Reaching 5,000 Views

Hello everyone! Here again to mention that the blog has reached a new mile stone. It has acquired another 1,000 views and it not at 5,106 exactly. I'm really happy that the blog continues to get views and that it averages about 1,000 a month/month and a half! Viewing has been a little lower than usual, but for a lack of news people are still interested in Women's soccer!

Thanks again to all of my readers and followers who check out the blog. As I always say, I love the sport and love writing about it, and I'm happy to see so many fans reading my posts and having the same interest and passion in the Women's game.

Just as a side note, I plan to do a prediction post on the WPS soon! And I'll write a little about Saturday's highly anticipated match-up: USA vs. England!

Here's to 6,000!

Denise

WPS' Landmark 3rd Season Will Be A Challenge

As many of you know, we are only days away from the start of the WPS' landmark 3rd season. Why "Landmark" you may ask. If you know about the history of Women's Soccer, then you'll understand why. Back in 2001, one year after the Olympics in Sydney, the WUSA, which was the first Women's pro league in this country, started its first season. The WUSA experienced much success at first, especially after the new-found excitement in the Women's game after the 1999 Women's World Cup victory. As time passed however, spectator numbers began to dwindle, and in 2003, the year of the league's 3rd season, and also a World Cup, the league as a whole folded. Then in 2009, one year after the Gold Medal victory in the Beijing Olympics, WPS rose from the ashes of its predecessor and started what it would hope to be a long standing history. We are coming into 2011, the year of the league's 3rd season, and also that of a World Cup. The histories of these two sound identical, don't they? Its because they are. The only difference is that this time, the league can learn from some of the previous mistakes and hopefully make it past. In 2003, the WUSA folded only weeks before the start of the World Cup. Because of that, we don't know how a league will fare when competing with a World Cup taking place at the very same time. If WPS doesn't follow in its predecessor's steps, by folding weeks before the major World competition, then it will be put to the test.


The biggest obstacle that makes this 3rd year that much more difficult is the timing, since the Women's World Cup will be taking place in roughly the same time period. The WPS season begins in April and goes straight through until the end of August. The World Cup only lasts about a month, taking place from June 26th to July 17th, but it falls smack dab in the middle of the season, and has the potential to draw fans away from WPS, and to the World's most prestigious competition. While it may seem short, we also have to realize that many stars and players for the National teams will have to report to training camps and friendlies in the beginning of the season. They will also have to depart early with their country to Europe before World cup as well, so you can expect them to leave by early June. Sure its ironic, since World Cup and WPS both help each other in that they both promote the sport. However, World Cup will be somewhat of an opposing factor, though it can ultimately help the league. The biggest problem it poses is the fact that many of the top players will be missing. This will be true for much of the season, since there will be pre-WWC training camps and friendlies, meaning lots of stars will be busy and will not be suiting up for their league team. Because of that, many fans will be busy watching national teams and unfortunately the league will take a back seat. Attendance numbers will likely drop, since stars draw crowds, and one can argue that quality of play may drop. Not drastically, but it may decline a little, since the league will be in the hands of the youth players, who are understandably less experienced. Aside from the fact that main players will be missing, World Cup is a major event that takes place only every 4 years, and since it is the most important Championship in the sport, it takes top priority. Ratings and attendance will likely drop due to the simple fact that the majority of fans will be watching World Cup. The WPS will be taking a hiatus, but only during the group stage. In the knockout stages, the WPS will be back. More people will opt to watch the World Cup knockout stage matches, rather than WPS. For example, there will be a game on July 9th that stages the Washington Freedom against Sky Blue FC at Yurcak field. Normally, I would be at this game without a doubt, however, there is also a WWC quaterfinal held this day. Two in fact. Instead of going to the WPS match, I like many other fans will be home watching the World Cup matches. Not only that, but as I said earlier, many of the big stars will be missing (and even if top stars came back from a group stage loss, they would not be back to league play so quickly I assume), which means that it will not entice fans to come out and support the teams. I love Women's Soccer and I'd love to support the WPS, but really, its just bad timing. As a fan you're torn, because you know that keeping the league alive is important for the growth of the sport, but you also know that the World Cup is the perfect chance to show that Women's Soccer has an audience, and the spotlight is going to be on Germany 2011, without a doubt. The World Cup is going to cause a drop in attendance and viewership during the season, and especially in our 3rd year, this only poses more difficulty for sustaining the league. While the World Cup as a whole can only help promote and showcase the sport, which in turn will help leagues around the world, they need to survive first. It will be a tough task, but I believe it can be done. And if the league holds out, it can benefit from this World Cup.


Wishing both the league and the World Cup much success!

Denise

Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder

Hello everyone! Just as I have been away from the blog for a surprisingly long time, so too has Women's soccer been away from us. For many of us, we have not seen a live game since November. I had the privelege of being able to view one of Sky Blue FC's matches in Turkey for the Tournament of Champions on the computer. And when I watched it, I realized how much I miss Women's soccer, and how awesome the sport and its athletes are. I hadn't seen an exciting game quite like that in a while. Sky Blue was playing some awesome fast paced soccer, and the quick one touch passes were on point. Even better, I was treated to a nail-biting, nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out in the Semifinal match. Sky Blue fought through to sudden death in penalties. It was one of the most intense penalty shoot-outs I've ever seen. In the time away from Women's Soccer, I watched some Men's games by way of Champions League and La Liga. And I still say today, there's something Women's soccer has that Men's soccer doesn't. I still have difficulty finding the words, and pinpointing what exactly it is. But anyway, I've come to celebrate with you the fact that Women's soccer will be back once again, and quite soon. The action all starts in early April. The USWNT will be playing the much anticipated friendly against England on April 2nd. Soon after, WPS will start its landmark 3rd season. Then, shortly into May, the USWNT will play 2 friendlies against Japan on the 14th and 18th. Then not long after that is the June 5th send-off for the USWNT, and then they travel to Austria for a pre-WWC training camp. June 26th won't be too long after that. As you can see, the time is going to be flying pretty fast, and gaps between events are short. Many other teams will be participating in friendlies as well no doubt, and I'll list those as I research them. But yeah, Women's soccer will be back, and so will the blog (although I never really left, its just there was a lack of events).

I'm thinking I might write some posts coming up on insight and opinion. When there isn't much news, a good rant can always get people thinking or even talking!

See you around soon!

Denise

A Tale Of Two Champions

Well, today was the final of both the Algarve Cup and Cyprus Cup. And of course, we have two champions! The Finals played in each competition were certainly ones to remember. Each champion had to work hard for their title.

The Cyprus Cup final which featured Canada playing against Holland was earlier than the Algarve Final. Filigno put Canada on the board early on, and Heiligenberg equalized just before the half. The score remained the same and got pushed into Extra Time. Zurrer would score the game-winning goal for Canada only 9 minutes into ET, and it would stand, meaning Canada would be reigning champions for the 2nd consecutive year.

Later, the the West, the Algarve Cup would stage its Final match between the USA and Iceland. Both have met each other as routine in the past competitions, but this time met in the Final. The game started off in the USA's favor, with Lloyd, who had an excellent tournament, scoring the first goal just 9 minutes into. Then, Iceland, would go up 2-1 when Omarsdottir and Gisladottir scored in a span of about 3 minutes. The USA then tied the score before the half, making it 2-2 before the teams returned to the locker rooms. Soon after the second half started, O'Reilly put the USA ahead, and to seal the deal, Morgan netted one of her own, making the score stand at 4-2. The USA was also champions at last years Algarve Cup, and have extended their reign for another year.

As the Algarve and Cyprus Cups conclude, we get one step closer to the Women's World Cup. There are only 108 days left. With only about 3 months left until Germany 2011 begins, the pressure is on. Everyone feels June 26th creeping ever closer. As these competitions come to a close, we realize its only just begun.

Denise

A Historical Day At The Algarve And Cyprus Cup

Before the Cyprus Cup's first match day, many people were talking about Kelly Smith, and how that game would be a rather special one for her. On England's March 2nd match against Italy, Kelly Smith would be receiving her 100th cap, quite a mileston and achievement for a soccer player. After all the ups and downs she's had in her career, especially battling, and winning against a drinking problem and depression, the 100th cap is that much more sweet. And, to put that proverbial cherry on top, she scored in the match too.

Farther to the west in Portugal, someone else reached a milestone in regards to caps. Abby Wambach got her 150th cap in the match against Japan. An impressive number of caps for the USA's living legend and 3rd top scorer. She became the 14th player in US history to reach that milestone yesterday.

Congratulations to both! Two of the best in the Women's game!

Denise

Algarve Cup and Cyprus Cup are underway!

Hello all! Its early March, and you know what that means! March Madness! No, I'm not referring to basketball, I mean Women's soccer madness(obviously)! Early March is when teams across the globe compete in two competitions with a deep history and tradition within the Women's game: The Algarve Cup and Cyprus Cup. Here are the scores from both competitions:

ALGARVE CUP:

Group A:
Norway 2-1 Finland

USA 2-1 Japan

Group B:
Sweden 1-2 Iceland

China 0-1 Denmark

Group C:
Portugal 3-1 Wales

Romania 2-0 Chile


CYPRUS CUP:
France 2-0 Switzerland

Canada 1-0 Scotland

South Korea 3-1 Northern Ireland

Russia 0-0 Mexico

England 2-0 Italy

New Zealand 1-4 Holland

The next fixtures for both teams will be taking place on March 4th! I might list them when I get a chance.

Denise

Canada Announced As Host Of The 2015 Women's World Cup

Today, it was officially announced that Canada will host the 2015 edition of the Women's World Cup. In the running were Canada and Zimbabwe, since Chile had withdrawn their bid early on. Just erlier this week, Zimbabwe announced that they also were withdrawing their bid, meaning that unless Canada failed the FIFA inspection, they were going to be the host of the 2015 WWC by default. It will be the first time that Women's World Cup is held in Canada, and it will also be the first time the tournament holds 24 teams, rather than only 16. It will surely be a WWC that will make history. And, since Canada is the northern neighbor of the United States, I might pay them a visit for the World Cup, if all goes well! As we go into Germany 2011, we can also look to Canada 2015 as even further progress of the Women's game!

Congratulations Canada!

Denise

Happy March!

Wow, has it been a while. Feels like ages since I've written on here. But, with the start of my second college semester, and with the day-to-day events, the blog has had to take a place on the back burner for about 2 weeks. I apologize for the delay in posts. Although, I have to say, the last 2 weeks have been rather uneventful in the Women's soccer world, save for the Algarve and Cyprus Cups which just began yesterday.In order to catch up, I'll be releasing a few posts in a rather rapid succession to make up for lost time. I would do a combo post, but I feel like they deserve their own headlines. However I will include some of the more small news that doesn't need an entire post.


Canada WNT Steps Down From Boycott- It was recently released probably sometime last week, that the Canada WNT has ended their threatened boycott. The CSA has made efforts to settle differences with Morace and keep the head coach who brought Canada to a Number 9 World ranking, around after the 2011 World Cup. That means the players could, and have been, participating in the Cyprus Cup. Although that battle is won, the war is not over; the Canadains are still fighting to get equal pay and compensation.


WPS Pre-Season Begins- Believe it or not folks, pre-season is actually here. Can you believe it? In about a month's time, we will once again be back to watching our favorite players and teams in the league every weekend. Its seriously crazy how time flies. It feels like just yesterday when FC Gold Pride triumphed in its "Last to First" run in the 2010 season, feels like only yesterday when that Championship Final gone as quick as it came, and we're here at the beginning once again. I honestly can't believe it. I've spent so much time researching off-season moves and getting all the updates, that I forgot to realize that everytime something new happened, we were one step closer to the beginning of the 2011 season. I'm excited to experience another season of WPS, and I'm sure it will treat us to only the best action, as it always does.


OK everyone, get ready for a few more posts! Its good to be back!

Denise