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Farewell Game for Mia, Julie and Joy

November 20, 2004 - The U.S. Women?s National Team will play its final game of the ?Fan Celebration Tour? on Wednesday, December 8 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA. The match-up against CONCACAF rival Mexico not only concludes the 10-game Olympic victory tour, but also marks the end of the legendary international careers of Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy, and Joy Fawcett. A pioneer for women?s soccer, Mia Hamm leaves the game with her named etched all over soccer?s record books. Selected in five consecutive years as US Soccer?s Female Athlete of the Year and twice as FIFA World Player of the Year, Hamm joined the U.S. Women?s National Team in 1987 at the age of 15. In her 17-year career with the National Team, Hamm has tallied 158 career goals in 274 international matches, giving her the title of all-time leading scorer and the second most-capped player in soccer history, men or women. She has represented the United States in all four Women?s World Cups, helping the U.S. to win in 1991 and 1999. She has played in three Olympic soccer tournaments, winning gold medals in 1996 and 2004. As a member of the Washington Freedom, Hamm earned WUSA All-Star honors in each season and led the Freedom to consecutive WUSA Founder?s Cups in 2002 (runner-up) and 2003 (champion). Julie Foudy speaks at a Title IX press conference on February 26, 2002. Perhaps no other player has been at the forefront of women?s soccer like Julie Foudy. A vocal figure on the field and champion of women?s opportunities off of the field, Foudy leaves behind a legacy of unmatched leadership and activism. She ranks third, behind only teammates Lilly and Hamm, in all-time caps. In an illustrious career that spans 16 years, Foudy has started 258 of the 270 games in which she has appeared. She has started in all seven of the world championship events played by the U.S. women and scored in all four Women?s World Cup tournaments. A life-long proponent of equality, Foudy earned the FIFA Fair Play Award in 1997 for her efforts to raise awareness of child labor practices. She served as President of the Women?s Sports Foundation from 2000-2002. Foudy also served on the Secretary of Education's Commission on Opportunity in Athletics and was named to the Presidential Commission on Title IX in 2002. She was a driving force in the creation of the WUSA in 2001, and is currently active with the WUSA Reorganization Committee to help with the revival of the League. Joy Fawcett San Diego Spirit action shot. Joy Fawcett has been a steadying force on the U.S. Women?s National Team since her debut in August of 1987. Remarkably, she is the only player to play every minute of the 1995, 1999 and 2003 Women?s World Cups and the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympics. Dubbed the ?ultimate soccer mom?, Fawcett has amazed her fans, coaches, and teammates with her consistency and commitment to the game, all the while raising a family of three daughters. Fawcett played for the San Diego Spirit, and was named the 2003 WUSA Defender of the Year. Due to injury, Fawcett will not play in the final Fan Celebration Tour match, but she is set to appear at the match so that fans can bid farewell to arguably the greatest defender in women?s soccer history. Familiar Faces: Former Boston Breakers? defender Monica Gonzalez and Atlanta Beat forward Maribel Dominguez will represent the Mexican National Team on December 8. Home Sweet Home Depot Center: Julie Foudy and Joy Fawcett, having both grown up in Orange County, an hour south of the Home Depot Center, will be playing their final international game in front of many hometown fans. 29 and Counting: U.S. Forward Abby Wambach, who has recorded 29 goals in 2004, will have a chance to reach the 30-goal mark ? a feat accomplished only once before. Michelle Akers scored a staggering 39 goals for the U.S. in 1991. WNT vs. Mexico Ticket information: Tickets prices range from $17 to $42 are currently on sale to the public. Tickets are also on sale by phone: 213-480-3232 in L.A. 714-740-2000 in Orange County 619-220-8497 in San Diego At all Ticketmaster ticket centers throughout Southern California (including Robinson?s-May, Wherehouse Music and Tower Records) And at The Home Depot Center ticket office (open Monday-Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT) More game information can be found on the USSF?s website or click here.