Akers Says This Is Her Last Year With U.S. Soccer Team

Michelle Akers, perhaps the most influential female player in U.S. soccer history, said Thursday that this will be her last year with the women’s national team.

“This is definitely my last year,” said Akers, second to Mia Hamm in career goals. “I’ve been ready to retire since 1996. This past year [during which the U.S. won the Women’s World Cup] was the most difficult and amazing year. This year, I expect the same thing.”

Akers joined the national team in 1985 and since 1993 has battled chronic fatigue syndrome, an illness that lowers her energy level.

The U.S. national team, minus Akers and other boycotting veterans, faces the Czech Republic today in the opener of the Australia Cup in Melbourne.