Newz Forum: OLYMPICS: Mullinix, Macmillan Off U.S. Soccer Team

CHICAGO (AP) - Forward Shannon MacMillan and goalkeeper Siri Mullinix were cut Wednesday as the U.S. women's soccer team reduced its roster to 20 in preparation for the Olympics.

MacMillan and Mullinix were both part of the American team that finished third last year at the Women's World Cup. Mullinix replaced Briana Scurry as the U.S. starter after the 2000 Olympics, but lost her job back to Scurry in 2003.

MacMillan tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee in May 2003 and returned in time for the tournament in September. Her spot in the starting lineup is likely to be taken by 19-year-old Heather O'Reilly.

The decision to cut Mullinix leaves Scurry and Kristin Luckenbill as the remaining goalkeepers.

Also released were goalkeeper Jenni Branam; defenders Kylie Bivens, Danielle Slaton and Amy LePeilbet; midfielders Lori Lindsey, Leslie Osborne and Lori Chalupny; and forward Christie Welsh. All the released players are eligible to be chosen among the four alternates, who will be announced next month.

Coach April Heinrichs planned to make her final cuts Thursday to reach the 18-woman limit.

Mia Hamm, who has 149 career international goals, headlines the roster for the Americans, who play Canada in an exhibition game Saturday at Nashville, Tenn.

The roster:

Goalkeepers: Kristin Luckenbill, Briana Scurry
Defenders: Brandi Chastain, Joy Fawcett, Kate Markgraf, Heather Mitts, Christie Rampone, Cat Reddick
Midfielders: Shannon Boxx, Lorrie Fair, Julie Foudy, Angela Hucles, Kristine Lilly, Tiffany Roberts, Lindsay Tarpley, Aly Wagner
Forwards: Mia Hamm, Heather O'Reilly, Cindy Parlow, Abby Wambach

[Edited on 30/6/04 by TRD]