Have a look again at the dramatic game leveling goal:
And yes, it was very similar to the goal Abby scored in teh Semifinal match against France:
Showing posts with label Women's World Cup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Women's World Cup. Show all posts
Jul 14, 2011
Wambach Goal named ESPY Best Play for 2011
Should the U.S. go on to win their third Women's World Cup title against Japan this Sunday, the turning point for the USWNT will most surely be the goal from Abby Wambach against Brazil that tied the match and eventually allowed the U.S. women to win in penalty kicks. That goal has not only helped cement Wambach as one of the best USWNT players ever but has also helped raise awareness of soccer in America and united hardcore and casual fans alike. For that reason ESPN recognized Wambachs' goal and named it 'Best Play of 2011'.
Have a look again at the dramatic game leveling goal:
And yes, it was very similar to the goal Abby scored in teh Semifinal match against France:
Have a look again at the dramatic game leveling goal:
And yes, it was very similar to the goal Abby scored in teh Semifinal match against France:
Jul 13, 2011
Wambach does it again as U.S. Beats France, advance to Women's World Cup Final
For most of the first 60 minutes France controlled possession and former Wambach teammate, Sonia Bompastor beat U.S. keeper Hope Solo from distance to even the game at 1-1 early in the second half.
U.S. Head Coach Pia Sundhage made some important substitutions in the second half to help refresh the faltering U.S. attack by bringing in Megan Rapinoe and a short while later Alex Morgan.
Rapinoe looked to be the better of the two substitutions making her presence known on the left side of the attack for the Americans while Morgan struggled to finish a couple of good opportunities.
With nearly 20 plus minutes to go in regulation Wambach made a charge at the top of the box to seemingly be brought down by Bompastor of France but there was no call. A motivated Wambach charged right back moments later to connect on the end of a corner from Lauren Chaney. In a near replay of her goal against Brazil the former Washington Freedom star came to the rescue for the second straight match. Having started slowly this World Cup Wambach clearly has all cylinders firing.
On multiple plays substitute Alex Morgan was unable to finish on a couple of clear goal scoring opportunities and fell down on a play where had she kept her footing she would have easily had a one-on-one with the French goalkeeper. Instead Morgan eventually found the back of the net with a great left footed shot only minutes after Wambachs' go ahead goal. With the Morgan goal the U.S. had done it again and is now headed to the Women's World Cup final for the first time since 1999 where they won their second World Cup title.
Up next for the women representing the Red, White, and Blue is the winner of the other semi-final match between Japan and Sweden. Should Sweden advance it would set up a rematch for the U.S. against the only team to beat them this tournament when the USWNT fell to the Swedes 2-1 on July 6th.
Former Freedom players Wambach, Bompastor face off in Women's World Cup Semi
As head coach Pia Sundhage stated after the match, "There’s something to be said about this team. This American attitude of pulling everything together and bringing out the best performance in each other is contagious. I am very, very proud and I’m very, very happy to be the coach for the U.S. team.”
While we're all proud of what the team accomplished, the players and coaches have turned their focus to what lies ahead as they seek to make the United States the first nation to win a third FIFA Women's World Cup title.
| Sonia Bompastor of France w/Freedom scarf |
The USA faces France in the semifinals on Wednesday, July 13, with kickoff at 11:30 a.m. ET live on ESPN, ESPN3.com and Galavision. Fans can also follow on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker and on Twitter @ussoccer_wnt.
May 9, 2011
USWNT 2011 Women's World Cup Roster Announced
Goalkeepers: Nicole Barnhart (Philadelphia Independence), Jill Loyden (magicJack), Hope Solo (magicJack)
Defenders: Rachel Buehler (Boston Breakers), Stephanie Cox (Boston Breakers), Ali Krieger (out of contract), Amy LePeilbet (Boston Breakers), Heather Mitts (Atlanta Beat), Christie Rampone (magicJack), Becky Sauerbrunn (magicJack)
Midfielders: Shannon Boxx (magicJack), Tobin Heath (Sky Blue FC), Lori Lindsey (Philadelphia Independence), Carli Lloyd (Atlanta Beat), Heather O’Reilly (Sky Blue FC), Megan Rapinoe (Philadelphia Independence), Lindsay Tarpley (magicJack)
Forwards: Lauren Cheney (Boston Breakers), Alex Morgan (Western New York Flash), Amy Rodriguez (Philadelphia Independence), Abby Wambach (magicJack)
Dec 9, 2010
Two Hours With April (Heinrichs)
Article reprinted with permission of the author: Coree Reuter
Coree grew up in the backwoods of the Pacific Northwest, where she played in mud puddles, rode horses and kicked soccer balls throughout her childhood. After graduation from Centenary College (NJ) in 2008, she relocated to Virginia where she works as a journalist. Even as an adult, she combines her passion and zest for life with a determination to make a difference, seeks to inspire others and encourage young and old to dream big every day. Currently, she is pursuing a semi-professional career in soccer coaching, with hope that she can pass on the values and lessons she herself learned from The Beautiful Game. She’s also passionate about travel and is looking forward to spending three weeks in Europe with her family this December, as well as climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2011 with her brother, Justin.
Two Hours With April
Seven years ago I sat in the stands, my face proudly splashed with the colors of our nation, as the United States’ Women’s Soccer Team took on Germany in the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals in my own backyard. I remember the excitement of that game. The way the fans rallied around those women and carried them despite the heartbreaking loss to the Germans. I remember standing in the bleachers just behind the corner flag and watching my idol Briana Scurry stalk her goal box. I remember the effortless grace of the women on the field, and how easy they made the game look. How beautiful the game suddenly became.
And even though the women lost that day, the fans wouldn’t stop cheering for them. We chanted “USA!” for what felt like hours after the final whistle.
It was that moment that opened my eyes to how soccer is supposed to be played: with passion and grace, elegance, pride, strength, finesse, creativity, zest and heart. I suddenly understood what it really meant to leave your heart on the field.
Seven years ago I never imagined I’d be where I am now, and I certainly would have had a good chuckle if you would have told me I would end up being a soccer coach after college, and that I would taking a coaching clinic with April Heinrichs herself.
April was a guest lecturer at the Junior VI clinic this past weekend, and she was a wonderful addition to our coaching education. Her first lecture, “The Role Of The Coach” provided us with view of the many qualities and responsibilities we have as coaches. Her second lecture, on systems of play, gave us a fabulous history lesson on how the womens’ national team has evolved. At the beginning of the first lecture, she said that most of us know what a good coach is because we’ve either played for a good one, or a bad one who we never want to emulate.
She first discussed the difference between a manager and a coach — managers have subordinates; coaches have followers, managers tell; coaches show, managers are task oriented; coaches are people oriented. She also mentioned that more and more companies are utilizing coaching techniques in business, which i found really interesting and plan on reading up on the topic more. The main thing that stood out for me, though, is the idea that we aren’t just coaches, but that we are leaders.
So what is a leader, anyway? A leader, by definition, isn’t very exciting, but leadership plays a huge role in team sports and in our lives. Leaders give us a direction and a goal, leaders show us how to accomplish our tasks, leaders encourage us, and drive us, and push us to be better even though we might not know they’re standing behind us. A leader is a “trusted adviser to help us reach our goals”.
Am I a leader?
It’s just another one of those parts of soccer (and life) that’s filled with many shades of gray, isn’t it? I think, though, that April can help us discover where we are in our coaching career with these key points of leadership.
VISION — see the end first, then explore how to get there. Set your goals for the end of the season and work backward for success. Setting goals is so important, not only in soccer, but in life, and April strongly encouraged us to have our players set personal goals, set team goals, and as a coach, set your own personal coaching goals.
TRUST — must be earned, especially with girls! Build a relationship with your players and show that your worth. Show that you are a positive role model on and off the field. Sometimes you have to get players to “buy in” to your program and get everyone on the same ship, rowing the same direction. This can take time and patience. You must be accountable and constantly evaluate yourself to make sure you’re setting positive examples.
COMMUNICATION — Must be two-way. Your players should have a clear understanding of the direction you want to go. You should give criticism the way you would want to receive it, and you should be honest and tactful.
BUILDING CONFIDENCE — always try and build up your players, not break them down. Teach them that they do have control of the game, and if you are giving criticism, sandwich it with positives. You should try to show your players unconditional support and belief in them as people and players.
PROBLEM SOLVER — Develop self-coaches, problem solvers and leaders. Encourage them to ask questions and be creative in their approach to the game and life. Soccer is the players’ game. Let them play it! Facilitate their growth, but don’t decapitate their decision making.
PREPARATION — Always have a plan, but be flexible. Provide your players a competitive and positive environment. April believes that there is no such thing as being too competitive, and that competitive spirit is what brings players to the field. “Soccer is a metaphor for life,” she said. “Don’t rationalize losing.” The players want structure and discipline in their sessions, but they don’t want dictators. Rule with flexibility.
“LESS IS MORE” — Find a training rhythm that works for you, and learn to take a step back. The American game is famous for having some of the hardest working players in the world. When we fail, we want to work harder. But sometimes, it’s better to take a step back, breath, and let the game be what it is … a game. Surprise your team on occasion. Let them decide what they want to do for part of practice. Freedom is so important in the game. Let them play. Let them love the game as often as possible.
STANDARDS — Set clear expectations and enforce them. Challenge them to become better every day. Set the bar, reach it, then raise it. But don’t cut corners. Don’t teach them that cutting corners is okay. Being the best is not about cutting corners.
BUILD CHEMISTRY — Find players that compliment each other. Build the chemistry between the players, players and the coaches, between the coaches. Your team and all the people involved with it should work seamlessly together.
CULTURE — How do we do things? What do we stand for? What are we about? What are our values? April spoke about the current women’s national team coach, Pia Sundhage, and how she comes to training with this air about her that says, “I love the game, do you love it as much as me? Let’s play!” What do you embody as a coach?
April finished her first lecture by asking two simple questions. We know what a coach is supposed to be, but do we embody it? We know what a coach is supposed to be, and can we grow?
Attending these coaching courses certainly provides you with an opportunity to grow, but will you embrace the lessons? You could pay all the money in the world, qualify for all the highest licenses out there, but if you are so rigid in your views and refuse to change, the game and it’s players will pass you by.
After April was finished, I personally thanked her for her advice, and spoke with her about how I could get my foot in the door. I asked her if a division III soccer player could ever find herself coaching at the highest levels of soccer. She smiled and reminded me of something I’ve always believed in.
“If you show you have something to offer, and you show your worth, then it doesn’t matter where you come from.”
Thank you, April Heinrichs, for inadvertently inspiring me all those years ago, and for giving me the confidence to keep pushing forward. I will never be able to play like my many idols, but maybe someday I can coach like one.
Also by Coree:
Am I an Ethical Coach?
Coree grew up in the backwoods of the Pacific Northwest, where she played in mud puddles, rode horses and kicked soccer balls throughout her childhood. After graduation from Centenary College (NJ) in 2008, she relocated to Virginia where she works as a journalist. Even as an adult, she combines her passion and zest for life with a determination to make a difference, seeks to inspire others and encourage young and old to dream big every day. Currently, she is pursuing a semi-professional career in soccer coaching, with hope that she can pass on the values and lessons she herself learned from The Beautiful Game. She’s also passionate about travel and is looking forward to spending three weeks in Europe with her family this December, as well as climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2011 with her brother, Justin.
Two Hours With April
Seven years ago I sat in the stands, my face proudly splashed with the colors of our nation, as the United States’ Women’s Soccer Team took on Germany in the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals in my own backyard. I remember the excitement of that game. The way the fans rallied around those women and carried them despite the heartbreaking loss to the Germans. I remember standing in the bleachers just behind the corner flag and watching my idol Briana Scurry stalk her goal box. I remember the effortless grace of the women on the field, and how easy they made the game look. How beautiful the game suddenly became.
And even though the women lost that day, the fans wouldn’t stop cheering for them. We chanted “USA!” for what felt like hours after the final whistle.
It was that moment that opened my eyes to how soccer is supposed to be played: with passion and grace, elegance, pride, strength, finesse, creativity, zest and heart. I suddenly understood what it really meant to leave your heart on the field.
Seven years ago I never imagined I’d be where I am now, and I certainly would have had a good chuckle if you would have told me I would end up being a soccer coach after college, and that I would taking a coaching clinic with April Heinrichs herself.
April was a guest lecturer at the Junior VI clinic this past weekend, and she was a wonderful addition to our coaching education. Her first lecture, “The Role Of The Coach” provided us with view of the many qualities and responsibilities we have as coaches. Her second lecture, on systems of play, gave us a fabulous history lesson on how the womens’ national team has evolved. At the beginning of the first lecture, she said that most of us know what a good coach is because we’ve either played for a good one, or a bad one who we never want to emulate.
She first discussed the difference between a manager and a coach — managers have subordinates; coaches have followers, managers tell; coaches show, managers are task oriented; coaches are people oriented. She also mentioned that more and more companies are utilizing coaching techniques in business, which i found really interesting and plan on reading up on the topic more. The main thing that stood out for me, though, is the idea that we aren’t just coaches, but that we are leaders.
So what is a leader, anyway? A leader, by definition, isn’t very exciting, but leadership plays a huge role in team sports and in our lives. Leaders give us a direction and a goal, leaders show us how to accomplish our tasks, leaders encourage us, and drive us, and push us to be better even though we might not know they’re standing behind us. A leader is a “trusted adviser to help us reach our goals”.
Am I a leader?
It’s just another one of those parts of soccer (and life) that’s filled with many shades of gray, isn’t it? I think, though, that April can help us discover where we are in our coaching career with these key points of leadership.
VISION — see the end first, then explore how to get there. Set your goals for the end of the season and work backward for success. Setting goals is so important, not only in soccer, but in life, and April strongly encouraged us to have our players set personal goals, set team goals, and as a coach, set your own personal coaching goals.
TRUST — must be earned, especially with girls! Build a relationship with your players and show that your worth. Show that you are a positive role model on and off the field. Sometimes you have to get players to “buy in” to your program and get everyone on the same ship, rowing the same direction. This can take time and patience. You must be accountable and constantly evaluate yourself to make sure you’re setting positive examples.
COMMUNICATION — Must be two-way. Your players should have a clear understanding of the direction you want to go. You should give criticism the way you would want to receive it, and you should be honest and tactful.
BUILDING CONFIDENCE — always try and build up your players, not break them down. Teach them that they do have control of the game, and if you are giving criticism, sandwich it with positives. You should try to show your players unconditional support and belief in them as people and players.
PROBLEM SOLVER — Develop self-coaches, problem solvers and leaders. Encourage them to ask questions and be creative in their approach to the game and life. Soccer is the players’ game. Let them play it! Facilitate their growth, but don’t decapitate their decision making.
PREPARATION — Always have a plan, but be flexible. Provide your players a competitive and positive environment. April believes that there is no such thing as being too competitive, and that competitive spirit is what brings players to the field. “Soccer is a metaphor for life,” she said. “Don’t rationalize losing.” The players want structure and discipline in their sessions, but they don’t want dictators. Rule with flexibility.
“LESS IS MORE” — Find a training rhythm that works for you, and learn to take a step back. The American game is famous for having some of the hardest working players in the world. When we fail, we want to work harder. But sometimes, it’s better to take a step back, breath, and let the game be what it is … a game. Surprise your team on occasion. Let them decide what they want to do for part of practice. Freedom is so important in the game. Let them play. Let them love the game as often as possible.
STANDARDS — Set clear expectations and enforce them. Challenge them to become better every day. Set the bar, reach it, then raise it. But don’t cut corners. Don’t teach them that cutting corners is okay. Being the best is not about cutting corners.
BUILD CHEMISTRY — Find players that compliment each other. Build the chemistry between the players, players and the coaches, between the coaches. Your team and all the people involved with it should work seamlessly together.
CULTURE — How do we do things? What do we stand for? What are we about? What are our values? April spoke about the current women’s national team coach, Pia Sundhage, and how she comes to training with this air about her that says, “I love the game, do you love it as much as me? Let’s play!” What do you embody as a coach?
April finished her first lecture by asking two simple questions. We know what a coach is supposed to be, but do we embody it? We know what a coach is supposed to be, and can we grow?
Attending these coaching courses certainly provides you with an opportunity to grow, but will you embrace the lessons? You could pay all the money in the world, qualify for all the highest licenses out there, but if you are so rigid in your views and refuse to change, the game and it’s players will pass you by.
After April was finished, I personally thanked her for her advice, and spoke with her about how I could get my foot in the door. I asked her if a division III soccer player could ever find herself coaching at the highest levels of soccer. She smiled and reminded me of something I’ve always believed in.
“If you show you have something to offer, and you show your worth, then it doesn’t matter where you come from.”
Thank you, April Heinrichs, for inadvertently inspiring me all those years ago, and for giving me the confidence to keep pushing forward. I will never be able to play like my many idols, but maybe someday I can coach like one.
Also by Coree:
Am I an Ethical Coach?
Nov 9, 2010
Abby Wambach carrying USWNT in Women's World Cup Qualifying 2010
Abby Wambach does it again, with two more goals in the USWNT match against Costa Rica. Wambach has eight goals in four games as the US women are faced with a problem they have never imagined, they are having to fight to win a spot in the upcoming Women's World Cup after a loss (first ever in WC qualifying) to Mexico on November 5th.
Before US soccer fans and haters buy into all the naysayers predictions of impending doom for this version of the most successful international women's soccer team, remember this years team has outscored its opponents 22-2 in five Women's World Cup qualifying games. Since the tournament began in 1991 the US has won twice (1991, 1995) and finished 3rd three times (1995, 2003, 2007).
Though at times they have not looked as dominant as the USWNT teams of the past 19 years, the team is full of talented young players like Alex Morgan (3 app., 2 g), Yael Averbuch (2 app., 1 g), and Amy Rodriguez (3 app., 4 g).
The young players are supported by the aforementioned Abby Wambach who has taken the lead on the field and is doing all she can to prevent them from not qualifying for a Women's World Cup for the first time in its short history. By leading her team to victory over Costa Rica on Monday, Wambach and the USWNT secured third place and, with it, a play-off against Italy for a place at Germany 2011.
The team will now head to Italy for a two-game, total-goals playoff: Nov. 20 in Padova, Italy, and Nov. 27 at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. The winner will advance to next summer's World Cup in Germany.
To watch a Replay of the game go here: ESPN 3 Replay: US vs Costa Rica
Oct 8, 2010
Will the True US Soccer Fans Please Stand up, or at least Show up
To put this in perspective, the final 5 friendly matches for the 1998 USWNT played in the US averaged over 19,000 fans per game (http://homepages.sover.net/~spectrum/usawomen.html). Compare 1998 to the last 5 matches played this year in the US which averaged around 6,500. This staggering drop off in attendance should be cause for concern.
The US Women’s National Soccer team was facing China in an international friendly match as it prepares for the upcoming 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany. With the memory of the strong run by the US Men’s National team still somewhat fresh in the minds of American soccer fans how is it that only 2,505 fans would show up to support this team. Is it simply another example of the lack of respect and support for women’s sports in our country and by our media? Yes the game was broadcast on T.V. by ESPN 2 but I can guarantee the producers and sponsors took notice of the empty seats throughout PPL Park throughout the airing.
While the WPS is attempting to save its league and hopes to outlast its predecessor, the WUSA, it surely was not a positive sign that so few people were interested in the USWNT televised game featuring many WPS premier players and marquee names. The women’s national team roster vs. China included 18 players, all but one of them current WPS players. The lone college player on the roster, Alex Morgan (CAL) scored the only goal for the US to salvage a tie and keep the teams 48 game unbeaten streak alive. The bulk of the roster includes some of the best in the world like veterans Abby Wambach (142 caps, 109 goals), the ageless Kristine Lilly (349c, 130g), Lindsay Tarpley (120c, 30g), as well as young stars Morgan, Amy Rodriguez, Yael Averbuch, and Lauren Chaney.
U.S. forward ABBY WAMBACH
On the performance and result:
We are all so used to playing at a certain level and I think today was a bit about competition. We’re all coming off a long WPS season and we’re on different pages. It makes sense, it’s not something to worry about because we’ll fix it. At the end of the day it’s great that we competed to get that goal, the equalizer. I’m really excited for Alex – it’s her first goal in her third cap. She’s going to do really well for this team in the future. It’s a big time goal for her to come in with off the bench.
Though the women did not have their best showing they were able to fight from behind which they rarely must do to come out with the tie.
U.S. head coach PIA SUNDHAGE
On coming from behind to get the tie:
There’s something to be said about that last 15 minutes. If you look at Yael Averbuch and Alex Morgan, they came in and changed the game quite a bit. We changed the formation a little bit at the same time. I’m very happy about the lessons we learned today.
The lack of support for the best women’s soccer team in the world in its last game on home turf before heading to the Women’s World Cup is not only embarrassing as a fan of soccer but also as an American sports fan. Since when did Americans stop recognizing winners? Could it really be that American sports fans and media outlets still have not realized the importance of supporting women’s sports?
Even though ESPN 2 covered the game the video highlights of the match were nowhere to be found on the ESPN website. The casual sports fan browsing ESPN.com on October 7th would most likely not have even known the game was played the night before.
For those of you who believe the lack of support is not gender related, the attendance figures for the upcoming USMNT friendlies against Poland (Oct. 9, Chicago) and Columbia (Oct. 12, Philadelphia) will provide the answer.
Sep 17, 2010
Sundhage selects Two Washington Freedom Players for Prelim Roster
Sundhage will open a training camp in Kennesaw, outside of Atlanta, on Sept. 20. For each game versus China, 18 players will suit up. The US Women's National Team and coach Sundhage are preparing forthe 2010 CONCACAF Women’s World Cup Qualifying tournament, taking place from Oct. 28-Nov. 9 in Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
Jul 5, 2010
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.
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.
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.
Jun 29, 2010
Pia Sundhage calls on three Washington Freedom Players
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)