By Scott Pitoniak
Gannett News Service

HERAKLIO, Greece - Heather Mitts thought running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, was nerve-wracking.

That was a stroll down the street compared to what she was feeling when she came off the bench last week to play in her first Olympic soccer game.

Cat Reddick, Heather Mitts and Briana Scurry listen to their national anthem prior a group G soccer match between USA and Australia. (AP photo)

"I swear my knees were knocking when April (Heinrichs) sent me in during the second half of the Brazil game," said Mitts, a native of Cincinnati and a former star at the University of Florida. "I had played in a lot of high-stakes games before, but nothing like that one."

The defender did just fine as the United States defeated Brazil 2-1. She played so well she earned her first Olympic start in the next game against Australia.

"I didn't think I played as well as I could, but I don't think I played terribly either," she said.

Mitts did not play in Friday night's 2-1 victory vs. Japan and might not play in today's semifinal match vs. Germany. She's fine with that. She understands it's important for veteran Joy Fawcett to be in the lineup.

"My goal was just to make the team," Mitts said. "I was able to start a lot this year, so that was a great learning experience. Coming into the Olympics, we expected Joy to come back. We needed her on the field because of her experience in big games."

Mitts has started 14 of 19 games this year for the U.S. team, and scored the only goal of the game in a victory over Canada on July 3.

"Believe me, I know my role as far as the Olympics are concerned," she said. "I want to win as much as the next person. If the time comes for me to get back in there, I'll be ready. And if it doesn't come, I'm going to be the best teammate I can possibly be."

Her parents and step-parents are here, along with several other family members. Mitts and her teammates have enjoyed their experiences on and off the field.

"It has been everything I expected it to be and more," she said. "I'm looking forward to going back to the athletes' village once we are done (on Thursday)," she said. "We were there briefly and that was cool, but it was before many of the athletes had arrived. We're going to take part in the Closing Ceremonies, and that's going to be fun because we missed out on the Opening Ceremonies."