U.S. SOCCER: Heinrichs names NIKE U.S. Cup roster

U.S. head coach April Heinrichs has named 14 veterans of the 1999 Women’s World Cup championship team to her roster for the NIKE U.S. Women’s Cup 2000 tournament to be held on May 5 and 7 at Civic Stadium in Portland, Oregon. Leading the way is midfielder Kristine Lilly, who is just two games away from becoming the first player in the history of soccer to appear in 200 international matches. Goalkeeper Briana Scurry could also earn her 100th cap. Former University of Portland stars Tiffeny Milbrett and Shannon MacMillan will once again return to the city where they gained national prominence on their way to stellar careers with the national team. Heinrichs also selected a budding star in goalkeeper Hope Solo, the starting net-minder for the University of Washington and a product of Richland, Wash., who will be looking for just her second cap. The USA arrived in Portland today. Forward Mia Hamm will also lead the U.S. charge to win the NIKE U.S. Women’s Cup for the seventh consecutive time. The last time Hamm was in Portland for a match, when the USA swept games from Australia and Canada just prior to the Women’s World Cup, NIKE dedicated the largest building at its World Headquarters in Beaverton, Ore., to the world’s all-time leading scorer, currently at 117 career goals. Tickets are available by calling Ticket Master at 503/224-4400, or for group prices, call the NIKE U.S. Women’s Cup hotline at 503/972-6799. Akers wins Henry P. Iba Citizen-Athlete Award U.S. star Michelle Akers was named a recipient of the 2000 Henry P. Iba Citizen-Athlete Award. The award recognizes athletes who have excelled in their sport and have shown by their actions a desire to help others. Akers founded Soccer Outreach International in 1998 with the intent of inspiring and motivating children to reach their full potential. She also is an advocate for the Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Association of America. The Iba Award is given annually to a male and female athlete who best exemplify citizenship in the image of Iba, former Oklahoma State and U.S. Olympic basketball coach. Akers will be honored June 19 in Tulsa, Okla. NIKE U.S. Women’s Cup 2000 Schedule