Kristine Lilly has announced that she is expecting her first child in July and will not suit up for the US Women's National Team this year, but stopped short of calling it her retirement.

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The 36-year old, who has a world record 340 caps, will spend 2008 back home in Massachusetts with husband David Heavey.

Though she will miss out on a chance to win her third Olympic gold medal, Lilly has not ruled out playing for USWNT boss Pia Sundhage in 2009. The coach previously employed the forward with the Boston Breakers in the WUSA.

"I'm not closing any doors as far as soccer," Lilly told ussoccer.com. "I hope to play in the new league, and if one day I get the chance to play for Pia, that would be fantastic."

"But for now, I'm focusing on becoming a mom for the first time and everything that goes with that experience."

"I am excited about having a baby and being home with my husband, but the process of stepping away from the game and my teammates has been a bit emotional," she admitted.

"I will miss the game, but I will miss being around my teammates even more. When you do something for over 20 years, it will just take some time to adjust to a new lifestyle."