Heinrichs Likes a Winner

The Olympics are right down the road, and April Heinrichs likes what she sees.

Her team is unbeaten in six soccer tournaments this year, and players from the 1999 World Cup squad are coming back from injury.

“Our best soccer is still in front of us,” said Heinrichs, coach of the U.S. women’s national team. “I’m just very pleased with this team. They’ve met every challenge. It’s amazing. This title just makes us very focused on the Olympics.”

The latest victory came Saturday, a 1-0 decision over Germany in which Julie Foudy scored just before she was knocked off her feet by a diving tackle.

Her left-footed goal in the 57th minute left the U.S. with a record of two wins and a tie in the DFB Jubilaum tournament, marking German soccer’s 100th anniversary.

The tournament featured four of the world’s best teams. Norway took second by defeating China, 1-0, on Saturday on a goal by Dagny Mellgren. The Chinese finished third and Germany was last.

Heinrichs considers Norway the biggest threat to the defending champion United States at the Sydney Games.

The Americans got back World Cup veteran Michelle Akers, who replaced Brandi Chastain in the 59th minute. This was her first game since being sidelined for a year because of a shoulder injury.

Less fortunate was defender Kate Sobrero, who was taken to the hospital amid fears of a possible concussion suffered in a collision.

Foudy scored after taking Tiffeny Milbrett’s cross in front of the goal. Her short shot fluttered past onrushing goalie Silke Rottenberg.