Tiffeny Milbrett: Soccer Star

Tiffeny Milbrett’s only problem is that she’s not Mia Hamm. Ironic, as the two U.S. National soccer team stars happen to be fast friends on and off the pitch.

“I could have never become as good as I have without Mia,” the good-natured Milbrett said. “There would be no women’s World Cup, no U.S. woman’s soccer league without her. She’s meant everything to me in the way of opportunities and development.”

Still, the aggressive, fast-dribbling, mercurially dynamic Milbrett is clearly the New Wave in Women’s Soccer—it’s just that the game’s gray officialdom has decided to stay solidly in the past. Thus, due to Hamm’s long-standing almost-mythical reputation, Milbrett’s “Top Women’s Soccer Player in the World“ title remains unofficial.

This irks fans who’ve watched the 28 year old Milbrett simply destroy opponents in WUSA games this season to the tune of 16 goals and three assists. Milbrett, with her Midas scoring touch, has actually done an excellent impersonation of the great Hamm in her hey-day, which was a couple of years back in the mid-to-late 1990s.

Combining sizzling speed, great vision, and outstanding technical ability, Milbrett pretty much single-handedly carried the New York Power into the WUSA playoffs this season. She scored more goals than all the rest of her teammates put together — an unprecedented achievement at this, the game’s highest level. In the process, Milbrett has also become the fourth highest scorer in U. S. soccer history and only the ninth woman to ever make 100 appearances for the National Team.

“It was a good year,” said the unassuming Milbrett. “I’m very happy with what we’ve been able to do as a team. That other, ‘best player in the world’, stuff is not important. It’s something for the media to argue about.”

Still, insiders of the game couldn’t help but notice the injustice. “It’s a disgrace Milbrett was not selected FIFA Player of the Year,” a source close to the U.S. National Team said. “She was our engine this season, for sure. What more does she have to do? I was shocked at the foolishness of Hamm’s selection.”

The coach-able forward – “Tiff is the fastest learner on the team,” U.S. coach April Heinrichs said – remains serenely above the fray. “I play for my own satisfaction – the only recognition I crave is from my teammates,” said Milbrett. “But in a way I welcome the controversy. I’m glad people are talking about us. We are still a new professional sport in this country working our way toward a wider recognition. Women’s soccer can use all the publicity it
can get.” #

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