Akers Scores No. 100 in Win

Michelle Akers on Saturday became only the fourth player in soccer history and the second American to score 100 international goals as the U.S. women’s national team defeated Portugal, 6-0, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Akers’ 100th goal, which leaves her fourth in the world behind retired Italians Elisabetta Vignotto (108) and Carolina Morace (105) and U.S. teammate Mia Hamm (103), came in the 40th minute in front of a crowd of 5,152 at Lockhart Stadium.

Tiffeny Milbrett swung a corner kick in from the left and Akers, loosely guarded in front of the net, volleyed in a close-range shot that Portuguese goalkeeper Carla Cristina hardly saw, let alone saved.

Akers, 33, who has been on the national team since its formation in 1985, sprinted to midfield with arms upraised before being mobbed by teammates and coaches.

“I’m just glad I could stick around long enough to score that many,” said Akers, a 1991 world champion and 1996 gold medal-winner who has battled knee injuries as well as chronic fatigue syndrome. “It’s been a long haul, but I like to look to the future and right now we are focused on preparing for the [June 19-July 10] World Cup.”

Kristine Lilly scored twice and Hamm, Danielle Fotopoulos and Shannon MacMillan once each.