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.

What Ever Happened To The Most Famous Bra in Soccer?

By Chris Wimmer 

In the wake of one of the most important goals in U.S. Soccer history by Landon Donovan with his extra-time game winning goal many people are reminded of another (possibly most memorable) goal for U.S. Soccer's past. None other than Brandi Chastain's 1999 Women's World Cup game winning penalty kick.

Well have you ever wondered what happened to the notorious sports bra worn by Brandi during this defining moment in U.S. Soccer? Check out the video posted by Brandi Chastain herself:

How Controversial Call Might Actually Help U.S. Soccer and Future FIFA Matches.

Unless you are from another planet (some might say Koman Coulibaly IS) you have heard about and seen or not seen for that matter, the controversial call that most likely cost the U.S. Men's national team 3 points for the win versus Slovenia last Friday and maybe even a chance to advance to the next round in the World Cup.

Of course many U.S. soccer supporters may possibly never get over this call by Coulibaly and rightfully so since it was a complete disgrace to both soccer and competitive sports in general. But it got me thinking, is it possible that there may be some positive side effects caused by his critical error and subsequent media storm?

Traditional vs. new media – Will women’s sports ever get equal coverage?

Very interesting article discussing the lack of coverage of women’s sports is lower than ever in 2009.
Traditional vs. New Media; Will Women's Sports ever get Equal Coverage?. The article is posted by Amanda Vandervort of Soccer Science.


Soccer Science,

The Neurotic Genius of Soccer in the Digital Age, takes a look at the technologies that are revolutionizing the way we see the beautiful game, from the personal perspective of Amanda Vandervort – former college coach, web geek and fan of professional soccer.

Do you feel the discrepancy in coverage is acceptable?

Annoying World Cup Horns -- The Silver Lining

This is a great story to tell all those people complaining about the "anoying" vuvuzelas. Not to mention that TMZ is possibly the last place I would expect to see a story relating to soccer.

Annoying World Cup Horns -- The Silver Lining


Bye the way, what side of the VUVUZELA arguement are you on?

Has Youth Soccer in America Left Behind the Inner City?

By Chris Wimmer 

I recently came across an old article posted back in 2007 on http://www.davesfootballblog.com/  titled Celtic to Boost Inner City Football.

It made me think that little has changed with regards to soccer being viewed as a "suburban kids" game. Is this due to a lack of interest of soccer in the inner cities of America or the high cost of participating in competitive youth soccer leagues? As a parent of a "travel soccer" player, I can attest to the extremely high cost of participating on a quality youth soccer team.

Along with the cost of being part on a quality team is the added cost of equipment. Add to that camps in the summer and during the season (to stay ahead of the competition) and individual training (position oriented, i.e. Goalkeeper, Striker, etc.). Not to mention cost associated with traveling out of town a few times per year for tournaments. Don't get me wrong, I don’t mind doing this for my daughter or other children in the future if they chose to follow in her footsteps. In fact, I feel it is my responsibility to provide my children with all possible opportunities to succeed at any and all activities they are involved in. This seems to be the same mentality shared by many "suburban" American parents that I know.

This all leads me to the question my daughter asked this past weekend while we attended a professional women's soccer match, "Why are most of the players Caucasian?” Great question. I tried my best to explore with her the possible reasons for this mostly Caucasian ratio only to end up with more questions myself. Why is this case? Is this more prevalent in women's soccer than men's? Are inner city youth not afforded the same opportunity to experience soccer due to the high cost to participate? Is this another example of the growing separation of classes in America? And finally, what could or should be done about this because surely there are just as many quality soccer players in the inner city as there are in the suburbs.

What is your opinion? Do you see this changing any time soon? What can we as coaches and soccer fans to change this?

D.C. United & Habitat for Humanity - Build Days Event

 

 

The Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. mission is:

to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness in the nation's capital by building affordable, energy- and resource-efficient homes for people in need.

 

They are teaming up with D.C. United, and MLS WORKS and are hosting a series of Build Day events during the month of July. You can help by participating as a volunteer or sending a donation. Volunteer spots are limited, so hurry and volunteer today!

• D.C. United, In the Community
• MLS W.O.R.K.S.
• Habitat for Humanity (D.C.)