Top World Cup scorers for United States women's team

Posted Tuesday, July 19, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

It was a heartbreaking day for the United States women's soccer team. The United States gave up a late goal in regulation to let Japan force extra time. After Abby Wambach gave them the lead, they let Japan score again with only a few minutes left. Japan would eventually win in penalty kicks. Despite the painful loss, Wambach made history by scoring her 13th career World Cup goal. That puts her past Michelle Akers as the all-time leading scorer for a United States player at the World Cup. Here is a look at the top five scoring Americans.

1. Abby Wambach

Wambach's goal against Japan was the 13th of her career. However, her best goal came in the quarterfinals against Brazil. Wambach's header in the final seconds of extra time captured the nation and helped the United States win one of the most thrilling games in the history of the sport. She was a great player long before this, scoring key goals in 2003 and 2007 as well.

2. Michelle Akers

Akers had 12 career goals at the Women's World Cup. In 1991, she established the record for goals in a single tournament. She had five goals in the quarterfinal win against Chinese Tapei. In the 1991 final, Akers scored both goals for the United States as they would win the World Cup with a 2-1 win over Norway.

3. Mia Hamm

Hamm scored eight goals in her World Cup career. Arguably the most famous United States soccer player ever, Hamm helped the team gain popularity throughout the country. Hamm scored the first goal for the United States in the 1999 World Cup, helping to set the table for their second championship. Hamm's play went beyond her goal scoring, but she knew how to put the ball in the net when it mattered most.

4. Kristine Lilly

Lilly matches Hamm with eight career goals. Lily played in five World Cup tournaments for the United States. She wasn't a prolific scorer in the way that Wambach or Akers were, but she knew how to put the ball in the net when it mattered. Her consistency over time is the reason she is on this list.

5. Tiffeny Milbrett

Milbrett scored seven goals at the World Cup. Despite several bigger names, it was Milbrett who led the team in scoring during its iconic 1999 championship run. That alone cements her status as one of the best players in the history of the team. Milbrett managed to outscore a number of legends, including several names that appear above her on this list.