From Deseret News archives:
Hamm leads U.S. with goal, assist
Americans shut out host Greece, 3-0, in Games opener
Mia Hamm set up a first-half goal with a stutter step that left a Greek defender sprawled on the turf and covering her head in shame.
By the time Hamm scored on a solo run in the second half, the U.S. women's soccer team's 3-0 embarrassment of their hosts was complete, compounded by a mostly empty stadium Wednesday on the first day of competition in the 2004 Olympic Games.
"You know Mia she does that to us in practice," teammate Shannon Boxx said of Hamm's faked-out opponent. "I know how she feels I would be nervous seeing Mia running down at me one on one."
The Americans completely dominated. Even though the Greeks took the first shot, it was also their last. The U.S. team went on to take 26 of their own, and Briana Scurry picked up her 70th career shutout.
Looking to re-establish its supremacy after disappointing finishes in the 2000 Olympics and 2003 World Cup, the Americans continue first-round play Saturday against Brazil in the only Olympic sport that begins play before Friday's opening ceremony.
Hamm's heroics began only moments into her final Olympic tournament. In the 14th minute, she put her stutter fake on Angeliki Lagoumtzi and took advantage of the clear alley to hit Boxx, who nailed a 12-yard shot to the left of goalkeeper.
Lagoumtzi, suitably humbled, pulled her shirt up to cover her face when she saw the ball go into the net.
But Lagoumtzi's embarrassment wasn't over. She also played a key role in the Americans' second goal thanks to her jewelry.
Lagoumtzi was ordered to the sideline by the referee because she was wearing a necklace. While she was taking it off, the Americans exploited the temporary man-advantage and moved quickly, with Kate Markgraf crossing to Abby Wambach for a 10-header over Giatrakis in the 30th minute.
Hamm added a goal of her own in the 82nd minute, outmaneuvering two defenders for a 16-yard shot that banked off the left post.
In between, Wambach continued her remarkable scoring run with her 15th goal in 16 games as the Americans overwhelmed a team that qualified for the tournament only because it represents the host nation.
Comments
- Ways to help others in need 7:49 p.m.
- Woman delivers grandchild 7:49 p.m.
- Cougars beat Utes, 26-23 7:10 p.m.
- Militia movement resurfaces in U.S. 6:36 p.m.
- U.S. wages war on AIDS in Vietnam 6:35 p.m.
- Radio traffic reports may be fading 6:33 p.m.
- Wildcats pounded by the Tribe 5:40 p.m.
- TSA gets Grinchy with snow globes 4:34 p.m.
- Luxury resort in depressed Rhode Is. 4:34 p.m.
- Jones' joy for life remembered 4:09 p.m.
- Cave to be sealed with body inside
- Predicting the unpredictable: BYU wins
- Vegas, Poinsettia bowls or bust
- Glover gives Utes last-second upset
- BYU football: 5 keys to victory
- Cougars turn back Wildcats'
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
- Running game key to BYU offense
- Woods, wife unavailable for interview
- Idaho woman dies after fall
- Cougars beat Utes, 26-23
161 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
136 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
134 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
115 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
114 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
113 - Letters: Trump card for believers
98 - Rivalry Week is highly profane
88 - Hall's legacy measured today
75 - Hate crimes against gays rose 11%
74
It's finally time for the game that everyone has been waiting for all...
Its finally here, the big game. No matter what the circumstances are, it...
who said we can talk when we BCS bust. You can talk when you win a national...
It gets even better on the hardwood. BYU over Utah home and away this year.
TSA is only there to give us a "FALSE" sense of security. Go watch them...
Thanks but no thanks. I am Christian and intend to remain. Thanks for the...
RE:Missed INT Cost Utah the Game | 7:51 p.m. Nov. 28, 2009 Let's get this...
my BYU Cougars or the Utes silenced for 364 days? Hard choice. For all...
Even with BYU's convincing victory over Utah, Bronco and the boys will still...
Thanks but no thanks. I am Christian and intend to remain. Thanks for the...
A lot of pretend cougar fans posting here. A genuine fan would not be...
Has anyone noticed that Max Hall disappears for the BIG game? Don't get me...

You can be the first to comment on this story.