TSNs best-in-class team of hockey expert

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RIO DE JANEIRO - Lori Chalupny was called one of the top five players in the world a few years ago by a former coach. .Last year her current club coach Rory Dames at the Chicago Red Stars described her as a top-five player in the National Womens Soccer League.Yet, despite playing for professional club teams, Chalupny hasnt played for the United States national team in five years, sidelined by a history of concussions that left officials uncomfortable about selecting her.That changes this week in Brazil, where Chalupny has returned to the U.S. squad for a four-team tournament, starting Wednesday, in the capital Brasilia against Brazil, China and Argentina. Shes hoping to make the final American team for next years World Cup in Canada.She (Chalupny) went to U.S. Soccer and went through a very extensive process — went through a medical screening — and she got cleared, U.S. Coach Jill Ellis said in an interview in Brazil with The Associated Press. She was one of the best players in the NWSL the last few seasons, and if she was available for selection I was going to bring her.Concussions have become an issue in soccer. High-profile incidents of injured player staying on the field in this years mens World Cup in Brazil prompted FIFA — soccers world governing body — to give referees powers to halt play while head injuries are assessed.Chalupny, who figured she had little chance to return, said she contacted U.S. Soccer earlier this year about another chance. She was asked to undergo two independent examinations, and U.S. Soccers chief medical officer George Chiampas eventually cleared her return.Im beyond excited for this opportunity, Chalupny said on a conference call. When everything happened, a couple of years ago, I understood U.S. Soccers position. ... Hearing the news was not easy to take, but I definitely understand U.S. Soccers position. That being said, I feel great.Head injuries were again the focus last year when American striker Abby Wambach, probably the Americans most famous player, was allowed to continue playing in a club match despite a clear concussion. Studies seem to show that female soccer players sustain more concussions than male players.I definitely would not be playing, and I wouldnt have been playing these last five years, if I felt that I was at potential risk, Chalupny said.Chalupny has 92 caps for the U.S., eight goals and won a gold medal in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. She was also in the third-place team at the 2007 World Cup in China. She hasnt played a match for the United States since 2009.She can play anywhere — forward, midfield or defence — and as a left-footed player, she is a natural to fill the spot at left back.I saw her in the 2008 Olympics and I thought she was the best left back in the world, absolutely, Ellis said. She hasnt played at this level for a long time and there is an adjustment, but based on her level of play in the league, shell be able to impact this roster.The No. 1-ranked Americans have a training camp in January, followed by friendlies in Europe prior to the Algarve Cup in Portugal. A team official said the World Cup team would probably be named about a month before the World Cup opens June 6.Ellis said several players have been rotating at left-back and competition will be tough. She said Chalupny had not played in three months and lacked match fitness.Im not sure how many minutes — if any — she (Chalupny) will get in this tournament, Ellis said. We have new players, veterans. The reality is they are all competing for spots.___Stephen Wade on Twitter: http://twitter.com/StephenWadeAP . -- Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Monday that left tackle Russell Okung is unlikely to play on Sunday against Jacksonville after suffering a toe injury against San Francisco. . JOHNS, N. . TSNs best-in-class team of hockey experts and Insiders prime poolies with the annual NHL on TSN Fantasy Draft Special on Tuesday at 8pm et/5pm pt on TSN, while TSN Digital delivers three industry-leading online fantasy games – the TSN Hockey Challenge presented by Kia Canada, TSN Predictor: Hockey Edition presented by Kia Canada, and TSN Fantasy Hockey League Manager presented by ScotiaBank.ORLANDO, Fla. -- San Francisco receiver Anquan Boldins foundation is the recipient of a $100,000 grant from the players union for winning the Byron "Whizzer" White Award. The award is given to the player who serves his team, community and country in the spirit of Byron Raymond "Whizzer" White, the late Supreme Court justice the NFL Players Association calls "a scholar, athlete, patriot, humanitarian and public servant -- the perssonification of the ideal to which professional football players aspire. . " An 11-year veteran and four-time Pro Bowler with Arizona, Baltimore and San Francisco, Boldins Q81 Foundation mission is to expand the educational and life opportunities of underprivileged youth. The foundation begins its 10th year in April and has conducted charitable activities in Phoenix, Baltimore, South Florida and most recently in San Francisco. ' ' '