SANTA CLARA – It was the kick seen 'round the world with an impact still felt today. One victory launched one women's professional soccer league, and now is being commemorated by another.

Ten years have past since the U.S. women's national team triumphed in the 1999 Women's World Cup. Today, the FC Gold Pride will salute the "99ers," including two members of its team – Brandi Chastain and Tiffeny Milbrett.

"When we look back, we're just thrilled to be able to have the 99ers," said Tonya Antonucci, commissioner of the new Women's Pro Soccer. "These great players paved the way. Their legacy is huge; they established an unbelievable milestone for soccer while being the girls next door. Our WPS players are still benefiting from them."

At Santa Clara University's Buck Shaw Stadium, the 5 p.m. Gold Pride game vs. the St. Louis Athletica will hark back to that golden moment while trying to build soccer's future. For inspiration, the Gold Pride needs only to look to Chastain and Milbrett, who prolonged their own careers to help start this league.

After she delivered the decisive penalty kick for Team USA's 1999 Cup win over China, Chastain became an instant icon with her shirtless celebration at Pasadena's Rose Bowl before the largest crowd (90,185) to ever see a women's sporting event.

Since that defining moment, Chastain wrote a book, had a baby, starred on a reality show, launched a foundation and helped start two pro leagues.

To Chastain, that 1999 Cup stays fresh in her memory.

"It seems much closer than when we were filming 'Superstars' earlier this year," said Chastain, who turns 41 July 21. "I still stay in touch with several of my teammates, so it doesn't seem so distant."

Chastain continues to nurture soccer in her hometown. A San Jose native who is married to Santa Clara soccer coach Jerry Smith, she was a cornerstone of the San Jose CyberRays, part of the short-lived Women's United Soccer Association. Born in 2000, that league tried to carry the Cup's momentum and build on the popularity of its stars. But after three seasons and $100 million, the WUSA collapsed.

Now amidst a horrid economy, the WPS tries to renew soccer's spark, but with much lower expectations.

"Two things are very different," explained Gold Pride general manager Ilisa Kessler, who also served as CyberRays director of operations as well as overseeing much of the Bay Area's preparation for the 1999 Cup.

"We have a business model that's much more conservative," Kessler said. "The scope and scale – from our schedule to our stadiums – is much smaller. And the level of play has risen incredibly; it's truly world class."

Antonucci sees her new league hitting its marks. The WPS averages about 5,000 a game in attendance, which was its goal for the first season. Player salaries average $32,000, and franchises have stayed within their budgets. The seven-team league recently announced the addition of two teams – Philadelphia and Atlanta – for 2010 and is considering a 10th.

"We're thrilled with the level of play," Antonucci added. "Despite the tough economy, we're delivering a great experience to our fans. We have a solid base. We present great value for both fans and sponsors. You can see Olympic athletes at affordable prices. That's unique in the marketplace."

Through its first three months, the Gold Pride (3-6-3) averages 3,200 fans. The team recently slashed ticket prices, lowering some general admission seats to $15, $10 for college students.

To Chastain, success can't be measured until future milestones.

"Longevity is important," she said. "I hope we'll still be here 15 years from now for the 25th anniversary."

Call The Bee's Debbie Arrington, (916) 321-1075.