Aug. 7, 1994 – U.S. 4:1 Norway, Chiquita Cup at Fitton Field, Worcester (Att.: 6,511)

Mia Hamm scored twice and Michelle Akers-Stahl provided a dominating performance off the bench before a record crowd for a U.S. Women’s National Team match. The U.S. won the Chiquita Cup tournament under the guidance of Tony DiCicco, in his first games since taking over from Anson Dorrance as head coach. The U.S. goalkeeper was former UMass star Briana Scurry, who made her international debut in a 5-0 win over Portugal on March 16, 1994.

The tournament marked advancement in the growth of women’s soccer, the first significant steps taken in the 1991 New England Sports Museum Challenge Cup matches held in New Britain, Conn., and Medford, Mass. New England played host to the first significant crowds for USWNT games, against Norway, in New Britain Aug. 30 and at Tufts’ Ellis Oval (Att. 4,752) on Sept. 1, 1992 – Norway sweeping the U.S., 1-0 and 2-1.

China finished second in the Chiquita Cup after taking a 3-2 win over Germany in New Britain, Conn., Aug. 6, 1994.

From my story in Aug. 8, 1994 editions of The Boston Globe:

“I am excited and surprised that we have had very good attendances at every game,” said Michelle Akers-Stahl, who is among the most highly valued women athletes in the world. “Previous tournaments haven’t been publicized by US Soccer — all you would see would be a little sign in front of the stadium that said: `US women’s team playing here.’

“My dream is for the women’s World Cup to some day be exactly like the men’s. There is no reason it shouldn’t happen, except for the differences in cultural understanding around the world. There are some people who still think that women should be in the kitchen with their babies. But they are going to find out that their own children have slightly different attitudes. It might not happen in my lifetime, but we’re the ones who started it.”

TODAY IN NEW ENGLAND SOCCER HISTORY