U.S. Women Celebrate Gold Medal on Twitter

The 2012 London Olympics have been referred to by many media outlets as the Twitter Games or the Twitter Olympics. With the bad press some Olympic athletes (i.e. Hope Solo) have garnered for their not-so-smart use of Twitter we wanted to show the positive side of athletes using Twitter to share their excitement with their fans. Here is a small collection of some great pictures shared by members of the U.S. Women's soccer team celebrating their Gold Medal win on Twitter.

"MLS Triple Woven Jacquard Throw - USA Soccer" (Google Affiliate Ad)

Tobin Heath and Amy Rodriguez with Usain Bolt, Olympic Village, London. (@AmyRodriguez8/Twitter)
Source: Uploaded by user via Bruce on Pinterest

'WHAT?!?!?! We did it!!!!!! Everything is gold and nothing hurts.' (@kohara/Twitter)
Source: Uploaded by user via Bruce on Pinterest

'We are Olympic gold Medalists!!!!!!!!' (@alexmorgan13/Twitter)
Source: Uploaded by user via Bruce on Pinterest

Former Washington Freedom Star, Abby Wambach Previews Gold Medal Game against Japan

In two seasons with the Washington Freedom (2002-2003/WUSA & 2009-2010/WPS) Abby Wambach not only played along side the most famous U.S. Soccer player ever - Mia Hamm, she also won a league championship and was named MVP. Wambach scored 44 goals and added 30 assists while playing for the Freedom franchise and was by far a fan favorite at the Maryland SoccerPlex.

Now Wambach is looking to lead the U.S. Women's Soccer team to Olympic Gold in London against Japan, a team that beat the Americans only a year ago to win the 2011 Women's World Cup. On the other side of the pitch will be a former Washington Freedom teammate of Wambach's, Homare Sawa.
Another former Washington Freedom player on the U.S. roster for the 2012 Olympic squad going for gold include is Becky Sauerbrunn (2008-2010). 

Abby Wambach

On going up against her friend and former club teammate Homare Sawa against Japan:
"I think that Homare Sawa has proven herself to be one of the best players in the world. She led her team to a world championship. I have the greatest respect for her. She came to play in the United States a couple of times and took what she learned back to her country and they've done an extraordinary job over the last couple of years putting it together. I do think that we also have a great team. We're at a place that I think is solid. I think the fact that we lost the World Cup and the way that we did gives us even more passion and desire to go out and perform tomorrow. We saw each other in the Village. We told each other that we're both glad that the other had won because we believe that we're the top two teams in the world and our fans deserve to see a great final. This gold medal match is going to be nothing short of that."

SYA Girls Receive USWNT VIP Experience at PPL Park



PPL Park - USWNT vs China 05/27/2012

Chester, PA - Sunday evening VA Soccer News was at PPL Park in Chester, PA along with Southwestern Youth Association (SYA) who took a contingent of the youth clubs girls players up to Philadelphia to watch the U.S. Women's National Team compete against China in a pre-olympic international friendly.

These lucky young SYA players along with some parents and coaches where treated to a VIP experience, greeting the USWNT players as they came on the field, watching warm-ups up close at field level, and escorting players from both teams onto pitch to kick off the match. It was a magical experience, and many of the USWNT players chatted with and gave autographs to the SYA girls.

U.S. Women’s National Team Defeats China 4-1 in Front of Sold-Out Crowd of 18,573 at PPL Park in Chester, Pa.

U.S. midfielder Heather O'Reilly was hilarious as she related crowd noise to youth parents yelling at players during games (see video below).



 
VA Soccer News would like to thank Eric Hunsaker (BlackLabFilm+TV) who has produced other amazing videos for us in the past for this stunning video, U.S. Soccer, and finally everyone who was part of the SYA group on a beautiful soccer day in Philly.

VA Soccer News Tweeting Live from PPL Park, USWNT vs. China

Virginia Online Soccer News will be providing live updates and photos from PPL Park in Philladelphia during tonights U.S. Women's match against China.

View of PPL Park before U.S. WNT vs. China, May 27, 2012

Follow our live updates on Twitter: @VASoccerNews

Clicke Here to watch live stream of U.S. WNT Against China on ussoccer.com

Three Virginia Players Headed to HDC for Under-23 WNT Camp

The U.S. under-23 women’s national team camp that begins Sunday at the Home Depot Center.

Virginia and Florida State lead all teams with three players at the camp.
Virginia Players in Camp:

GK: Chantel Jones (Virginia; Midlothian, Va.)

Defenders: Kika Toulouse (Virginia; Arlington, Va.),  Morgan Stith (Virginia; Montclair, N.J.)

U.S. Women's National Team to face Sweden in China

U.S. WNT SET TO FACE SWEDEN AS 23 PLAYERS TRAVEL TO CHINA: U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Pia Sundhage has named 23 players to the roster for the 2011 Four Nations Tournament taking place in Chongqing, China, where the USA will face Sweden, Canada and the host. With the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup commencing in late June, the tournament will be a key part of Sundhage’s crafting of the eventual Women’s World Cup roster as the USA takes on three strong nations, including Sweden, which is the USA’s third Group C opponent at the Women’s World Cup in Germany. Follow the WNT Blog from China

U.S. WNT Roster by Position  Detailed Roster GOALKEEPERS (2): Nicole Barnhart (out of contract), Ashlyn Harris (Western New York Flash)
DEFENDERS (7): Rachel Buehler (Boston Breakers), Stephanie Cox (Boston Breakers), Amy LePeilbet (Boston Breakers), Heather Mitts (out of contract), Christie Rampone (out of contract) Becky Sauerbrunn (Washington Freedom), Brittany Taylor (Sky Blue FC)
MIDFIELDERS (10): Yael Averbuch (Western New York Flash), Shannon Boxx (out of contract), Tobin Heath (Sky Blue FC), Meghan Klingenberg (Washington Freedom), Lori Lindsey (Philadelphia Independence), Carli Lloyd (Atlanta Beat), Kelley O’Hara (Boston Breakers), Heather O’Reilly (Sky Blue FC), Megan Rapinoe (Philadelphia Independence), Lindsay Tarpley (out of contract)
FORWARDS (4): Lauren Cheney (Boston Breakers), Sydney Leroux (UCLA), Alex Morgan (Western New York Flash), Amy Rodriguez (Philadelphia Independence)

ussoccer.com’s WNT Coverage

• Features: Letter from Yael | Four Nations Tournament History
• Video: WNT Arrives in China
• Four Nations Tournament Home
• 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Home | Groups
• U-23 WNT Feature: Pressing Matters with Christen Press
• WNT Blog | WNT on Twitter

Coming back from this situation, I have a lot to prove. There’s always going to be opportunities, but you have to earn them and an experience like this shows how you can take the little things for granted, like just being able to run. It sounds so silly, but when you can’t do it, it’s not so amusing.

 – U.S. WNT midfielder Tobin Heath on coming back from a lengthy time on the sidelines due to injury

-Update!- April Heinrichs named Technical Director and Jill Ellis Development Director for U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAMS

Former U.S. Women's head coach and current Bosten Breakers (WPS) head coach, Tony DiCicco was asked by VaSoccerNews for his reaction to the announcement of the new USWNT directors being named.

April Heinrichs and Jill Ellis are two of our most successfull coaches and, although the task in front of them is considerable because we have had a gap in leadership for a number of year...I think we are in good hands.

-Tony DiCicco

Tony DiCicco – Founder/CEO, SoccerPlus


Tony founded SoccerPlus FC in 2003. A pioneer in soccer in this country, Tony continues to set the course for the SoccerPlus companies through his vision and guiding future strategy.

---

From the U.S. Soccer Communications Center:

APRIL HEINRICHS NAMED TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
AND JILL ELLIS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR FOR
U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAMS

Hirings Mark First Time U.S. Soccer Has Appointed Full-Time Positions to Oversee U.S. Women’s National Teams’ Development

CHICAGO (Jan. 6, 2011) – U.S. Soccer has appointed April Heinrichs as the Technical Director and Jill Ellis as the Development Director <http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Womens-National-Team/2011/01/April-Heinrichs-Named-Technical-Director-and-Jill-Ellis-Development-Director-for-US-WNTs.aspx>  for the U.S. Women's National Teams. The hirings mark the first time U.S. Soccer has appointed full-time positions to oversee the women's youth national team program and the programs’ overall development.

Heinrichs will provide technical direction for women's soccer in the United States as it relates to the U.S. Women's National Teams with a focus on the Under-20s and younger, while overseeing the U.S. Under-20 and U.S. U-18 Women's National Teams. Ellis will be taking the lead on interacting directly with key coaches within the youth club environment while also guiding and directing the U.S. U-17s, U-15s and U-14s. Both Heinrichs and Ellis hold USSF "A" coaching licenses.

“I am extremely pleased that April and Jill have joined our women’s national team program,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. “We have two vastly experienced coaches who have the knowledge and the tools to focus heavily on the development of girls’ soccer in the United States.”

Heinrichs and Ellis will work together to integrate all of the youth women’s and girls’ national teams, helping players and systems connect from one team to the next. They will also play major roles in leading the discussion on connecting the philosophies of the WNT head coach through all the youth national teams and especially to the massive amount of girls' youth clubs in the United States. Ellis especially will focus on the grassroots within the youth club environment to convey the goals and philosophies of player development in order to help produce quality players for the national team level.

“These are two great hires,” said U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Pia Sundhage. “Both April and Jill have tremendous experience in the women’s game at many levels. April has played at the highest level, coached at the highest level and has worked for FIFA on the technical side. Both are extremely competitive and know what it takes to play at the youth levels and for the full team. I’ve worked closely with Jill and her personality and knowledge are great. Her feeling for soccer and people will help the program overall. We are fortunate to have these two on board.”

Both will work directly with U.S. Soccer Director of Scouting Tony Lepore and Technical Advisors in maximizing U.S. Soccer’s scouting network on the girls’ side and both will have heavy involvement in the implementation and execution of U.S. Soccer Training Centers for girls.

Both women have extensive experience with U.S. Soccer’s women’s national team program. Heinrichs was head coach of the full Women’s National Team from 2000-2004, compiling a record of 87-17-20. During her tenure she led the USA to the 2004 Olympic gold medal in Greece, a silver medal at the 2000 Olympics in Australia and a third-place finish at the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the USA. Heinrichs was the first female head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team.

Heinrichs also coached the U.S. Under-16 Girls’ National Team from 1997 until 2000 when she became head coach of the WNT. Heinrichs was an assistant coach for the 1995 FIFA Women’s World Cup Team in Sweden and for the gold medal winning 1996 Olympic Team in Athens, Ga., under then-head coach Tony DiCicco.

"I'm very much looking forward to getting back on the field again and working with our nation's best players, coaches and staff, as well as working collaboratively with the girls' and women's soccer community to enhance player development across the nation,” said Heinrichs. “It is an honor to have been selected for this role given the many great coaches that applied, and I will do my best to serve our new team, U.S. Soccer and the women's game."

Ellis has coached the U.S. U-21 Women’s National Team during two different stints in 2000 and 2005, leading the squad to Nordic Cup titles both years, and also coached the U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team during two tenures. She coached the U.S. U-20s in 2007, but left that job in 2008 to become an assistant coach under Pia Sundhage for the gold medal winning 2008 Olympic Team. In 2009, she took the helm of the U-20s again, coaching them into the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Germany. Ellis also served as a scout for the 2000 Olympics in Australia working for Heinrichs, who was the head coach of that U.S. team.

“I want to thank U.S. Soccer for the continued support of our women’s game by having the vision and commitment to create these positions, and second for offering me the opportunity to be a part of the journey,” said Ellis.  “I have enjoyed and been privileged to have been involved at every level in the women’s game for the past 21 years. It’s the passion I have for our game that makes this move an exciting and creative opportunity.  I look forward to working with the club coaches in our country to establish a blueprint to continue to keep the U.S at the forefront of women’s soccer.”

Ellis leaves UCLA to take the position with U.S. Soccer after a highly successful 12-year run as the head women’s soccer coach for the Bruins. Ellis led UCLA to eight NCAA Final Fours, including seven in a row from 2003-2009, and won six straight conference titles from 2003-2008. She finishes her time in Westwood with a record of 229-45-14. Ellis, who was also head coach at the University of Illinois, has an all-time collegiate coaching record of 248-63-14. Ellis was a forward during her playing days from 1984-87 at the College of William & Mary where she was an All-American in 1987.

“I am excited and energized for the new challenges ahead with U.S. Soccer, but also sad to depart an amazing university with so many wonderful friendships and memories,” said Ellis. “UCLA has been my home for the past 12 years, and college soccer my life for over 21 years, but I am ready to help U.S. Soccer in their commitment to continue the evolution of our women's game.”

Heinrichs also has extensive experience in the college game, having been head coach at Virginia, Maryland, Princeton and UC Irvine. She has a 119-86-16 overall collegiate record. Heinrichs comes to U.S. Soccer from a post with the U.S. Olympic Committee's Sport Performance Division where she has worked as a high performance director/consultant since 2007. In her role with the USOC, Heinrichs worked with 24 different men’s and women’s Olympic and Paralympic sports in developing their performance preparations.

Heinrichs was one of the pioneers of the U.S. Women’s National Team and a key player on the 1991 team that won the first Women's World Cup. The 2-1 win over Norway in the championship match was her final game as she finished her international career with 38 goals in 47 games. Heinrichs, who was the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year in 1986 and 1989, played four years at the University of North Carolina, winning three NCAA titles and was named First-Team All-American three times. In 1998, she became the first female player inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
 

- ussoccer.com -

Tony DiCicco Correct to Blame Youth Coaches and Programs

Two Hours with April Heinrichs

Tony DiCicco Correct to Blame youth Coaches and Programs

By Chris Wimmer 

For any fan of US Soccer, specifically the US Women's National team, the name Tony DiCicco holds plenty of clout. So, when L.E. Eisenmenger of the U.S. Soccer Examiner posted her interview with highly respected former USWNT head coach Tony DiCicco where he gave his blunt evaluation of player development in the United States many fans, coaches, and bloggers paid attention.

The interview (HERE) was sent out throught the Twitter-verse immediately and reposted by many soccer sites. The issues DiCicco brought to light, lack of player intelligence and technical ability do not come as a suprise to many soccer fans in our country I was reminded of how far down the problem has trickled down. At a club soccer game this past June I noticed the same "stud athlete" DiCicco pointed to as the prototypical player that youth coaches and programs have begun to cater to.

Following is my article on the lack of proper development within youth soccer and why, as it turns out, it may be an issue that could wind up costing the dominant USWNT there top spot in international soccer.

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The beautiful game, not always so beautiful at the youth travel level
by: Chris Wimmer
June 8, 2010


You've surely seen this unfold on a local soccer field near you.  You head over to your kids soccer game prepared to see how much skill and technique your player has earned from all their hard spent hours at practice and not to mention your money and precious free time, only to have to see a game against "that team" or a team with with "that player".

You know the one I'm talking about, little or no soccer skills but completely willing to push and shove their way to the goal regardless of who is in their way. Use of arms and elbows are usually the 'weapons' of choice. Most often that same team has "that coach" who has decided that his voice is so amazing that every player should hear him bark directions nonstop the entire game.

Now it comes as no surprise especially at the youth level to come across a player who is bigger or faster or even more aggressive possibly even all of these attributes combined. And of course there is nothing wrong with being any or all of these things on the soccer field.  My objection comes from the coaches and parents who stunt the development of these players into better soccer players by simply teaching them to "muscle" their way past the other team.

The short sightedness of encouraging this player or team to continue to rely on there physical attribute or aggressive play leads to an underdeveloped player. After a few years pass, the rest of the players in the age group who have been focusing on skill and technique year in and year out eventually grow into their bodies and end up catching up to there counterparts. 

The result is a once "athletic" and dominant player and/or team who has never been asked to develop soccer specific skills and ability gets left behind.

Lets be honest as coaches and parents it is great to see our players succeed and win games or even win tournaments but is that the only objective of youth soccer or sports in general.  Of course not, but this cycle of win now by any means possible seems to never fail in repeating itself. 

I like to think in terms of the school yard bully.  At first all others are afraid of the bully,then one kid gets sick of being bullied and fights back, beats the bully and takes away his mystique of invincibility.

As coaches and fans of the Beautiful Game we have a responsibility to our players and the next generation to teach them what it is that has led soccer to be called the Beautiful game. It is not beautiful because the biggest, strongest, meanest players or teams always win rather the players with the most amazing footwork, awareness, and finesse such as the most popular names to ever play soccer like Pele, Maradona, Cruyff, Ronoldinho, Messi, and Ronaldo CR9 (my favorite current player to watch).

I would rather watch this:






As opposed to this:








I prefer the beautiful version, I'm just saying.

Virginia Online Soccer News Writing Contest: "What the WPS Means to Me?"

Recently my daughter and I attended a WPS game of the Washington Freedom. Before and after the game my daughter was able to meet players from both teams and get their autographs. As I watched from a few rows away I noticed the large numbers of young girls lining up to do the same and I realized how great it is for these young ladies to be able to attend a professional women’s sporting event and have female athletes as their role models. The existence of the WPS also fosters a dream to many of them of one day playing professionally themselves.

In a previous article written for VaSoccerNews by Karen Ruberg, ‘The Influence of WPS on female youth players?, Karen discussed the

need to have female role models involved in the game of soccer throughout all levels of.

Former US Women’s National team member and Professional soccer player, Brandi Chastain even weighed in on the article saying:

It is important that girls and women see examples of themselves in all facets of life; sports, law, education, business, boardrooms, non-profit, family and otherwise because without an example, it is much more difficult to encourage and foster the belief that they too can dream and become whomever they wish. Those are my two cents.

The existence of the WPS is so important especially to youth players and female youth players in particular and who better to explain the value and importance than the players and fans themselves.

So, Virginia Online Soccer News announces a contest to discover the answer to the question: "What the WPS Means to Me?"

Here are the details of the writing contest by VaSoccerNews.com:

1. Title = "What the WPS Means to Me?"
2. Must be 18 yrs. or younger to enter.
3. Submission should be between 250-500 words.
4. Three finalists will be chosen and readers will get to vote to select the Winner.
5. Winning submission will be published on VaSoccerNews.blogspot.com, Washington Freedom website, AllWhiteKit.com, and 90:00 Soccer Magazine.
6. Prize = Winner will receive 2 tickets to a Washington Freedom home game @ Maryland SoccerPlex.
7. Winner will be determined and notified on July 31, 2010.

To enter your submission for consideration click on the button below and good luck!

Abby, Marta, and Mia Hamm will all be in one place; at the Maryland SoccerPlex

Washington Freedom Coaches Club - Weekend Highlights
Friday, July 23rd

The Washington Freedom are hosting the upcoming Washington Freedom/Athletes for Hope charity game this Friday at 4:30 p.m at the Maryland SoccerPlex. Freedom Alumni will be playing a 6 v. 6 game against the Montgomery County Police Department to benefit the Sharon Margaux charity.

There will be a Q&A session following the game with the Freedom Alumni as well. This game is open to the public, so come on out for a great cause!

For more infomation about the Sharon Margaux charity please click HERE.

Saturday, July 24th

The Freedom have a big game coming up this weekend---maybe the biggest game all season! Abby, Marta, and Mia Hamm will all be in one place; at the Maryland SoccerPlex! Come and check out 3 of the best women's soccer players, we have plenty of opportunitites for you!

Want to meet Mia Hamm? The Freedom Alumni will be taking pictures with the first 12 groups to sign up prior to the game (50+ tickets sold). The Alumni will also be inducting a new member at halftime.

Abby and Marta come head-to-head once again. So far Marta has come out on top, at the All-Star game as well as their last meeting, FC Gold Pride won the game 3-2. But we think Abby is due for a victory this game!

Please contact Jaclyn Benjamin if you would like to witness one of Freedom's most exciting games this season! Call 240-449-1620 or email jaclyn.benjamin@washingtonfreedom.com.

Thanks and GO FREEDOM!

Quick Breakdown

• Friday, July 23rd
• 4:30pm Freedom Alumni vs. Montgomery County Police Department charity game
• Q & A session immediately following.
• Game is open to the public, but donations are highly encouraged to benefit the Sharon Margaux charity.
• Saturday, July 24th
• 5:00pm Freedom Alumni pictur
• There's just a few spots left so sign up today! (50+ tickets sold)
• 6:00pm Freedom FANFEST
• 7:00pm Washington Freedom vs. FC Gold Pride.
• Abby & Marta come face-to-face again, who will come out on top this time??

Ticket Prices

Youth Soccer discounts apply!!

• Premier Sideline: $20 (savings of $15)
• Unreserved Bleacher Lower: $18 (savings of $7)
• Unreserved Bleacher Upper: $15 (savings of $5)

How the United States can still win a World Cup!

By Chris Wimmer 

Just because the U.S. Men’s team was eliminated doesn’t mean you will have to wait four more years to see America have a chance to win a World Cup. Some of the best female soccer players including: Brazil - Marta (FC Gold Pride) Formiga & Cristiane (Chicago Red Stars), France - Sonia Bompastor (Washington Freedom), Camille Abily (FC Gold Pride), Germany - Shelley Thompson (Atlanta Beat), Japan - Homare Sawa (Washington Freedom), England - Eniola Aluko (Atlanta Beat), and of course many more will be competing in next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011.

The Women’s National Team is preparing for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup to be played in Germany 2011 (June 26 – July 17). There have been five Women’s World Cup tournaments (China – 1991 & 2007, Sweden - 1995, and U.S.A – 1999 & 2003) with the U.S. winning twice and finishing 3rd their other three appearances. The most recent FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking the Americans held the #1 spot, followed by #2 Germany (host country), and #3 Brazil.

So if you are a fan of U.S. soccer you will be able to cheer on your country again with the realistic expectations of the Women's National team bringing home the trophy for an unprecedented 3rd time. Now if we could just somehow get the women the same level media coverage as the men, even though the women are much more dominant and respected in the international soccer/futbol scene their coverage is minimul at best. Don't forget it was the now famous U.S. Women's National team of the 1990's, led by Hamm, Akers, Chastain, Lilly, and Foudy that caused the explosive growth in youth soccer that has continued to this day all over America.

For those of you soccer fans that feel U.S. soccer is the closest it has ever been to reaching the tipping point and coming out of the shadows of the "three major sports" and joining that group, I agree and hope the women can repeat their quality tournament performances we have grown  to expect.

Pia Sundhage calls on three Washington Freedom Players

The United States Women’s National Soccer Team head coach has called up three players from the Washington Freedom to play in two upcoming international matches versus Sweden next month. The U.S. will be hosting Sweden on July 13 in Omaha, Nebraska and July 17 in East Hartford, Connecticut. The Freedom players selected are midfielder Sarah Huffman and Allie Long as well as forward Abby Wambach. The complete list of players selected by Coach Pia Sundage can be found here: U.S. Women’s Roster.

The Women’s National Team is preparing for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup to be played in Germany 2011 (June 26 – July 17). There have been five Women’s World Cup tournaments (China – 1991 & 2007, Sweden - 1995, and U.S.A – 1999 & 2003) with the U.S. winning twice and finishing 3rd their other three appearances. The most recent FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking the Americans held the #1 spot, followed by #2 Germany (host country), and #3 Brazil.

(photos property of: Howard C. Smith | isiphotos.net)

Just because the U.S. Men’s team was eliminated doesn’t mean you will have to wait four more years to see America have a chance to win a World Cup. Come out to a Washington Freedom game to support Huffman, Long, and Wamback as they compete in the WPS against the world’s best female soccer players including: Brazil - Marta (FC Gold Pride) Formiga & Cristiane (Chicago Red Stars), France - Sonia Bompastor (Washington Freedom), Camille Abily (FC Gold Pride), Germany - Shelley Thompson (Atlanta Beat), Japan - Homare Sawa (Washington Freedom), England - Eniola Aluko (Atlanta Beat), and of course many more who will be competing in next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011.

Interview with Yael Averbuch of Sky Blue FC (WPS) and U.S. National Team

(photo property of Sky Blue FC)

In January of 2010 at the NSCAA Coaches Convention in Philadelphia, I attended the women in soccer breakfast where I had the chance to hear an amazing speech about the importance of focusing on the journey of success and not merely the end result. The speech was given by Yael Averbuch who plays for Sky Blue FC (WPS) and the U.S. Women's National Team and can be read in its entirety here.

6/24/2010 - Today Virginia Online Soccer News is lucky enough to be able to interview Yael and follow up with her about where her journey has taken her since that inspiring speech.

VASoccerNews: Thank you for taking the time to respond to our interview since I am sure you must be extremely busy in the middle of the WPS 2010 season with Sky Blue FC.

Yael Averbuch: Yes, the season is busy, but I always love talking about soccer and WPS, so I’m excited to be able to answer some questions.

VSN: Speaking of the WPS season how is your second season with Sky Blue FC going personally and as a team?

Yael Averbuch: This season is very different from last season so far. Everything with Sky Blue FC was new last year. No one, including myself, knew what to expect in terms of facilities, level of play, training, and how it would all turn out. Personally, I am a lot more confident on the field this year. I know what to expect and have had a lot of game experience now, which has helped me to make more of an impact for Sky Blue FC. Every season has its ups and downs, but as a team Sky Blue FC has a much better perspective this year. Having been in last place for a while last season and coming back to win the Championship, we are much more able to keep things in perspective this year and learn from each win or loss along the way.

VSN: When you began playing soccer at age 7 did you ever imagine having the opportunity to play professional soccer in the United States and better yet for your home team?

Yael Averbuch: I could not have dreamed of a more perfect situation than I have right now. When I started playing soccer there was no professional league. It was perfect timing when WPS started up right after my college eligibility was finished, and to be drafted to New Jersey (my home state) made me incredibly happy.

VSN: Recently my daughter and I attended a local WPS Washington Freedom game where she was able to meet players and get there autographs, do you enjoy the fact that the WPS is so good at promoting fan interaction?

Yael Averbuch: I think fan interaction is essential to WPS. Our goal as players is not only to provide entertainment to our fan base and to build that base, but to ensure that those young girls in the stands will have a place to play if that’s what they dream of. Without our fans, the league could not exist. We want to be as available as possible to our fans and I always enjoy meeting fans, taking photos, and signing autographs.

VSN: Many athletes in the past have said they should not be seen as role models, how do you feel about having young girls look up to you as a role model, especially those young girls who play soccer and would like to play in the WPS someday?

Yael Averbuch: I believe that all the women in WPS are great role models and SHOULD be seen as that. I can remember watching the Women’s National Team and WUSA games as a young girl, and wanting to be just like those women. For a young girl to dream of playing soccer professionally, they must see us, see our effort on the field, see our skill, and see the way in which we handle ourselves off the field. It is so important that they realize that we are all smart, talented, driven women, and that they are capable of being the same.

VSN: Recently the St. Louis Atletica WPS team stopped operations, what impact has this had so far on the WPS season?

Yael Averbuch: Thankfully, WPS franchises are owned independently, so the biggest impact has been merely scheduling changes. The league has done a very good job of making minimal changes to the schedule, and many of the players from St. Louis have been picked up by other teams. Sky Blue FC was lucky enough to add Kendall Fletcher (a teammate of mine from UNC) to our roster.

VSN: The U.S. Woman’s National team has always been known to be at the top of the list in woman’s national soccer. How much of an asset is having the ability to play in competitive leagues (WPS) against other top international players to prepare for the U.S. Women’s National team for tournaments and more importantly the upcoming 2011 Women’s World Cup in Germany?

Yael Averbuch: I think that the experience many American women have gained playing WPS has been very beneficial. Not only does the league provide an environment for weekly high level competition, but it has allowed us to learn from the international players. Each team is allowed five international players, and I’ve noticed that each country represented brings a slightly different style and sophistication about the game. It is great to be able to play with and against these players, and it is great preparation for the U.S. team.

VSN: What are your short term professional goals as a player?

Yael Averbuch: I want to score my first WPS goal!

VSN: Where do you see yourself five years after you have finished your playing career? Do you imagine you may get into coaching and if so at which level (i.e. youth, High School, College, or Professional)?

Yael Averbuch: I want to start a development academy. My vision is to train individuals and small groups, focusing more on the technical aspects of the game.

VSN: Finally, with regards to the “Journey” soccer has brought you over your lifetime and career, what new obstacles have you faced since delivering your speech at the NSCAA Convention in Philadelphia? What opportunities have come your way since then? Will there ever be a pinnacle in your soccer Journey where you will finally say “I made it”?

Yael Averbuch: Wow, I could write a whole essay answering this question, but I’ll start by saying that I’m fairly certain I will never say, “I made it.” I truly believe that this journey has no destination, but instead is a continual learning process, which provides me with incredible joy and passion. The more I play, the more I see that every player—no matter how much they have achieved—goes through the same ups and downs. Since my speech, I have gone through periods of low confidence, been sick and had to miss a game, struggled with being subbed out when I didn’t feel I should have…I am thankful to say that none of these obstacles have been gigantic, but they are unavoidable within the process. And the positive opportunities that have come my way have far outweighed any hard times. I have gotten five more caps with the National Team, traveled to Portugal to play, earned a starting spot for Sky Blue FC, and had the chance to play and train with a wonderful collection of people who I learn from every day. Some times it is hard and I get frustrated, disappointed, cry, scream. But this process allows me to wake up every day excited and it inspires me to be the best person I can be. So maybe, in truth, I can already say “I made it.”

VSN: Thanks to Yael Averbuch for and taking time in her extremely busy schedule to answer our questions. Best of luck on your continued success.

Yael Averbuch: Thank YOU!

U.S. Women’s National Team has Dominant Performance vs. Germany

On May 22nd in Cleveland, Ohio with a 4-0 shutout of 2-time defending Women’s World Cup Champions Germany, the U.S. Women’s National team made a statement that they are once again the best team in the world.