 In 2001 , Wambach 's WUSA and collegiate performance earned her a spot at the national team training camp . Her first cap for the United States women 's national soccer team occurred on September 9 , 2001 during a match against Germany at the Nike U.S. Cup in Chicago . She subbed in for Tiffeny Milbrett in the 76th minute . The U.S. squad won 4 – 1 . She scored her first international goal on April 27 , 2002 during a friendly match against Finland in San Jose , California after subbing in for Christie Welsh in the 75th minute . The U.S. won 3 – 0 . 
