CHALUPNY NAMED U.S. CO-CAPTAIN

U.S. head coach Pia Sundhage has named defender Lori Chalupny as the team’s co-captain. Defender Kate Markgraf was the team’s co-captain, but is taking time off due to her pregnancy. The honor for Chalupny comes on the eve of what will be her 88th cap for the USA when the team opens the Algarve Cup against Denmark. Defender Christie Rampone is of course the U.S. captain, and will continue to wear the armband during matches, but if for some reason she was not the on the field, the band would go to Chalupny, who will also take on more leadership responsibilities on and off the field. One of the USA’s most consistent performers over the past five years, the “Ginger Princess” has been hailed as one of the best left backs in the world and has shown to be one of the USA’s most talented all-around players.

Chalupny on being named co-captain:
“It’s obviously a huge honor and when Pia came to me, I have to admit I was a bit surprised. I am embracing the role and will do whatever Pia asks of me. It hasn’t been that long since I broke into the national team and I feel I can help the young players along in their development. Leadership is something that is shared by all the players on this team, but I am going to do my best to help us keep having success and winning.”

U.S. head coach Pia Sundhage on selecting Chalupny as co-captain:
“In my eyes, Lori has improved her game a lot. She was fantastic in ’07 but even better in ’08. She leads by example like Christie Rampone. I want all the players on the field to always speak up and communicate, but as a captain, you don’t have to be loud. Christie and Lori are excellent players, but one of their greatest strengths is that they both lead by example. It’s also good to have someone who is younger than Christie Rampone. Lori is coming from the new generation and I am very interested to see how the new generation can help improve my coaching as well.”