[U.S. WOMEN] Kate Markgraf, one of only seven women to represent the USA more than 200 times, has announced her retirement. She missed the 2009 WPS season after giving birth to twins but returned to play almost every minute for the Chicago Red Stars in 2010 and earn three more caps to finish with 201 international appearances.

She started for the USA at the 1999, 2003 and 2007 Women's World Cups and on the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Olympic teams.

Markgraf played her last game for the USA against Sweden on July 17 but was not selected to attend the recent training camp after which Coach Pia Sundhage selected 20 players to participate in 2011 Women's World Cup Concacaf qualifying that begins later this month in Cancun, Mexico.

Markgraf's retirement leaves only two players from the 1999 world championship team who are still active: Kristine Lilly and Christie Rampone.

U.S. WOMEN'S CAPS:
349 Kristine Lilly
275 Mia Hamm
271 Julie Foudy
239 Joy Fawcett
219 Christie Rampone
205 Tiffeny Milbrett
201 Kate Markgraf
192 Brandi Chastain
175 Shannon MacMillan
173 Briana Scurry