Enquirer news services

ATHENS - The decisive move in the Olympic women's soccer tournament was soaring toward the head of Abby Wambach when the ball and a thought arrived at her noggin about the same time.

"I've trained all my life," she recalled thinking, "for a moment like this."

Tied with Brazil 1-1 in overtime of the gold-medal game, Wambach scored on a header from 10 yards out and ensured that the players who did so much for U.S. women's soccer would go out on top.

"This moment represents everything we've worked for all these years," said forward Mia Hamm, 32, one of the "91ers" who began together on the national team in 1991.

Hamm, Julie Foudy and Joy Fawcett will retire, leaving Kristine Lilly and Brandi Chastain as the last of the old guard. But Thursday, Wambach served notice that the new generation has arrived.

Indeed, the U.S. team was rescued by Wambach, some great saves from Briana Scurry and a 39th-minute goal from Lindsay Tarpley, whose 24-yard drive skirted two defenders and found the net.

"Tarp and I, it's the least we can do for the women who have meant so much to us," Wambach said.