When A Soccer Team

WHEN A SOCCER TEAM plays as one, it truly becomes a beautiful game. In a 1999 warm-up game for the Women’s World Cup, the togetherness of the United States National Team elevated Mia Hamm to new soccer heights.

More than 10,000 fans flocked to Orlando’s Citrus Bowl to witness the United States take on Brazil. In the United States’ previous exhibition contest against Holland at Chicago’s Soldier Field, Hamm tied the international scoring record of 107 goals held by Italy’s Elisabetta Vignotto.

As a scoreless first half reached the final seconds, Michelle Akers of the U.S. team lofted the ball to Hamm about 40 yards from Brazil’s goal. Hamm nodded the ball to Kristine Lilly, who popped a pass to Cindy Parlow at the top of the penalty box. Parlow shielded her defender away and fed the ball back to Hamm, who cut toward the goal. The former North Carolina All-American evaded her defender and drove the ball through the legs of Brazilian goalkeeper Didi from ten yards away. The United States bench emptied onto the field to congratulate Hamm, who was playing in her 172nd international match.

The Americans maintained their pressure on the Brazilians in the second half. In the 72nd minute, Lilly knocked the ball off her knee and into the net for her 72nd international goal, the sixth highest of all time. The United States scored again with less than three minutes remaining and claimed a 3–0 victory.

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POINT The U.S. National Soccer Team stood united by country and uniform. They also showed chemistry in practice and during games. Each player’s ability to know where her teammates would be on the field greatly improved the team’s effectiveness.

Great teammates keep sports fun and make success possible. In life, we need other people to enjoy shared moments and reach common goals. Paul knew that. He encouraged the Christians in Philippi to work together.

GOAL! Write down some qualities of a good teammate.