Abby Wambach: Former US Soccer Star Held For DUI

Abby Wambach, who won 255 caps for the US women's national team, tells supporters "this is all on me" after her arrest.

Abby Wambach was arrested in Portland. Pic: Multnomah County Sheriff

Former US women's soccer team captain Abby Wambach has apologised after she was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

The 35-year-old was stopped by police on Saturday night after she reportedly ran a red light in her Range Rover in downtown Portland, according to police.

Sergeant Peter Simpson said Wambach failed sobriety tests at the scene and was arrested.

He said she also failed a breath test at the police precinct.

Wambach is the leading scorer in international soccer

Wambach, who lives in Portland, was booked into Multnomah County Jail on a charge of driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII), but was later released on her own recognisance.

In a statement on her Facebook page, she wrote: "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 left 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."

Wambach is the leading scorer - male or female - in international soccer with 184 career goals.

She retired in October after 15 years with the US women's national team, having captained the national side and winning the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, as well as two Olympic gold medals in the 2004 and 2012 games.

Since retiring from soccer, she has made several appearances at charity events and has also campaigned for former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Portland Police Bureau said Wambach was "polite and co-operative throughout the investigation".