Today, Kristine Lilly, aged 39, has announced her retirement from professional soccer. It's sad to see such an influential and passionate player leave the game, but she decided that it was the right time to go. Kristine Lilly who had an outstanding career, leaves behind quite the legacy. She's done so much for the sport, and was often times overlooked, living in the shadows so to speak of her fellow teammates Michelle Akers and Mia Hamm. Lilly's accomplishments speak for themselves; she has 130 goals (second all time in Women's soccer history) and also has 352 Caps to her name (World Record of appearances for a national team, for either men or women), which earned her the nickname"The Queen of Caps." Kristine Lilly was a great inspiration to many players; she always gave it her all on the field and was what you would call a "workhorse" up until the very end of her career. Lilly's last goal came in the USWNT's match against Germany on May 22nd, 2010. But, little did I know it'd be the last time we'd see her net one. I was taken by surprise upon hearing the news, since I thought Lilly, the famed number 13, would be sticking around for her swan song in the Germany 2011 Women's World Cup, which would be her 6th appearance in the competition. It seems like a lot of players have decided to retire in recent years. Take Markgraf last year, Hucles too, now Lilly. I wish them all the best. That leaves us now with 2 remaining 99ers: Milbrett and Rampone.
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