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February 14, 2010
DISAPPOINTED
Chastain upset over being cut
By Charles Cuttone
Executive Editor
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Former U.S. Women's National Team star Brandi Chastain is upset over being cut by Bay Area FC Gold Pride
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Despite being cut by Bay Area FC Gold Pride on Friday, former U.S. National Team defender Brandi Chastain feels she still could have contributed to the team this coming season.
“I am disappointed, emotional and upset about being released by the Gold Pride,” said Chastain in an e-mail. “I have loved and played the game with a passion, honesty, fierceness and enthusiasm that has spanned more than 35 years.”
Chastain, who became an American soccer icon after scoring the winning penalty kick in the 1999 Women’s World Cup final, then tearing off her shirt in celebration, saw limited action for the Women’s Professional Soccer team last season.
“The only thing I ever wanted was to put myself up against those who are being considered and judged accordingly as to who should and shouldn't be on the team,” she continued. “This is deja vu from the National Team back in 2004, and once again it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.”
Chastain, a native of the Bay Area who grew up watching the North American Soccer League’s San Jose Earthquakes, had a 12-year career in two separate stints with the U.S Women’s National Team, winning the world title in both 1991 and 1999. She had 192 caps, but was dropped from the team after they won the Gold Medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.
”I feel I deserve better,” said Chastain, who was taken with the 45th pick in the WPS’ draft of veteran players last year. “I feel I still have what it takes. I will miss the team and the atmosphere in the stadium, because there is nothing more special than sharing the hard work and reward with your peers and seeing and hearing the fans during a game well played.”
Chastain’s World Cup-winning penalty kick and the ensuing publicity that included the covers of Sports Illustrated, Time and Newsweek, made her a household name and a much sought-after endorser, working with Nike and Gatorade, among others. She also parlayed her fame into a career in broadcasting, doing work for Major League Soccer games on ESPN and on the Beijing Olympic soccer telecasts for NBC. She also runs her own foundation, the Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative.
An avid golfer, Chastain made the cut and is playing on Sunday in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am.
She played all three seasons in the Women’s United Soccer Association. “The WUSA didn't last as long as we hoped, so this is an uphill battle,” she said of the current league.
Last season, the first for the WPS, the 41-year-old Chastain was the oldest player in the league. She played in ten games, averaging 45 minutes of playing time.
Gold Pride finished out of the playoff hunt (4-10-6, in last place), and has been busily retooling it’s team, most notably acquiring four-time FIFA World Player of the Year Marta in the dispersal draft of the Los Angeles Sol.
“I just wish that they (the fans) were going to be able to see me play with the likes of Tiffeny (Milbrett), Christine (Sinclair), Marta, and Camille (Abily),” Chastain concluded.
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