Coming from any other player, much of what Tiffeny Milbrett says might be dismissed as disingenuous. She is proud to play with her teammates. Players on the women's national team do ''a lot of great and wonderful things for each other.''
But behind each statement that seems too saccharine to be sincere, there is earnestness. Milbrett believes everything she says. She doesn't do anything half-hearted. In the shadow of Mia Hamm, the diminutive forward has made a name for herself with explosive dribbling, a deft touch around the goal, and unfailingly honest effort.
''I think anywhere on the soccer field is where you fit in,'' said Milbrett. ''I think it's a matter of what you're given and your skill level. I'm a forward. I'm a sprinter. I'm short. I'm low to the ground. I'm fast, quick. I'm a goal scorer.''
The last pronouncement could be considered an understatement. She scored the winner in the 1996 Olympic final against China and ranks fifth on the US all-time scoring list. At the University of Portland, the small forward finished her career the school's all-time leading scorer with 103 goals. Until US teammate Danielle Fotopoulos broke the record, Milbrett and Hamm stood atop the list of NCAA Division 1 all-time goal scorers. Milbrett still holds Oregon high school records for most goals in a season (54) and career (131).
Heading into the World Cup, she demonstrated the same prolific touch, leading the US in scoring with 10 goals and 9 assists in 14 tuneup matches. Against Nigeria Thursday, Milbrett notched her first two goals of the tournament.
Her first point came midway through the first half when she collected a ball off Cindy Parlow's shin and struck it with the outside of her right foot. The shot curled away from the outstretched Nigerian keeper. Later, playing on the restraining line tucked behind the last Nigerian defender, Milbrett slid for a ball served by Parlow. With her left foot, she nudged the ball past the goalie to complete the Americans' 7-1 romp.
In the same match, Milbrett showed she could also set up her teammates. Her arching 20-yard pass in the 42d minute started a chain reaction of head balls that led to Parlow's first World Cup score.
''I was frustrated because I was so nervous [against Denmark] and I was so mad at myself for being nervous,'' said Milbrett. ''You don't get a World Cup game very often so the thing you want to do is give your best and do your best. I was really happy about the way I came out against Nigeria because I was really focused. It was just a matter of finally getting over the nerves and then getting back to what I do best and that's creating chances and scoring goals.''
With 14 goals and 9 assists in 1998, she ranked second behind Hamm in team scoring for the third consecutive year. But that doesn't bother Milbrett. When Hamm is being double-teamed or fouled hard by opponents, the US knows the 5-foot-2-inch Milbrett brings equal speed and ability to burst past defenders.
''I really think the sport of soccer was designed for players with her ability,'' said US coach Tony DiCicco. ''It's the perfect sport for Tiffeny. You don't have to be a giant to play it. You just have to be quick and determined and tough. She's one of our fastest players. She's one of the best take-on dribblers in the world. And on her day, she can score goals that have you holding your breath.''
She made her first appearance with the US team in August 1991 against China, but it took a while for her to feel comfortable and confident with her teammates. Milbrett's starting role gradually has increased since 1995 and with that comes chemistry.
''Milli's a genuine person,'' said Kristine Lilly. ''My favorite thing is after we score a goal, whoever scores, she's the first one to give the most genuine hug I've ever seen and she's always smiling. She adds spice with her play.''
