Mia Hamm, the U.S. women's national team legend who spoke before Minnesota United's 2-1 victory Wednesday, said as soccer grows in this country, there will be more opportunity for women's teams in the current National Women's Soccer League.

She said the next step in the success of that league is to see more ownership groups, sponsors and broadcasters invest and create an environment that will grow the player pool for the national team.

Hamm, an LAFC owner, also praised both LAFC coach Bob Bradley and U.S. women's coach Jill Ellis for their ability to integrate young players into their teams and develop them.

The former forward also shared her biggest advice to young players, which is to "play hard every minute" and "if you see something, pick it up" when referring to training equipment. She said that shows coaches the player is committed to the team, not just his or her own needs.

MEGAN RYAN