Talk about a welcomed gift! The U.S. Women's National Team will get another shot at glory when it defends its World Cup championship in front of American audiences this fall.

Due to the SARS epidemic, FIFA moved the World Cup from China to America. (FIFA is the International Soccer Federation.) While a schedule won't be released until July, matches are expected to follow the original dates of September 23 through October 11.

Team USA fans hope their series of games will take a similar route as in 1999. Then, the string of victorious games began on the East Coast and ended on the West Coast. Possible venues for the championship games are the Rose Bowl or the new Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

The Americans' '99 title march included several memorable matches in front of capacity crowds. The triumph came in front of a Rose Bowl audience of 90,185—the most spectators ever at a women's sporting event. Fans watched Brandi Chastain secure the second world championship for the U.S. with a dramatic penalty kick.

"When you see that World Cup trophy, you get excited," Chastain told Soccer Jr. "Duplicating the enthusiasm that we felt [in '99] would be great."

Coach April Heinrichs has seven regulars who are aged 30 or older. A championship-caliber team returns with a revitalized Mia Hamm, a determined Tiffeny Milbrett, and the tireless Kristine Lilly. A sharp Brianna Scurry has reclaimed the goalkeeping spot, and Aly Wagner, a recent Santa Clara grad, provides needed fresh blood as playmaker along with 18-year-old Heather O'Reilly.

Duplicating 1999's success will be tough. Several talented challengers have championship visions as well, including archrival Norway, China, Germany, and Brazil.

The '99 Cup helped spawn the Women's United Soccer Association. Ironically, the 2003 tournament could give the struggling 3-year-old league a much-needed shot in the arm, as it tries to stay alive.

"Things have changed, and U.S. soccer has made a huge commitment to women's soccer," said Mia Hamm. "We're forever grateful for that."

Teachers and parents:
Click here for a free trial issue of Soccer Jr.