USWNT Featured on ABC's NIGHTLINE

Check out this ABC NIGHTLINE feature about the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team:

The Lonely Position - Watch and Learn

I think back to me as a 9 or 10 year old growing up in Sunny Braintree!

1. Did i have a goalkeeper coach..... Nope....
2. Did i have Sky Sports (Cable TV)... Nope...
3. Did i have season tickets to a Premier League Club...Nope
4. "You tube" and the internet where most certainly not on the scene yet!

Well what did i have??

Anyone who ever grew up or has spent time in the UK will most certainly heard of "Match Of The Day" for those who have not it is a Football/Soccer highlight show that is shown every Saturday night with highlights from all of the Premier League games.

Each Saturday night i would record it on VCR and watch it on a Sunday Morning before i went off to play for my team!

Any spare time i had i would be at the park with my friends we would turn our bikes upside down and use them as goal posts and we would each be our favorite player.

I was lucky to grow up around some of the best keepers Seamen, Schmeichel, Kahn, Southall, Miklosko.

And looking back, watching these guys is how i learnt the trade! how do they move, how do they dive, are they vocal.

Euro 96 - David Seamen Penalty saves he would always step one way and go the other! i remember practicing this with my mates over the park,
Peter Schmeichel after making a huge save would always then go and scream at his defenders! Again something i would do!

So enough about my childhood and all that jazz what is my point...

If you coach a youth team in America go to your goalkeeper and ask them name me 5 players that play your position... here will be there answer Casillas, Howard, Cech, De Gea maybe Valdez. You watch them struggle to name 5!

Even harder is if you coach a girls team... name me 5 Female Goalkeepers? they will name you one...Hope Solo, that will be the extent of their knowledge.

Next question how did they do in their last game?? silence.....errr i dunnooo??

How do these kids expect to become as good as these athletes if they do not watch how they move or the way they deal with situations.

And i hear all the excuses.. we don't have Fox Soccer, We can't get to the games, I can't afford the tickets.

Go to a high school Varsity game and watch, Some of us are lucky to have a college team near us to go watch even better a pro team and the Goalkeepers that i coach should have no excuse with DC United, Washington Spirit, George Mason University, Georgetown University to name a few less then a hours drive away.

If you play the sport and aspire to go far within that sport WATCH THE GAME and try to understand why these players are doing certain things.

If your Son or Daughter plays Soccer and they want a Xbox for their Birthday or a Bike, Get them a ticket to a Soccer Game instead with a Jersey and a players name on the back then watch how excited they get from that experience.

Saturday the Washington Spirit we had our Home Opener with over 4500 people packing the SoccerPlex many of those young Soccer Players- Great to See!
I hope these girls could go home and name at least 3 players from each team or at least 3 players that play in positions they play.

Ok so you cant get to a game, i cant remember the last time i met someone who doesn't have the internet its a part of our life now....food,water,internet!
So get onto youtube with your young goalkeepers or email the Goalkeeper from your team links to "Great saves" videos or "goalkeeper training" videos GET THEM INSPIRED!

Anyone coming to a Spirit game the players always sign autographs and talk to the fans after the game. All you with young female goalkeepers come watch and learn from Ashlyn and Chantel both of them are not only great goalkeepers but great role models for up and coming Female Goalkeepers.

I know i talk about the Spirit a lot over my last few blogs and it is because i know and see it first hand how great the two GKs are that i work with and how young female goalkeepers can benefit from watching and interacting with them.

Would love to hear your feedback on the blog feel free to tweet me @GKeepersUnited, again thanks for taking time to read my thoughts!


The Lonely Position - Voodoo Goalkeepers!

The Lonely Position - "It's Good To Talk"

The Audacity of Hope...Solo

By Chris Wimmer

This past Christmas I received a copy of 'A Memoir of Hope' which I was eager to read. Now, I am not an expert book reviewer but am a huge soccer fan and supporter of women's soccer so this book seemed to be right up my alley with regards to reading.

NWSL Player Allocation announced, Washington Spirit player list revealed

Today US Soccer officially announced the National team player allocations for all eight of the clubs in the newly formed National Women's Soccer League. 

NWSL Announces Allocation of 55 National Team Players to Eight Clubs

The list of US National Team players allocated for the Washington Spirit is below:

Washington Spirit
Ashlyn Harris (USA)
Ali Krieger (USA)
Lori Lindsey (USA)
Robin Gayle (CAN)
Diana Matheson (CAN)
Alina Garciamendez (MEX)
Teresa Worbis (MEX)

Other notable players allocated to other league teams include FIFA Women's Player of the Year winner Abby Wambach (Western New York Flash), FIFA Women's Player of the Year nominee Alex Morgan (Portland Thorns FC), and often controversial goalkeeper Hope Solo (Seattle Reign FC).

Hope Solo Tests Positive for Banned Substance

With the 2012 London Olympics just weeks away, the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team is now forced to deal with an unwanted distraction as news that starting Goalkeeper, Hope Solo, has tested positive for a banned substance.

CHICAGO (July 9, 2012) - Below is a statement from U.S. Soccer regarding the public warning U.S. Women's National Team goalkeeper Hope Solo accepted for her prohibited substance violation which was announced today by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

"U.S. Soccer received notification from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency that Hope Solo tested positive for a banned substance from an out-of competition urine sample she provided on June 15. After discussions with Hope, we fully support her clarification that the positive test for Canrenone was due to the use of a prescribed medication from a personal doctor for pre-menstrual purposes and not related to performance enhancement in any way.


 
We fully cooperated with USADA during the disciplinary process to ensure it could be resolved quickly. Hope has accepted the public warning for her rule violation.

U.S. Soccer, Hope and the rest of the Women's National Team staff and players are looking forward to continuing preparations for the 2012 Olympics in London."

Following is the official statement from Hope Solo:

"I took a medication prescribed by my personal doctor for pre-menstrual purposes that I did not know contained a diuretic. Once informed of this fact, I immediately cooperated with USADA and shared with them everything they needed to properly conclude that I made an honest mistake, and that the medication did not enhance my performance in any way. As someone who believes in clean sport, I am glad to have worked with USADA to resolve this matter and I look forward to representing my country at the 2012 Olympic Games in London."

Click here for a link to the USADA press release and information on Canrenone

Click here for information on USADA testing

Wambach pledges goal for Richmond coach battling tumor

StoweStrong
By Pat McStay

The Virginia soccer community was hit hard a few weeks ago when William and Mary graduate and FC Richmond youth soccer coach, Ian Stowe was diagnosed with Germinoma, a type of germ cell tumor typically resulting from a failure of germ cells to migrate properly in the body. Stowe is currently at VCU Medical Center undergoing chemotherapy treatments. 


 Stowe was a fantastic player for the tribe and an up-and-coming coach with FC Richmond, but more importantly, he is a great person. U.S. Women's National team stars Abby Wambach and Hope Solo even sent a shout out to #stowestrong via Twitter. Wambach went so far as to tweet, “the next goal is for you!”

His family needs your help. Go to Facebook and like their page for more updates at #stowestrong.  You can also go to http://www.stowestrong.com/ to donate and email stowestrong@gmail.com to order a *t-shirt to help support their family and rising medical costs for this unforeseen illness.

*100% of the proceeds for the shirts will go to the Stowe family.

EA SPORTS FIFA Soccer 12 Takeover Tour coming to D.C.

You surely have by now seen the newest commercial for promoting the upcoming release of the ever-popular FIFA Soccer video game franchise. The commercial features athletes Landon Donovan, Hope Solo, Steve Nash, and Tim Lincecum.


 
Electronic Arts Inc., (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced the launch of the “EA SPORTS™ FIFA Soccer 12 Takeover Tour,” a nationwide, 40-city, six-week long program that showcases FIFA Soccer 12, the number one selling sports videogame franchise on the planet, and PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment systems. 

The tour is scheduled to arrive in Washington, D.C. on October 14th.

Throughout six weeks, two vehicles outfitted with 15 TVs along with 15 PS3™ systems, plus a full-time crew, will travel the East Coast while another team will visit West Coast cities.  At each Tour stop, fans will have the opportunity to play FIFA Soccer 12, as well as receive free prizes courtesy of EA SPORTS and PlayStation®, including Adidas-branded FIFA Soccer 12 T-shirts and the chance to win a PS3™ system.

The EA SPORTS FIFA Soccer 12 Takeover Tour will be supported by an integrated marketing campaign, including live Twitter feeds, Facebook fan page updates, PlayStation.com and more, that will drive game and tour awareness, in addition to driving attendance at Tour stops.

FIFA Soccer 12 will be available in stores September 27 in North America and September 30 worldwide for the PlayStation®3, Xbox 360®, PC, Mac, Wii™, PC, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo 3DS™, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, iPhone®, iPad™, and iPod® touch. The game will also be available for digital download on PC at origin.com.

For more information about the EA SPORTS FIFA Soccer 12 Takeover Tour, including specific Tour stop details, visit http://www.EA.com/soccer/news/FIFA-12-Takeover-Tour-1 or via the Tour’s Twitter Feed at http://twitter.com/EAFIFA12Tour.  Visit the official FIFA Soccer 12 game page at http://www.fifa.easports.com/. 

Wambach keeps scoring, leads USWNT over Canada

The leader of the U.S. Womens team, Abby Wambach has continued her dominant play (at the age of 31) on the field during a recent "Celebration Series" which included two friendlies with our northern neighbors, Canada.

Wambach has scored three goals in the two games and is playing some of the best soccer of her international career. Hungry and focused on winning a Gold Medal at the upcoming 2012 London Olympics, Wambach and the rest of the USWNT are surely going to head into that competition with a mindset that this team has something to prove to its fans and the rest of the soccer world - they are deserving of their FIFA #1 ranking.


 
I for one would not feel comfortable betting against this motivated group. Up next for the U.S. is a six week long break for the player (with exception of GK Hope Solo, currently participating on ABC's dancing with the stars) followed by another friendly Nov. 19 against Sweden at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

Click Here to Vote for Hope Solo on Dancing With the Stars

Hope Solo to compete on Dancing with the Stars

photo: property of ABC.com

Last night ABC TV announced the cast for the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars. Guess who was named to participate, none other than USWNT goalkeeper and 2011 Women's World Cup star Hope Solo.

Solo has been a marketing machine since returning this summer from Germany, having already inked deals with Gatorade and Bank of America. There have also been rumors that Solo will be posing nude for ESPN The Magazine.

So, with all this recent publicity you have to wonder is Hope quickly becoming bigger than women's soccer? Is she forging a new path for future generations of women's soccer players in America. And, will any/all of this marketing and self promotion help bring much needed attention to the struggling Women's Professional Soccer league?


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USWNT Fight Back, Silince Critics



Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP

 After all the unbelievable drama surrounding the 2011 Women's World Cup Quarterfinal match between the U.S. and Brazil it all came down to one play and one player who always seems to find herself right in the middle of most USWNT drama - goalkeeper, Hope Solo.

With quite possibly the most important penalty kick save in women's soccer history, Solo and the rest of the U.S. women not only silenced the many critics but also helped bring soccer back into the American conscious.

U.S. head coach PIA SUNDHAGE

On the drama of the match:

“I have no words. Phenomenal. The goal and then the PKs. Someone is writing this book. There is something about the American attitude to find a way to win. Unbelievable.“

With a slow start to this years World Cup Abby Wambach has now scored in two straight matches including her header that secured the tie for the Americans and kept them alive.

Abby Wambach On her goal:

“It was a perfect ball. (Megan Rapinoe) got an opportunity down the left flank and sent the ball in. It just popped over that defender's head. I was sitting on that back post. I’m so happy it went in.”

Now needing to beat France on Wednesday to advance to the Championship match of this years Women's World Cup in Germany, the USWNT will hope to ride the confidence earned from their amazing and surely instant classic win over 5-time FIFA Women's Player of The Year Marta and an always formidable opponent in Brazil.

The match will be July 13, 2011 on ESPN at 11:30 p.m.

Beat Brazil, Marta and USWNT advance to Semis

It is not an easy task by any measure but the equation is simple - beat Marta (click HERE to see what the U.S. defense faces) and Brazil to advance to the semi-final round of the 2011 Women's World Cup. Now all U.S. Head Coach Pia Sundhage has to do is figure out how to stop slow down 5-time FIFA Women's World Player of the year. Or, in the words of ESPN sportscenter anchors, you can't stop her you can only hope to contain her.

Sundhage On the USA's quarterfinal match with Brazil:


“What we will talk about from now on is playing in the final. In order to play in the final we need to step up and be sharper with our chances. We start with Brazil. That will motivate the players more and this is a big chance.”
 
This is not the easiest way to win a third Women's World Cup for the USWNT but it may be just the medicine this team needs. A win against a very strong Brazilian side would immediately pay dividends to boosting the confidence of the U.S. women (even though they say they already are confident).

The history is there for the Red, White, and Blue as well as for goalkeeping standout Hope Solo with the team having beat Brazil 1-0 to win the 2008 Olympic Gold Medal in China.

Solo On facing Brazil in the quarterfinal:


"We knew it could happen. Brazil's a great team with great individual players. Of course they have the best individual player [Marta] but there are holes. You can find holes in their defense and their midfield and there's space to play. If we come to play and play as a team we can come out on top. If we play well we can really take it to Brazil."
 
The U.S. plays Brazil July 10 in Dresded, Germany. The game will be on ESPN at 11 a.m.

U.S. Women's National Team Ready to Open 2011 Algarve Cup against Japan

U.S. WOMEN OPEN ALGARVE CUP AGAINST JAPAN: The U.S. Women’s National Team will open the 2011 Algarve Cup against Japan on March 2 at Municipal Stadium in Vila Real de San Antonio in what will be the first meeting between the teams since the semifinal of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. It will also be a clash of two of the top teams in the world with the USA currently ranked first and Japan fifth. All of the USA’s Group A games will kick off at 3 p.m. local time (10 a.m. ET) and fans can follow the action as it happens on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker and on Twitter @ussoccer_wnt. The Algarve Cup is a key component for U.S. head coach Pia Sundhage’s 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup preparation as this will be the final tournament for the USA before it heads to Germany in mid-June. By the time the match against Japan kicks off, the USA will have trained in Portugal for 10 days, with one day off, as Sundhage continues to formulate her roster, lineup and tactics for the sixth FIFA Women’s World Cup.

What to watch for in Virginia Soccer this Weekend (9/10 - 9/12)

NSCAA / Fox Soccer Channel Game of the Week
Men’s College Soccer –
#16 USF vs. Virginia Tech 9/10 @ 8p.m. Live on FSC

#2 Virginia vs. #7 Duke 9/11 @ 7p.m.

Women’s College Soccer –
35TH Annual Stihl Soccer Classic
William & Mary vs. West Virginia 9/10 @ 4:30p.m.
ODU vs. Rhode Island 9/10 @ 7p.m.
William & Mary vs. Rhode Island 9/12 @ Noon
ODU vs. West Virginia 9/12 @ 2:30p.m.

Women’s College Soccer –
2010 Virginia Nike Soccer Classic at Klöckner Stadium
#22 William & Mary vs. Boston University 9/10 @4:30p.m.
# 12 Virginia vs. Texas 9/10 @ 7p.m.
#22 William & Mary vs. Texas 9/12 @ Noon
#12 Virginia vs. Boston University 9/12 @ 2p.m.

WPS Playoff Race
Washington Freedom vs. Atlanta Beat 9/11 @ 7p.m.
2011 WPS All-Star team captain, Abby Wambach and the Freedom, in a must win game to make the playoffs in this regular season finale versus Hope Solo and the Atlanta Beat. The game will be played at the Maryland SoccerPlex. Live on CSN

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!

106.7 The Fan shows support @ Washington Freedom

This past Saturday my daughter and I had the TOTAL soccer experience.  For anyone who says Americans do not care about or support soccer, I wish you could have been at the SoccerPlex in Maryland on June 12.

Not only did we get to watch the first USA vs England World Cup match since the huge upset of team USA over the highly favored British team that was 60 years in the making, we also received V.I.P. treatment from Jaclyn Benjamin of the Washington Freedom.

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.