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Brandi Chastain: U.S. women 'on their way to be their best' for London Olympics

It has been almost 13 years since Brandi Chastain delivered the memorable shootout goal against China that lifted the U.S. women's soccer team to its second World Cup title. She also was part of clubs that won two Olympic championships. She believes the current edition is in good position to defend its 2008 gold medal in the 2012 London Games.

"The U.S. women's national team has a great roster from top to bottom," Chastain said in a video interview with Sporting News. "They unfortunately took an injury to Ali Krieger (right knee) that will debilitate the back line a little bit, but they're trying to work it out."

The USWNT recently took a tough 1-0 loss to Japan in the Algarve Cup tournament in Portugal, then rebounded with a 4-0 victory over Sweden. Chastain calls the win a "good boost" toward the team's chances this August.

"It's a team that can go on to win a gold medal, that's for sure," Chastain said. "I know that (coach) Pia Sundhage believes that, the players believe that, but you have to be prepared at the right moments. They're on their way to be the best team they can become the summer."

While on their way to winning the 1999 World Cup on home soil, players such as Chastain, Mia Hamm and Michelle Akers became the faces of U.S. soccer, helping to draw many new fans. A new wave of stars is hoping to run with that mantle a year after losing to Japan in the World Cup final.

"America loves events, and that's why Olympics and World Cups are so popular," Chastain said. "But the real important time is when we're not in those moments—will women's soccer be able to survive and then thrive outside of a World Cup or Olympic games?

"Having names like Alex Morgan, Abby Wambach, Hope Solo and Shannon Boxx—when they become more of household names outside of those big-event years—it will show that we're going in the right direction."

Chastain joined SN from New York City, where she was coaching aspiring young soccer players as part of Electrolux's Kicking & Cleaning campaign. In addition to promoting how parents can better juggle their time with better washing machines, she also offered a key piece of advice on how to keep their daughters and sons healthier on the field.

"That's a big topic right now, isn't it?" Chastain said. "We're talking about anything from concussions to lower-leg injuries. The most important thing for kids and parents alike is to be prepared."

"You don't send kids into the SATs without studying math, writing and reading—it's the same for athletics. Getting to know their body, getting stronger outside of soccer is really important."

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