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Firsthand

Combating a myth from Women's World Cup '91

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Posted: Wednesday July 14, 1999 11:01 AM

The U.S. Women's National Team likes to talk about how they returned home from China after securing their first Women's World Cup title almost eight years and that they were greeted by only one journalist at the airport.

That's not true. There were three who showed up. I should know. I was there at the International Arrivals Building at JFK Airport on Monday, December 2, 1991.

The reception for the travel-weary team at the airport that afternoon was rather reserved compared to what we have seen bestowed on the current world champions. As the players and then-coach Anson Dorrance walked out of the baggage area, they were applauded by maybe a dozen people.

The historic witnesses included three reporters, one photographer, several U.S. Soccer Federation officials, a referee from New York and Swiss Air officials, who gave each player a rose.

Asked if she thought the feeling of world champions had sunk in yet, Carin Jennings (now Gabarra), voted the Golden Ball as the outstanding player of the tournament, replied, "Not yet, not after 52 hours of traveling."

Of course, she was exaggerating about the travel time.

The players, who weren't in much of a mood after traveling many hours, had to catch a connection or two for their final journey.

"I just want to go home," one tired player said.

As it turned out, Bora Milutinovic, then the U.S. men's national coach and current MetroStars coach, was in New York for the 1994 World Cup qualifying draw. He took a cab to the airport and greeted and congratulated Dorrance.

"I am very happy for the women's team," Bora said then. "I am happy for all of American soccer."

Contrasting with the current team's magical victory tour, local soccer officials in 1991 tried to get several girls players and/or teams to greet the American women, but could not get them out of school.

 

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