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August 19, 2004 10:32 am

Age gap can be fun for O'Reilly, soccer mates

By SCOTT PITONIAK

Gannett News Service

THESSALONIKI, Greece - She is still just a teenager, almost young enough to be their daughter.

So it's really not surprising that the age difference between 19-year-old Heather O'Reilly and her thirty-something teammates on the U.S. women's soccer team occasionally leads to some interesting experiences.

"My first trip with the team was to Portugal, and the big thing for all of these women is to go pottery shopping for things to add to the decor of their new homes,'' O'Reilly said before a recent practice. "I was getting set for my college dorm room, so I was buying posters. I don't think I'll need pottery for a few more years.''

Then there was the first leg of this Olympic trip when O'Reilly roomed with 36-year-old Joy Fawcett.

"We walk into our hotel room and there was this huge king size bed and this little, tiny cot in the corner, and I was like, 'OK, I'll take the cot out of respect for my elders,' '' O'Reilly said, chuckling.

The East Brunswick, N.J. resident clearly is enjoying this dream come true trip as the Americans resume their quest for gold Friday night against Japan in an Olympic quarterfinal match at Kaftanzoglio Stadium.

Just a few years ago, O'Reilly was sitting in the stands of a Women's World Cup game rooting for Mia Hamm and Co.

"Now, I'm playing with (them) and trying to earn their respect,'' she said. "I can't really articulate what it means. It's been fantastic.''

O'Reilly's role so far has been as a reserve forward. She has played about 20 minutes per game for the 2-0-1 Americans.

"I think I've done all right coming off the bench,'' said the University of North Carolina All-American. "I think all the subs have done a pretty good job bringing fresh legs and energy to our attack.''

After a disappointing 1-1 tie Tuesday night vs. the Australians that almost felt like a loss, U.S. coach April Heinrichs said her team needs to be less cautious. O'Reilly agrees.

"A goal for me is to be myself in these games and not be scared to play my game and attack defenders (one-on-one),'' she said. "For years the attitude of this team has been to be the aggressors and go after people and win individual matchups. If we go back to that style, I think we are going to be OK.''

She and her young teammates would love nothing more than to give the teammates who have been like big sisters a special parting gift.

O'Reilly believes a gold medal would look mighty nice hanging next to their pottery - and her posters.

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