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The ESPN broadcaster, who played for the United States women's national team from 1987-2004 and is in the National Soccer Hall of Fame, was back in Chattanooga for the first time since the United States Women's national team's appearance in 1997 to broadcast the national team's match against Costa Rica on ESPN2.
She ate at the Chattanoogan, learned the "Power C" associated with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and even took some pictures with the rain-drenched Moc women's soccer team during an 83-minute rain delay.
"I remember saying when we came here in 1997 loving it and saying that I wanted to get back here," Foudy said during
the delay. "I just didn't think it would take 18 years."
She had done her homework for the broadcast, though, preparing to unleash the "Power C" to the ESPN2 crowd if and when the opportunity arose. It's an opportunity she expects, as broadcasts during the "Victory Tour" usually aren't centered on hard-hitting, in-depth commentary.
"There are a lot of stories you can fit in during the Victory Tour," she said. "There's not really a lot of soccer talked about during these broadcasts."
The rain delay served as a hindrance to the sellout crowd in attendance, and even to the match. The United States led 2-0 after goals by Carli Lloyd and Heather O'Reilly, with play being halted at the 14:19 mark.
"It's sad for all of these fans that got here," Foudy said. "I had some friends that were driving up from Knoxville, so it's a bummer. Hopefully it'll start again."