[OLYMPICS] The most experienced member of the U.S. women's national team has announced she won't compete in the 2008 Olympic Games next summer should the USA succeed to qualify in April. Kristine Lilly, 36, who debuted in 1987 at age 16 and has scored 129 goals in 340 U.S. appearances, is due to give birth to her first child in July. "I'm not closing any doors as far as soccer," said Lilly.

Lilly, who has captained the USA for the last three years, added: "I hope to play in the new league and if one day I get the chance to play for [new U.S. head coach] Pia [Sundhage], that would be fantastic. But for now, I'm focusing on becoming a mom for the first time and everything that goes with that experience."

Lilly is married to David Heavey, a firefighter in Brookline, Mass.

Lilly, a Connecticut product, has represented the USA at all eight of its Women's World Cup and Olympics appearances. Her 340 caps are a world record and her 129 goals are second highest in women's international soccer history to Mia Hamm's 158.