A night dedicated to Shannon Boxx’s long and wonderful career as a member of a successful USWNT team also saw the U.S. dramatically equalize late in the match as the first of two victory tour games against Brazil ended in a 1-1 draw.
Brazil came to America ready to play after being knocked out of the World Cup in the round of 16. As a result, the visiting side started brightly, pressuring the United States’ back four and earning an early corner kick. Monica met the in swinging corner and headed it past Hope Solo, delivering the Brazilians an advantage just three minutes into the match.
After conceding the early goal, the United States upped its tempo and controlled in possession which translation into chances created.
Crystal Dunn’s cross found Alex Morgan but the striker’s header glanced just wide of the far post in the 12th minute.
At the other end, Cristiana flashed her shot just past Solo’s goal in the 31st minute of play.
On the 40th minute mark, the crowd stood as it was time for Boxxy’s last walk off the field as a USWNT player. And what a moment it was. Boxxy will forever go down in US soccer history, not only for her accomplishments on the pitch, but for her perseverance as she fought lupus, became a soccer mom, and returned to World Cup glory.
The last chance of an exciting half fell to the feet of Morgan. Lloyd’s left footed cross into Morgan led to the striker’s side footed attempt which surprised the Brazilian keeper. However, Luciana managed to parry over the crossbar denying the Americans of an equalizer and sending her side into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.
The second half was just as pulsating as the first. Marta dazzled the fans with her tricks and instant ball control and the US managed to mount some intense pressure.
In the 71st minute, Mewis replaced Dunn and Hinkle earned her first international cap going in for O’Hara.
Rapinoe and Morgan both missed golden opportunities from the left hand side.
However, as the USWNT always do, the home side found a way to equalize late on in the match as Klingenberg bombed past three Brazilian defenders and sent in a great cross toward the path of Lloyd. The New Jersey native smashed in her 78th international goal in the 85th minute making sure the record of 101 straight home games unbeaten stayed intact.
The two sides will showdown once again on Sunday, the 25th in Orlando.
What most people know about women’s soccer in South America is basically what Brazil has been showing all these past years but that’s far from what the reality actually looks like. Latin American women’s soccer is far from what the Brazilians make it seem. South America has a long way to follow but if there’s a team that has grown beyond anyone’s expectations, that’s Colombia. No other South American team and perhaps no other team in this World Cup has improved so much in the recent years as “Las Cafeteras” have.
In the first round they got a good point by drawing Mexico, in a game that the Mexican team had pretty much under control. The biggest surprise and most shocking upset in this tournament has been the ‘dos a cero’ they gave to France. The 28th ranked Colombia beat the 3rd ranked France, aspiring candidate for the World Cup title, in a thrilling game that the French dominated but weren’t able to score. On their last game against England, the now called ‘Las Superpoderosas’ lost to the English women 2-1; in a game where Colombia didn’t play bad but were outplayed by England at times and that cost them the three points. Overall, Colombia has had a very decent performance in a group where everyone assumed they would return home after the group stage.
From @FIFAWWC
Now in the round of 16, the question is if that would be enough to beat the second best team in the World, the United States.
The first time Colombia played the US women’s soccer team we would have to go back to 2011 at the Women’s World Cup celebrated in Germany. Since then, they have only faced each other another time. That second time was at the London Olympics in 2012 when things started heating up due to an incident that involved Lady Andrade and Abby Wambach. In that incident, the Colombian player struck Wambach’s right eye with her hand and as it appeared in the replay, it happened when none of the two involved had the ball. Later, FIFA committee suspended Andrade for a group match against France and for the quarterfinals if Colombia would have advanced. During that game in London, two things were clear: 1. It was a match marked with a lot of physical play. 2. The USA showed superior skills throughout the entire match. The result at the end of both games ended up in favor of the Americans. Las Cafeteras haven’t been able to score yet against The US and allowed 6 goals total (3 goals in each tournament).
From @Ussoccer_wnt
In the past few days, a lot of things have been said by the Colombian team, basically criticizing the Americans. I will not go into details because the press took care of that. I personally think that all this is just a strategy by the Colombian team; I do not know whether to call the attention of the authorities of their country and receive more support or to anger the Americans, maybe both. Regarding the first, I think it’s a good way of being in the public eye and generate headlines in their country. The greater the exposure, the greater benefits. Regarding the second point, I think they have done nothing more than awaken the sleeping beast, because the Americans know that at this point is “win or go home”.
One key player for Colombia, during the previous three games has been goalkeeper Sandra Sepúlveda. Unfortunately for Colombia Sepúlveda cannot play due to accumulation of yellow cards. But Sepúlveda is not the only player that has shined during the early matches in this World Cup. Perhaps, Colombia have seen its better chances through players like Lady Andrade who have been performing at a great level and ridiculing some of her opponents with fancy skill. And she hasn’t been the only one. Daniela Montoya scored an absolute golazo that gave Columbia the equalizer in the last minutes of their first match versus Mexico. I’d like to think that the entire Colombian team has been watching US Soccer YouTube videos of Tobin Heath before coming to the World Cup. Also, let’s not forget about Catalina Usme who is Colombia’s top goal scorer with 21 goals under her belt.
Nevertheless, Colombia is a team that is still far from the level that the Europeans and Americans show. It’s a team in progress. They are making a big impact and have shown great skills. As spectators, we know that it is a huge step for a team like them to be this far in the tournament especially knowing the conditions they train, the lack of support they receive from the authorities back in Colombia plus not being able to play in a pro league. In fact, most of the Colombia players – as well as most South American players – have a full time job in things not related to soccer. Yoreli Rincon mentioned earlier in a press conference that they “have heart”, but dear Rincon, this is a sport, where professionals come to compete and show all their power. It takes more than just having heart and courage to achieve something. It takes talent, hard work, skills, good preparation and full commitment to the sport. Let’s not forget about support from your own federation.
As for the Americans, this is the time to peak. In the past three games we have seen a team with players who have excelled and made a difference, including a backline that has proven to be capable of winning games. But as a team, the US still fails to convince. Perhaps the game against the Colombians is the perfect time to show that they are strong candidates for the world title and that time is now or never. Likely to move this round and the quarterfinals, the team led by Jill Ellis, would face a tough opponent in the semifinals, either Germany or France, who throughout the tournament proved to be clear favorites and world title contenders.
From @ussoccer_wnt
Besides, maybe it’s time to give a chance to players who have not seen minutes since the tournament began. The USWNT is well known by the athleticism as well as their speed on the flanks. I think that is key for the Americans to succeed and make a big impact at the beginning of the game. My line up: Harris, O’Hara – Sauerbrunn – Johnston– Klingenberg, Rapinoe – Holiday – Brian – O’Reilly, Wambach – Morgan. My subs: Heath, Leroux and Engen. As I stated before, I would give some minutes to the players that haven’t been on the field and would rest the ones that have seen every minute of game. If there’s a game to do that, this is the one. Jill Ellis line up would probably be: Solo, Krieger – Sauerbrunn – Johnston – Klingenberg, Rapinoe – Holiday – Lloyd – Heath, Wambach – Morgan. At the end, whoever Ellis decides to play is in great form for the task.
It’s a day out from the USWNT’s second group stage game at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. On June 8th the team, ranked number two in the world, played 10th ranked Australia in their WWC opener. The game ended in a 3-1 win for the U.S. team, and it was on to the next. On Friday, they will face 5th ranked Sweden who played Nigeria in their first game which resulted in a 3-3 draw.
Along with physically preparing themselves for the tough matchup, the U.S. will need to mentally get themselves ready. Sweden is coached by Pia Sundhage, who was the former coach for the United States side. She lead the USWNT to two Olympic gold medals during her years with the team. Both teams are familiar with the other’s style of play, and this will prove to be a challenge for each side.
Sweden’s backline was struggling greatly against Nigeria, and the U.S. will make sure it stays the same way for them. They will force pressure and make the runs they need to score. The U.S. backline is strong and resilient, with many players willing to step up and hold it together, whether they start or come off the bench. With a strong back line and Hope in the net, there is no doubt that Sweden will struggle to get too many shots off.
From @ussoccer_wnt
The USWNT certainly uses hate and failure as motivation. Sundhage said some less than kind things about some of her former players during a recent interview. She said that, “Carli Lloyd was a challenge to coach”. She continued with saying how Lloyd could be one of the best players if she knew everyone had faith in her, but one of the worst if she didn’t. She also said that if she were still a coach that Abby Wambach would be a sub, and that when she would talk to players about family, they wouldn’t listen saying, “It goes in one ear and out the other”.
Hopefully, the U.S. will take the hate and run with it. All the way to the final game. All the way to the top of that podium with the trophy. All the way.
They’ve got a score to settle, and they want that third star. It all started on July 17, 2011 and it won’t end until they win the cup.
No Maybes.
Written by Haley Murphy
Opinion: those of you absolutely going insane over the mediocre first half by the U.S. Women’s National Team against Australia need to calm down. Our best shouldn’t come at the beginning, it should develop over time, much like we saw in this match.
It was shaky at first, with the U.S. struggling through the first half, relying on Hope Solo to do what she does best. But eventually we wore them down, as we tend to do, as Christen Press and Megan Rapinoe put the match away with a couple of stellar goals. From @ussoccer_wnt
Even Abby Wambach missing a couple of headers didn’t shock me the way it shocked Cat Whitehill (who I have issues with anyway, but that’s neither here nor there). Everyone was nervy and everyone had issues at the beginning of the match (except for Megan Rapinoe and Hope Solo, of course). Considering this is the most heavily covered Women’s World Cup ever, is it surprising? Even the most popular teams are being watched more than they’re used to. Is it any wonder our players all want to do their best because no one wants this incredibly negative “gotta play devils advocate” American media to be right? They all want to do well, even if it’s just to silence the critics. And wanting that badly enough can sometimes be a hindrance, not a help.
But nerves aside, this match should have been shaky anyway. We don’t need to start off insanely well because that would have meant we were peaking too early. I don’t want us playing our best in the group stages, I want our best in the matches that follow and our very, very best in the final. That’s how a World Cup is won. And, despite what some of you may think, we’re looking pretty good for that so far. If we take each match as it comes and continue to improve, there is no country that can stop us. For now: on to Sweden.
Written by Samantha Parrish
The United States Women’s National team began its journey to win the World Cup for the first time in 16 years with an exciting 3-1 victory over Australia.
Surprisingly, it was the Americans who started slowly, often misplacing passes and rushing the attack. Maybe a bit of nerves crept into the young, inexperienced players such as Christen Press and Julie Johnston. It was the Australians who first pressured for a goal as Van Egmond stung the hands of Solo but the USA’s number 1 pushed the shot off the bar. Although off to a slow start, in the 12th minute Rapinoe lifted her team to a 1-0 lead over Australia as she went up to battle for control of a Johnston long kick. The second ball fell to the feet of Rapinoe, who maneuvered around an Australian defender and fired a shot from about 22 yards, which deflected off an Aussie, wrong footed Barbieri and found its way into the back of the net. The American goal sent the crowd of 31,148 into a roar, but just one minute later cheers quieted with a dangerous Australian strike. Australia found an open Samantha Kerr, whose hard volley was heroically parried wide by the strong hand of the American goalkeeper, Hope Solo. Picture from @ussoccer_wnt
The third chance was the charm for the Australians. In the 27th minute the Aussie’s found a way past the brilliant Solo in net and equalized the match at one. What was thought to be a cleared set piece, worked its way back into the box to the feet of Hayman. The striker passed it along to an open De Vanna, who struck first time past a diving Solo to deliver the Australians their first goal of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
As the match grew old the United States nerves settled and their passes began to connect. In the 39th minute, Rapinoe’s inswiging free kick just missed the open head of Wambach. To wrap up an equally played half, Solo happily gathered in a dangerous Australian free kick and to the United States fans dismay, Sydney Leroux skied a volleyed effort.
Picture from @FIFAWWC
After the break, both sides came out ready to fight for the three points. It was very hard for the Americans to get into the same rhythm and play they showed in the first half, but in the 61st minute a spark of inspiration ignited the United States to a 2-1 lead. Rapinoe chipped a ball over the Australian defense, down the left wing to the path of Leroux who went end line and cut her cross back to Christen Press. Press’s left footed shot found the side netting and returned the advantage to the Americans. Picture from @ussoccer_wnt
Just six minutes later, Tobin Heath was substituted on for the winning goal scorer, Christen Press.
The United States did not settle for a one goal victory. The team, we all know and love, continued to fight. This mentality paid off in the 79th minute when Carli Lloyd intercepted a pass in midfield and sprayed the ball out wide to Rapinoe. Once in the box, the winger cut onto her left foot and whipped a shot across Barbieri, giving the USWNT a 3-1 victory.
A healthy Alex Morgan replaced Leroux and Morgan Brain made her World Cup debut to replace the star Megan Rapinoe.
Although it was a shaky start, the United States settled down and played better in the second half. With the win, the U.S tops the “group of death” earning three points. Next up for the Americans is a tough game against Sweden on Friday night.
On June 8th the Americans open their World Cup campaign against Australia; which means Coach Jill Ellis will be putting out a lineup in which anything can happen. This year has been filled with players out of position, playing less or more minutes than usual and Ellis making some questionable decisions.
I have my opinions about who should start but I know at this point, Ellis has a method to her madness. Here’s who I think she will have in the starting 11:
GK: Solo
No doubt here, as Solo has made the most appearances in goal with 45 since 2012. This being her third world cup, she looks to solidify her place as the best keeper the United States has ever seen.
Defense: Krieger, Johnston, Sauerbrunn, Klingenberg.
With Krieger looking healthy and Johnston being one of the best younger players in the tournament, the right side looks and feels strong. Additionally, Sauerbrunn is one of the best center backs in the world, and Klingenberg brings the ability to get into the attack.
Midfield: Rapinoe, Holiday, Lloyd, Brian
As long as Rapinoe is healthy, I expect her to be starting. Even though Holiday hasn’t played that well, I don’t see Ellis keeping her on the bench. Lloyd is the hardest working player on the team, with plenty of experience and tenacity, she is extremely important for the U.S… Now the right side has been weak for quite some time, Ellis refuses to put Heather O’Reilly where she’s been playing for the last decade. Really one of the biggest omissions from the starting lineup, as she brings constant energy and is still one of the fastest wing players we have. With that in mind and with different players starting in the send-off series…I think Ellis will start Morgan Brian. That will be the position to watch how it affects our offense.
Forwards: LeRoux & Press
It might be wishful thinking on my part, but I’ve watched the same games Ellis has and these two are our best option up top right now. With Morgan not available, Wambach most likely used as a sub and Rodriguez being inconsistent; I don’t see why not to pair these two. LeRoux has the skill to finish in tough situations and her timing has been in form lately. Press has the technical ability to change the game; she can score out of nowhere. Ellis has been putting her on the wing, a position I’m sure she can adjust to over more time, but now is the time to put tricks and ideas aside, she belongs up top.
This tournament is what the players, coaches and fans live for, so anything can happen. Let’s bring the cup home ladies, one game at a time. #SheBelieves #1N1T
Written by Jacqui Porter
After Week 2 of gameplay, the nine teams further proved the unpredictably of this league. The National Women’s Soccer League has truly formed into an environment that allows any team to beat another on any given day. This type of play leaves fans anxious for their team’s performance, but appreciative of the quality soccer they get to witness. Fans saw strokes of this unpredictability at the end of the season last year, watching a team like Washington make it to the semi-finals, but the 2015 season seems to have duplicated the unforeseeable results, largely running off upsets these first two weeks.
I think the biggest surprise to me, and probably most fans, is the lack of success that FC Kansas City is having. The defending champs have a roster that only gets better as you go down the line, and so far their play has not been “bad”, rather they have been struggling to put balls in the back of the net. One would think with four players from the team that will be representing the USA at the 2015 Women’s World Cup, and many others who have circulating out of USA camps in the past, Kansas City would not be struggling as bad as they have been. I believe that the key for them is to find a rhythm before the four go off to the World Cup, and then master it with the players that will be there. Though that is easier said than done, I predict that FCKC will score four to six goals in one of their next matches, and get out of this funk.
Another team that is struggling to find success right now is Western New York. Similar to FCKC, I do not think their season will be plagued with losses, but an effective system needs to be formed as soon as possible. They took great strides in Week 2 and played a lot better against Portland but the key for them will be having all of the young players on the team find and master their roles, as well as having Leroux playing at the high level we all know she is capable of.
A team that stands out to me, that I think will be successful over the course of the whole NWSL season is the Portland Thorns. They have been playing at such a high level, and much to Portland fans excitement, a lot of that quality play has been coming from people not heading to Canada. Allie Long has been sensational, as has Portland’s midfield. I do not see this team slowing down anytime soon, and know that even if they do get into some lulls, with the help of fourteen thousand people cheering them on at their home pitch, they should be able to get out of any drops they get into.
Overall, it was a great Week 2 of play and fans should be excited what looks like a loaded and eventful season.
Christen Press and the Chicago Red Stars host Megan Rapinoe and the Seattle Reign as Chicago begin their season with a home opener on Saturday night at 8:00 pm ET.
Since the Reign have already started their season brightly, the Red Stars have a tough challenge to face. Seattle played Western New York Flash last weekend and came away with a 5-1 victory. Megan Rapinoe scored three goals and assisted one to teammate Jess Fishlock. This easily gave Rapinoe the NWSL player of the week. Hope Solo also had five saves to keep the Flash attacking force at just one goal.
The Red Stars are offensively lead by USWNT forward Christen Press and midfielder Lori Chalupny. Last year both players combined to grab a total of 11 goals but their tally just fell short of lifting the team to the playoffs.
The Red Stars also have a rising defensive backbone. Julie Johnston plays the center back position and has grown into the role quite well. She already has two goals with the USWNT and is extravagant on set pieces and aggressive in the back line. The Chicago defense is second ranked in the NWSL with goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc and defenders Rachel Quon, Abby Erceg and Taryn Hemmings.
Seattle Reign is carried by USWNT players Megan Rapinoe and Hope Solo. Defender Stephanie Cox also has caps with the team. Jess Fishlock plays for the Wales Women’s National Team and Kim Little plays for the Scottish National Team. The Reign were last years runner ups after losing in the championship match to FC Kansas City.
Other games tomorrow include the Dash and Sky Blue, Kansas City and the Spirit also play. We are hoping that Ali Krieger will be okay and ready to go. The Flash and the Thorns will also be facing each other tomorrow. Make sure to watch your favorite NWSL team in action!
Yesterday was the day we’ve all been waiting for has arrived. The U.S. Women’s National Team head coach, Jill Ellis, announced her 23 player roster for the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada this summer. Some old faces, some new faces; eight players will be making their 1st World Cup. Let’s break it down by position.
Goalkeepers: Hope Solo, Ashlyn Harris and Alyssa Naeher
No surprises here if you’ve been following the USWNT for the past year. These three players have been heavily involved. With everything going on in the past year, it’s a relief to finally know Solo is the clear number one and can focus on the summer. This is Solo’s 3rd WC, while Harris and Naeher will make their WC debuts.
Defenders: Christie Rampone, Becky Sauerbrunn, Ali Krieger, Kelly O’Hara, Lori Chalupny, Julie Johnston, Meghan Klingenberg, and Whitney Engen.
The veterans on defense mixed with newcomers Johnston, Engen and Klingenberg is an exciting group. Krieger and O’Hara are strong and reliable players, while Sauerbrunn and Rampone are very smart (and in my opinion) two of the best defenders in the world. Klingenberg and Chalupny scratched and clawed their way onto this team (they proved me wrong), but they seem to be finding their form. Lastly, Johnston and Engen are both young but extremely impressive. Johnston only has 9 caps but she not only held her own on defense but also found her scoring touch as well. If Johnston can keep her form, she will continue to be impressive.
Midfielders: Carli Lloyd, Heather O’Reilly, Lauren Holiday, Megan Rapinoe, Shannon Boxx, Tobin Heath and Morgan Brian.
In the middle, we are lucky enough to have such consistency in Lloyd and Holiday, both are aggressive and experienced, but the chemistry is also a factor. Both can score at any moment and they don’t need a lot of space to create opportunities. Rapinoe (who recently reached 100 caps) on the wing brings endless energy and pure creativity, really a necessity to this current squad. O’Reilly and Heath (2 of 6 UNC Tar Heels to earn a spot) have plenty of big game experience and speed up on the flanks. As for Boxx, I was surprised; but then I couldn’t think of another player who could be in her spot right now. She has played in so many important games and the depth she brings is vital in the case where we are playing games with limited rest. More young talent in our midfield comes from Brian, who can play middle or wing. She isn’t afraid to take control of a game, score and does the little things to help our team be successful.
Forwards: Abby Wambach, Alex Morgan, Amy Rodriguez, Sydney LeRoux, and Christen Press.
Wambach will do whatever it takes to win a world cup, either starting or coming off the bench it simply does not matter to her. Even though she’ll be 35 by June, she is the most prolific goal scorer in U.S. history, and that can’t be ignored. As for Morgan, since coming back from injury, she hasn’t been the same player we are used to seeing. Like Wambach, Morgan is a game changer if she can find her form by June. A-Rod, surprisingly, has been our best forward over the last few months. Coming off a great year scoring 13 goals in 22 games for her club team FC Kansas City, her effort has not gone unnoticed. LeRoux is a fair call up because she brings speed and finishing ability. She is so good at pressuring back lines with her constant energy, so we’ll see how Ellis uses her. Press on paper is impressive, but still a bit of a mystery to me as to where she fits in with this team. So technical and like she showed in the France game, she can find a way to score. Fantastic skills but it doesn’t always translate into games. Some people will say we are stacked up top but the challenge will be picking the two players who are at their very best on the day.
Overall, nothing out of the ordinary. Our depth at each position is exciting; I hope the fans understand that. We have great athleticism in the back line, our midfield is superior and the forwards are extremely determined. The fans should be happy with who we have representing this World Cup. I know I am.
Seattle Reign wanted to make a statement coming into the new season of the NWSL and boy did they ever. What ensued was 90 minutes of utter dominance by the Reign. The opening 15 minutes of the match were hectic as one might imagine the first minutes of the new season to be. The Flash started off the game trying to high press the Reign’s defense but the same unit that let in a league low 20 goals last season was steady as ever. The scoring opened in the 24th minute when Rapinoe read a deep run by Jess Fishlock and chipped it almost directly onto her foot. Fishlock brought it down out of the air and then preceded to just guide it into goal. Ironically, it was an almost identical goal to the one Fishlock scored against the Flash last year.
The rest of the first half was mostly spent in the flash’s defensive half as the Reign continued to attack relentlessly. The second goal came in the 52nd minute when Kim Little collected the ball in midfield and then went forward and found Beverley Yanez making a run into the corner of the 18. She found Bev’s feet who promptly fired into the opposite corner.
The first and only Flash chance came in the 67th minute when the Flash strung a few passes together along the flank. Samantha Mewis got the ball to the end line and crossed into the 18. Jordan Angeli got in front of a reign defender and fired just in time. The reign responded 10 minutes later when Merritt Mathias collected the ball from a thrown in, took it down to the corner flag and crossed the ball over a Flash defender found Rapinoe who headed it home.
The 4th goal came in the 73rd minute when Kim Little found Jess Fishlock streaking into the 18. Fishlock fired on goal which the goalkeeper deflected. The deflection went up and found Rapinoe who was waiting back post and headed it in.
The majority of the Flash’s attack consisted of booting the ball up for Leroux to run on to which hardly challenged the Reign back line. The fifth and by far best Reign goal came in the 85th minute when Jess Fishlock played a beautiful give and go with Rapinoe. Rapinoe got the ball out wide in midfield and passed to Fishlock sitting at the top of the 18. Fishlock then one touched back to Rapinoe who was streaking into the box. The ball found Rapinoe in the middle of her run and she hammered it home.
It was an utterly dominant performance from the Reign, and yet it still wasn’t perfect. It was obvious the players were still shaking off rust from the off season. A few sloppy passes in midfield. A few balls in the final third were off. The terrifying part to think about is, if that’s the performance this team puts on when they were slightly off, what exactly can this team do if they are on? The one bright spot for the Flash was their rookie goalkeeper, Sabrina D’Angelo. She played a much better game then the score line suggests, including making a spectacular double save, one of which was point blank. If there was any doubt as to what Seattle’s ambitions were coming into this season, there certainly aren’t anymore.
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