Beijing Without Kristine Lilly

There will be a familiar face missing when the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team takes to the field at the Beijing Olympics. Kristine Lilly is not a part of this Olympic team. She is starting a family and is not on the present roster.

Kristine Lilly will be missed. She was a team leader and had years of experience. She was the team anchor, especially when a match was close. She was the captain of the team and a link back to the glory days, when the U.S. women’s teams dominated.

Her steady influence would have helped the younger members of the team. It is a huge transition. For some on this Olympic team, it will be the first time playing on one of soccer’s biggest stages. From this team in Beijing, new leaders will emerge. At the 2007 World Cup, the U.S. Women’s Team suffered an emotional 4 - 0 defeat to the team from Brazil. For this team in Beijing, it is not only a matter of athletic skill. It is a matter of will.

Catherine Forsythe