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Michelle Akers

  (5:05 PM)

HEY GUYS! I am here!! sorry I am late. had to feed my horses before the chat! I am ready to rock! How bout that USA Team?? WOO HOOO!!!

lynchburg

what is it like being in the world cup

Michelle Akers

  (5:08 PM)

the WC is very special because the teams/athletes train for 4 years for the competition and play against the best of the best on the planet. there is no room for mistakes and only the very best (ie most talented, most committed, most fit, most gutsy, you get the idea) win. in my opinion it is awesome because each player/team is put on the line and it is do or die. it is a great way to learn about yourself and what kind of player you are at the highest level.

Andrea, Ohio

How do you think Mia Hamm is doing?

Michelle Akers

  (5:10 PM)

it is early in the WC (one game in), but so far mia has played great. she dished (assists), got some good scoring chances, played tough, and provided good leadership to the youngsters (abby especially). this is her last WC (she said this earlier) so I am guessing she will play her guts out, play for no regrets, and have the best time possible on the field with her friends and teammates.

Saratoga Springs

I keep reading that the US Women's team is too old to win the world cup this time! Do you agree with that? Do they still have the speed to beat Norway and China?

Michelle Akers

  (5:14 PM)

yeah, I have heard that too... for this WC and also in 99 and 95. frankly, whoever said that doesn't know much about the US veterans. I have played with those guys for over 10 years and believe me, they are better than ever. my only concern with the vets is they got thrashed over a long WUSA season, etc and might not have the gas to power them past china, norway, etc when the going gets tough. hopefully they have been taking their geritol and will win despite their age. ha.

Lauren, Atlanta

What do you miss most about not playing in the World Cup?

Michelle Akers

  (5:18 PM)

I miss being out on the field kicking *** with my team. it is great fun to train for 4 years (together and against eachother) and then play against the best of the best around the world.... I guess I miss the battle. it is awesome to come off the field spent, tired, beat up, and knowing you gave everything and made a difference in the outcome of the game. however in saying all that, I am quite happy to sit on teh couch with my dogs at my feet, new husband at my side, eating pizza and watching teh WC on the big screen tv!!!

el dorado hills,ca

how do you feel about the wusa shutting down?

Michelle Akers

  (5:20 PM)

IT STINKS!!!! it is disappointing to have things shut down. we need this league to develop our players and to see the potential of what the league can accomplish (years down the road) makes it all the more important to get it back running again.

Mary (Albany, NY)

Hey Michelle! I'm a huge fan. You are a hero and a legend, thanks for all the great moments! One question, what do you think of this kid Abby Wambach. She sure is fun to watch and seems to brim with potential. What's your take? Thanks!

Michelle Akers

  (5:23 PM)

yeah, I like abby too. she is dynamic, takes risks, makes things happen. once she learns the small nuances of the game and gains a bit more experience she will be scoring lots and lots of goals. look out world!!

el dorado hills, ca

how do you think the usa will do while brandi is out with her foot injury?

Michelle Akers

  (5:26 PM)

BIG BUMMER brandi got injured. I know she must be very disappoionted, but I also know she is a huuuuuuge team player and will be doing everything possible to encourage, support, etc her teammates on the field while she is out. as for how it will impact the US on teh field, it is definitely a great thing to have her out there (she was winning a lot of airballs in the back, making big tackles, sent some great passes through, adn is a scoring threat too), but the US is very deep in the back and whoever comes in to replace her tomorrow night will do great as well.

Erica, Raleigh NC

How do you think the US team four years ago compares to the US team now?

Michelle Akers

  (5:28 PM)

yeah, this is an often asked question. the answer in my opinion is that this team is great and has the ability to win another WC, but to compare rosters is a little too early in the game. wait till the WC is over and then see how this team handled its challenges, etc vs teh 99 team. however, with all that said, I am partial to the 99 team :)

Kate, Burlington, VT

Do you have any interest in coaching ? What was your greatest memory as a player?

Michelle Akers

  (5:31 PM)

I like to work with kids on the soccer field, but I do not have a burning desire to coach full time. currently, I do a couple summer camps (in seattle and orlando), put on a couple clinics, and make appearances with various club teams to inspire and talk with the kids. I also am a volunteer asst at university of central florida and help out with them a couple times a week. my best memory on the field? too many to count.

Arnold

I hope your ok from your illness

Michelle Akers

  (5:33 PM)

thanks! I am doing pretty good since I retired. less travel and less people kicking me and beating me up on teh soccer field, definitely makes a difference for me healthwise. I can still be a lot better and will continue to strive toward a 100% comeback, but I am also grateful for more good days than bad vs last year.

Rachael, Charleston SC

Who was your favorite player on the National team to room with?

Michelle Akers

  (5:35 PM)

ha. this is a good question. one of my faves was sobrero because we were such goofballs (airheads) and that added to having a lot of laughs together over the stupid stuff we would inevitably do. also, millbrett is a fave. we are starbucks freaks and also have a similar sense of humor on things so laugh a lot too.

Rich, NY, NY

One possibility with Brandi's injury is that she was injured previously, and wanted to play so badly that she hid it from the coach/doctor. Have you ever hid an injury so you could play?

Michelle Akers

  (5:37 PM)

well, I don't know if brandi was injured prior to the game or not..... but I can tell you for sure, that I definitely hid injuries from my coaches and docs in order to play. not a good strategy most of the time, but I am pretty stubborn and not always the sharpest tool in the box.

Andrea Charlotte, NC

If not to personal... what exactly was your illness?

Michelle Akers

  (5:38 PM)

oops. thought you guys knew that one. I have CFIDS (chronic immune dysfunction syndrome) or the remnants of the illness at present. I was diagnosed in 94 (after being sick for 3 years) and am still trying to get back to 100% health.

Arnold MD

Im a total fan

Michelle Akers

  (5:39 PM)

THANKS DUDE. appreciate it.

Caitlin, (Kennet Square, PA)

How does it feel that you have accomplished what you wanted to in life? I mean a ton of people know who you are. Your dream has come true.

Michelle Akers

  (5:43 PM)

thanks, yeah, it is definitely a very COOL thing to dream of something your whole life and then achieve it. I realize not a lot of people get to do that.... however, I also worked my BUTT off to do it and was GRACED by the goodness of God to give me the opportunity. I also have to add this is not the ONLY thing I have dreamed of my whole life. I have dreamed of being a cowgirl (which I am working on), rodeo star (which I am working toward), being married to an awesome guy (which I just did on aug 2nd) and also having kids one day, climbing mt rainer (in seattle), making it through a slolem course, and lots of other things.

Shelley, Florida

Was there any special way you would get prepared for a World Cup game?

Michelle Akers

  (5:45 PM)

yes, I would train, train, train, train, and then I would practice, practice, and practice, and then I would run fitness, and run some more, and then I would do it all again. day in and day out. and so would the rest of my teammates.

Michelle Akers

  (5:45 PM)

for years and years.

ca

how do you think the rookies will handle the pressures of the wc? what do you think of the aspiring rookie aly wagner?

Michelle Akers

  (5:51 PM)

it is hard to say how the rookies will perform in this WC. it is their first WC, the competition is the toughest they've every played against, there is a lot on the line. a lot of pressure for a young player. however, they also some pretty awesome and very experienced players around them who will help them be their best. my guess is they will do fine. they will reveal their youth at various times, but for the most part, they will play their game and play out their role and responsibiltiy on the field. what we will see though, is a huuuuuuuuuge improvement in their play and personality from this WC to the next. they will have a ton more confidence and experience and will show more of what the vets have right now. pure dominance and an expectation to win and be the best.as for aly, she is doing great. a good play maker especially in the attacking third. something the US needs. however, once she becomes determined in defense (tracking, sticking players, winning headballs) she will be even more valuable to the US.

Autumn (arnold,MD)

I read your book and did a report in school.

Michelle Akers

  (5:52 PM)

WOO HOO! thanks. hope you got an A :)

Arnold

what are you up to?

Michelle Akers

  (5:54 PM)

yeah, lots of people have been asking me that. mostly, I have been working with my horses (I have 3), playing with my dogs (I have 2 aussie shepards), playing tennis against my husband (he is better than me, but not for long), going fishing (redfish mostly), playing a little soccer.... and I also got married this summer and now have 3 wicked stepkids ha ha ha.

Emily

is your husband super hot?!? :)

Michelle Akers

  (5:55 PM)

ha ha haha haaaaaaaaaaa yeah he is a total HOTTIE

Kate (bayonne, nj)

Hey Michelle. What is your biggest pet peeve? P.S Congrats on your engagement

Michelle Akers

  (5:57 PM)

my biggest pet peeve on the soccer field? it is people who don't work hard. that drives me crazy. especially when someone makes a bad pass or loses the ball and then doesn't chase back to play defense. better not do that on my team. I go ballistic.

Emily

how old are your stepkids?

Michelle Akers

  (6:03 PM)

they range in ages from 8 to 13. they are great klds.

Meagan

Did you have a special meal you ate before big games?

Michelle Akers

  (6:04 PM)

yeah. mostly I ate PBJ sandwiches, with chips and something for dessert. I also snacked a lot in the locker room prior to the game (clif bars, yum) and at half time (popcorn or more clif bars). post game I almost always had a big burger and fries.

Bryan

Think you will ever return to professional soccer?

Michelle Akers

  (6:06 PM)

nope. I am done. there will be no :jordan" comebacks for me. my body is too bear up and I don't have the time or energy to do all the PT rquired, on top of all the fitness, travel, etc to play at that level. the only soccer games you will see me in will be the for fun coed games or scrimmages with kids.

Autumn (arnold,MD)

i love your determanation how do you keep it up

Michelle Akers

  (6:09 PM)

thanks. I think most of it is inborn stubborness to never quit. the other part is my desire to be my best at all times and to play with no regrets. I learned a long time ago that I can usually keep going long past my initial thought to stop.... and soon the only reason to stop or quit was if the coach pulled me, I lost a limb :) or if I was unconcious. probably not the smartest way to play, but it was the only way I could play.

Michelle Akers

  (6:10 PM)

ok, guys. I gotta run. my husband is home with dinner and the norway/brasil game is on the tube. thanks for coming by to chat with me. maybe I will come back again before the WC is over. be good and yell loud for the US. see ya!