine Lilly (who gave birth to her first child). But unlike last year, there will not be a goalkeeping controversy: Hope Solo is the undisputed starter and Briana Scurry is an alternate.

-- Steven Goff