Chastain off US Women's Soccer Team

Just as San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales and US Soccer team member Brandi Chastain announce that her Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative will be getting some pretty good support from the city, it is reported that Chastain will be cut from the team for being too old.

Amazing considering I remember Michelle Akers bringing great experience, skills and heart to the team in her forties, but hey, I'm not the coach.

The team's current coach, Greg Ryan, replaced April Heinrichs earlier this year.

In an MSNBC article, Ryan says, “What I’m looking for in future defenders are qualities that she doesn’t possess at this point in her career.”

In the SF Chronicle Chastain responds, "I'd like to be given a chance to be evaluated against the people who have been afforded the opportunity. If I don't stack up, then I don't, and at least I know. I've got a clear head about me."

Chastain’s last game was Dec. 6, 2004 against Mexico at Carson, Calif., the final stop in the 10-game farewell exhibition tour for Hamm, Foudy and Fawcett. Chastain was not invited to the camp for the Algarve Cup in Portugal in March, although it’s not unusual for veterans to miss that tournament. Her absence became notable when she wasn’t invited to this week’s camp, which precedes the team’s first domestic game this year.