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Briana Scurry Officially Announces Retirement

September 9, 2010 - Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
magicJack News Release


Boyds, MD...Washington Freedom and former U.S. National Women's Soccer goalkeeper Briana Scurry officially announced her retirement today on a media conference call. The Olympic Gold Medalist and Women's World Cup Champion said it was the right time to end her playing career.

"I am here today with a heavy heart but one that is very grateful because I am here to say thank you and farewell to an incredible sport that has not only given me incredible friends and memories, but has given me so much success, so much joy and I appreciate every minute I ever played" said an emotional Briana Scurry.

"So it is with that, that I announce my official retirement not only from the International game with U.S. soccer but also with Washington Freedom," continued Scurry. "It has been an incredible honor for me to have been such a part of not only women's soccer but the rise of women's athletics in this country and to have played with not only amazing athletes but amazing people like Abby Wambach, Michelle Akers, Carla Overbeck, Christie Rampone and Cat Whitehill."

Scurry is one of the most celebrated soccer players in U.S. women's soccer history. She was the starting goalkeeper for the United States National Soccer Team from 1994 to 2000 and again from 2003 to 2004. She is the most capped goalkeeper in the history of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, and is also one of few female goalkeepers in the world to surpass 100 appearances. Scurry helped the Women's National Team win the gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games, played every minute of all the games during the 1999 World Cup, while helping the U.S. Women's National Team become the Women's World Cup champions.

In 2003, she led the U.S. Women's National Soccer team to a third place finish at the Women's World Cup. During the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Scurry played a major role in the team's gold medal victory. In 2009, Scurry was selected in the inaugural Women's Professional Soccer draft by Washington Freedom and was the starting goalkeeper in the first-ever WPS game against the Los Angeles Sol.

"I'm sure many of you know that I had a concussion this past April and unfortunately it has been somewhat lingering. However, I would like to make it very clear to everyone that is not why I am retiring. I have been thinking about this for over a year. I feel I had an incredibly successful career and now it is time."

Joining Briana Scurry on the media conference call was Mark Washo, President and General Manager for Washington Freedom, and Jim Gabarra the Washington Freedom Head Coach, in addition to Michelle Akers, who was Scurry's National Team teammate.

Washington Freedom will honor Scurry following the team's final regular season home game this Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Maryland SoccerPlex, a crucial match for Freedom who are still battling for the final WPS playoff position. The postgame presentation in front of the fans, who have gotten to know Scurry over the last two seasons, will acknowledge her contributions to Freedom, the U.S. Women's National team, and soccer as a whole.

To listen to the audio from today's conference call please go to: www.swansonpr.com/images/uploads/BrianaScurryAnnouncementMP3.zip. The complete media conference call was also streamed live online, and will be available for viewing at www.WashingtonFreedom.com.

Quotes From Former Teammates & Coaches On Briana Scurry's Announcement:

"You have had this amazing career. And now you have been injured the last couple of years, and now you're saying ok it's time to say goodbye to that part, the soccer player part, and what's ahead...I just want to say you're a stud Bri. You've had an incredible career and it's been an honor to play with you."

- Michelle Akers, Former U.S. women's national soccer teammate

"I want to congratulate Bri on a spectacular career...I think we have gone through a couple of tough years with injuries, but I think this is your greatest achievement, the last two years...because as an athlete when you can't play, how do you find a way to contribute? And it really shows what type of person you are and what type of leader you are, and I don't think anyone will really know how much you have contributed to this team."

- Jim Gabarra, Washington Freedom Head Coach

"I would like to share on a professional note how much I have enjoyed getting to work with you and know you. You have been an incredible athlete...A lot of people remember the Brandi Chastain moment but what people forgot is that she (Scurry) stopped the third shot, just an incredible inspiration that lifted the team and helped them go on and win (in the 1999 World Cup)."

- Mark Washo, President and General Manager, Washington Freedom

"Briana Scurry was a fierce competitor that demanded the very best of the players in front of her. I had the pleasure of being one of those defenders and teammates. She made us better by instilling tremendous focus and making us want to succeed. Bri intimidated the competition with her game face and lit up the stadium with her smile. When the game was on the line, Briana consistently made the big time save. That's what separated her from the rest and allowed the USWNT to win a World Cup and Gold Medals. The game of soccer was blessed to have her and will never forget her. I will miss you Bri Bri, my teammate, my friend, my mentor."

- Christie Rampone, U.S. Women's National soccer team captain

"Bri Scurry was, during her time with the USA National Team, the best goalkeeper in the world. She was an awesome blend of athletic excellence and strong, strong mental skills. Briana set the standard as the role model for the next generations of USA goalkeepers wearing the #1 jersey and winning World Cup Championships and Olympic Gold Medals. I felt privileged to have coached her on the field and also, the chance to know her off the field....as she was quality in both arenas."

- Tony DiCicco, Former U.S Women's National soccer team coach (1994-1999)

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