World Cup roster announced

Brandi Chastain, Briana Scurry and Mia Hamm, three stars of the 1999 championship team, were selected Tuesday to the U.S. squad for this year's Women's World Cup.\nCoach April Heinrichs also chose World Cup veterans Kristine Lilly, Julie Foudy and Joy Fawcett for the team that will begin defense of its title Sept. 21 in Washington.\nHeinrichs picked 12 players from the '99 squad that beat China in a penalty kick shootout to win the championship before a soldout Rose Bowl. Chastain put home the winning kick after Scurry made a critical save in the shootout.\nHamm is the leading career scorer in international soccer with 140 goals, while Lilly has the most international appearances (253). Hamm, Lilly, plus team captains Foudy and Fawcett will be appearing in their fourth World Cup.\nPlaying in their third World Cup will be Chastain, whose shirt-removal celebration of her winning goal four years ago ranks among the most memorable in sports; Tiffeny Milbrett and Tiffany Roberts. Other members of the 1999 squad chosen by Heinrichs were Shannon MacMillan, Cindy Parlow, Christie Pearce and Kate Sobrero.\nEight players will make their debuts in a World Cup: Shannon Boxx, Kylie Bivens, Angela Hucles, Siri Mullinix, Cat Reddick, Danielle Slaton, Aly Wagner and Abby Wambach.\n"The roster is a reflection of the veteran leadership, and heading into this Women's World Cup we will need the veterans to provide leadership and the foundation for our consistent performances," Heinrichs said. "I also think this roster reflects an injection of youthful energy and enthusiasm, as it includes a large contingent of young WUSA professionals."\nMacMillan, the United States' leading scorer in 2003, had knee surgery May 21 after tearing her anterior cruciate ligament while playing for the San Diego Spirit. She trained with the national team last week and looked good enough for Heinrichs to include on the team.\nThe 20 players have a combined 116 games of World Cup experience.\n"This is the best roster a U.S. women's national team has ever fielded in a world event," Heinrichs said. "We have experience, composure, athleticism, versatility and depth in every position"