Cheney Replaces Wambach on Olympic Roster

Wambach Undergoes Leg Surgey in San Diego

July 19, 2008

Wambach underwent successful surgery Thursday morning at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, Calif. The procedure, which took about an hour, was performed by Dr. Damion Valletta, a U.S. Soccer orthopedic surgeon.

The 20-year-old Cheney, who was originally named as an alternate to the team, has been training with the U.S. the entire year and has played in 10 games, starting three. The Indianapolis, Indiana, has 12 full international caps and three goals, two of them scored this year, including one against Jamaica in the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

A member of the U.S. squad at the 2006 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Championship, she scored 21 goals in 30 matches for the U-20s in 2006 heading into the World Championship and has scored nine goals in 11 U-20 international matches.

Cheney has had a phenomenal first two seasons at UCLA, scoring 42 goals in 44 games, and will be a junior for the Bruins this fall.

“There are obviously tons of emotions going through me right now,” said Cheney. “I have the deepest sorrow for Abby, but I am excited to be part of the 18 going to the Olympics. Abby is one of the players who took all of us young players under her wing. She has always been there to help us out and guide us. Abby is irreplaceable, but I’m ready for any role I am asked to fill, and I’ll do anything I can to help the team win the gold medal. In China, we’ll be playing for our country and ourselves, but also for Abby.”