Abby Wambach pleads not guilty to DUI charge

The attorney for former U.S. women's soccer standout Abby Wambach entered a not guilty plea at Tuesday's arraignment on Wambach's behalf on the misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence of intoxicants.

Ben Elder entered the plea at the hearing in Portland, Ore. Wambach, who lives in Portland, was not in attendance at Multnoman County Courthouse.

Wambach was arrested Saturday night after running a red light.

Wambach wasn't required to attend the arraignment and her next court date is April 26. She is scheduled to speak on Tuesday night at the University of Kentucky.

The 35-year-old Wambach posted a statement of apology on her Facebook page on Sunday.

"Last night I was arrested for DUII in Portland after dinner at a friend's house.

"Those that know me, know that I have always demanded excellence from myself. I have let myself and others down.

"I take full responsibility for my actions. This is all on me. I promise that I will do whatever it takes to ensure that my horrible mistake is never repeated.

"I am so sorry to my family, friends, fans and those that look to follow a better example.

- Abby"

Wambach, who announced her retirement in October after the U.S. Women's National Team won the 2015 World Cup to cap her 15-year career, also lost an endorsement over the arrest.

MINI USA decided to withdraw its advertisements for the automobile that featured Wambach.

"This behavior is against the values we promote as an organization and the safety of everyone on the road is a priority here at MINI," the company said in a statement. "Because of this, we are re-evaluating her association with the brand and are pulling content that individually features Abby from our marketing.

"We will continue to assess the situation and weigh our options."

Wambach scored 184 goals in 252 appearances for the United States in international competition -- the leading career scorer for any male or female player.

Wambach joined the U.S. national team in 2001 and ended her career with a World Cup championship last summer. The U.S. women defeated Japan 5-2 in the final for their first World Cup title since 1999.

Wambach appeared in four World Cups with the national team. She won two Olympic gold medals, one from the 2004 Games in Athens and the other at the 2012 Games in London. She did not compete in the Beijing Games because of a broken leg.