Cramer Gets Invite To U.S. Cup Training Camp

Chicago, IL., (August 22, 2001) All-American Aleisha Cramer is one of five collegiate players to get an invitation to the 24 player training camp. U.S. women's national team head coach April Heinrichs made Cramer's invitation, on Tuesday.

The 5-10 midfielder from Lakewood, Colorado could miss the first three weeks of the season with the Cougars that include home games against Montana and Marquette, if she makes the 18-member roster.

All five of the college players invited to the Nike U.S. Women's Cup camp played significant roles in the U.S. under-21 national team who won this summer's Nordic Cup in Norway. The players include goalkeeper Hope Solo from the University of Washington, defenders Cat Reddick and Jena Kluegel from UNC and forward Abby Wambach from the University of Florida.

Previously, the only college players to play for the U.S. during their college seasons were Cindy Parlow, Kristine Lilly and Julie Foudy.

U.S. National coach Heinrichs also invited 19 WUSA players, four from the San Diego Spirit, three each from the Bay Area CyberRays and Boston Breakers. Two players from the Philadelphia Charge, Carolina Courage, Atlanta Beat and Washington Freedom also received invitations.

The 24 players will train in Chicago, Illinois beginning Sept. 4 in preparation for the 2001 Nike U.S. Women's Cup which is a four-team tournament that includes teams from Germany, Japan and China.

The U.S. team faces Germany on Sept. 9 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., Japan on Sept. 11 at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio and China on Sept. 16 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.

Incidentally, Cramer's BYU teammates will be in the Chicago area Sept. 8-10 playing against Minnesota and No. 24 Northwestern