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