[WPS] FC Gold Pride released former U.S. national team star Brandi Chastain. She was Women's Professional Soccer's oldest player at the age of 41.

Chastain played 10 games for the last-place Pride in 2009. It marked a comeback of sorts for Chastain, who had not played for the U.S. national team since 2004.

"Brandi has the heart and spirit of a champion," said Pride coach Albertin Montoya. "This was a tough decision, but one that was necessary for us to construct the roster for the coming season.  She is a great leader and we all wish her the best as she moves forward with her career."

Chastain collected 192 caps for the USA and is best remembered for her winning penalty kick that decided the shootout against China in the 1999 Women's World Cup final at the Rose Bowl.

In 1986, Chastain was awarded the Soccer America Freshmen Player Of The Year award at California and later transferred to Santa Clara. She played in the WUSA for the San Jose CyberRays.

She is an assistant coach under her husband Jerry Smith at Santa Clara and active with her foundation, Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative.