You might remember that after the United States won the Women’s World Cup in 1999 (the Brandi Chastain sports bra game) there was a sudden surge of interest in women’s soccer.

Carli Lloyd #10 of the United States reacts in the first half after scoring a goal against Japan in the FIFA Women's World Cup (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Carli Lloyd #10 of the United States reacts in the first half after scoring a goal against Japan in the FIFA Women's World Cup (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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I remember buying a Mia Hamm jersey for my then 7-year old daughter and later taking her to see Hamm play in the short-lived Women’s United Soccer Association. Women’s pro soccer clearly has had its share of ups-and-downs but the sport is about to get another boost following Sunday night’s U.S. 5-2 rout of Japan in the World Cup final in Vancouver, British Columbia.

With apologies to those futbol purists the game can still be very dull at times but the first 16 minutes last night was anything but. The Americans scored four goals in that time span, three by Rutgers alum Carli Lloyd which included a jaw-dropping goal from midfield which competed a “hat trick” for the Delran native who will celebrate her 33rd birthday in just ten days.

Lloyd’s performance generated some interesting messages on Twitter including one which suggested we pay attention in about 9 months because there may be a lot of babies born named Carli or even Lloyd. I also liked the one that said “Final score, New Jersey 4 Japan 2” because the final goal of the game was scored by Basking Ridge native Tobin Heath, one of four New Jerseyans on the team along with Lloyd, Heather O’Reilly and of course Christie Rampone, who is arguably the greatest athlete the shore has ever produced.

Christie Rampone #3 of the United States celebrates with daughter's Rylie and Reece after the USA's 5-2 victory against Japan in the FIFA Women's World Cup
Christie Rampone #3 of the United States celebrates with daughter's Rylie and Reece after the USA's 5-2 victory against Japan in the FIFA Women's World Cup (Rich Lam/Getty Images)
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While only playing a few minutes in this year’s tournament there is little question on the impact the 40-year old mother of two had on Team USA. Rampone was the team captain, a steadying influence and leader who played in five World Cups and has now been part of two winning efforts. She is also a 3-time Olympic gold medalist.

An incredible athlete at Point Pleasant Borough High School (when she was Christie Pearce), she earned all-state honors in soccer, field hockey and basketball where she scored nearly 2,200 points. At Monmouth University Rampone also played multiple sports before concentrating on soccer where she was a two-time Northeast Conference Player of the Year. It was late in her Monmouth career she began training with the US National team and the rest as they say is history.

Next up for Rampone and Team USA will certainly be a visit to the White House but for now we can all savor it what was a great ending to our nation’s birthday celebration.

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