Lauren Cheney has been named in the United States Olympic women's soccer team as a replacement for the injured Abby Wambach.
Wambach broke her left leg in the first half of the Americans' 1-0 triumph over Brazil in the team's final friendly before heading to Beijing to compete in the 2008 Olympic Games.
The 20-year-old Cheney was originally named as an alternate to the team, but replaced Wambach on the 18-player roster. Cheney has three goals - including two this year - in 12 international appearances.
"There are obviously tons of emotions going through me right now," Cheney said. "I have the deepest sorrow for Abby, but I am excited to be part of the 18 going to the Olympics.
"Abby is one of the players who took all of us young players under her wing. She has always been there to help us out and guide us. Abby is irreplaceable, but I'm ready for any role I am asked to fill, and I'll do anything I can to help the team win the gold medal. In China, we'll be playing for our country and ourselves, but also for Abby."
Wambach, who was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital where X-rays confirmed the mid-shaft oblique fracture of the tibia and fibula, is expected to be out for 12 weeks. She had surgery on Thursday to have a titanium rod inserted into her leg and will begin rehabilitation in due time.
"Everything went according to plan, there were no complications and small incisions were used to minimise the soft tissue irritability from the surgery," said Dr. Damion Valletta, a US Soccer orthopaedic surgeon.
"We'll have her stay in the hospital until tomorrow, monitor the pain and control the swelling in her leg. We anticipate that she will be discharged tomorrow on crutches and will start being able to put a small amount of weight on the leg."
Wambach, who has 99 international goals in 127 appearances, injured her left leg in a collision with Andreia Rosa in the 33rd minute. After immediately signalling for assistance, Wambach's leg was immobilised in a brace before she was taken off the field on a stretcher and carted to an ambulance.
India Trotter was named as an alternate to replace Cheney.
