Wambach ready to sit out next soccer contest

By Gannett News Service

ATHENS, Greece -- Sitting out Tuesday's Olympic soccer match in Thessaloniki against Australia because of consecutive yellow card infractions is sure to drive Abby Wambach bonkers. But she's happy that it happened now rather than later.

"It's better that it's Australia and not a medal-round game,'' she said. "It would have been terrible if it had happened then. I don't know if I could have handled that.''

Wambach is coming off a 2-0 victory against Brazil on Saturday where she scored a goal and set up another one on a penalty kick by Mia Hamm.

"That was bittersweet,'' said the physical, 5-foot-11 forward who will watch the game in street clothes from the bench.

Under soccer rules, Wambach will be forced to sit Tuesday night because she picked up her second yellow card in as many matches against Brazil.

U.S. coach April Heinrichs said she hasn't decided who will start in Wambach's place. The candidates include Cindy Parlow, who has scored 62 goals in 128 international matches; Heather O'Reilly, a 19-year-old who is the youngest member of the squad; Kristine Lilly, who has appeared in 255 international matches, most in U.S. women's history, or Lindsay Tarpley, who normally plays midfield.