USWNT Tops Japan 2-0

On Saturday, the USWNT played in their first of a two game series against Japan. The USWNT came out on top 2-0, and showed evident progress after April's match-up against England. Seems like that training camp helped the group focus on some weknesses, as the USWNT were more effective in dealing with pressure from the opposing players, were not as stretched, and were able to establish an attacking rhythm.

Game Summary- The game went well for the United States. They not only outshot their opponents, but had a higher percentage of their shots on goal, in comparison with the Japanese. The first goal in the match came off a set piece. Ali Krieger sent the ball into the 18, where Wambach in one graceful, fluid movement, rose to the ball just feet from the GK, wound up, and snapped forward, making contact with the ball which soared into the net shortly after. A perfect execution and a beautiful header marked the USA's first of the match, and Abby's first since November. Only a little bit later, Wambach had a run towards goal, and she cut a ground cross to A-rod who put it home, however, it could have just as easily not gone in, as it hit the post, and crossed the line thanks to the backspin on the ball. Although I thought that this game would end 4-0 now that the game was in our hands, it stayed at that score for the remainder of the match. The USA could easily have walked away with 5 or 6 goals in that match however. Wambach, along with a few other players, had chances on goal that were squandered away. However, they got 2 and got the win.

Injury Whammy Strikes- I hoped that the Injury curse would leave the United States and eveyone else alone, but it looks like the WNT just couldn't avoid it. It loomed over Columbus Crew Stadium Saturday night, and landed on someone who has had terrible luck to begin with. Tarpley, a player who many people were happy to see finally return to the WNT, and especially in time for World Cup, entered the game in the 2nd half. After she went up for a ball and landed hard on her right foot, she limped off the pitch and left on crutches. The news everyone was hoping not to hear was delivered. After having her first game back in a while, and after suffering an ACL tear and making her comeback, Tarpley would be missing the World Cup due to an injury, having been named to the WWC roster only 5 days earlier, and playing the first of 3 friendlies before leaving for Germany with the rest of the team. Some things are just really messed up. Its also been reported that Mitts, who suffered a hamstring injury in February and recovered to make the world cup roster, may not make it because of complications/a possible injury. I wonder who they'll get to replace Tarp, and possibly Mitts. Wishing the speediest recovery to Tarpley, and to Mitts if she is in fact injured.


Denise

Over Men and Horses, Hoops and Garters, Lastly Through a Hogshead of Real Fire! In This Way Mr. B Will Challenge WPS!

Hello all! For anyone here who is a Beatles fan, I'm sure you enjoyed the title of this post, as it was a witty use of the lyrics in the circus-themed song "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite." Of course, I altered some of the words to fit Mr. Borislow's circus-like antics involving magicJack. The club was already a joke, as the identity and location was completely changed due to one owner's whims, and as they have not communicated anything to the public at all. But its gotten more ridiculous in the three-ring circus known as magicJack. Besides embarrassing attendance numbers which fans in DC would likely have topped easily (seeing as it was the team's home fan base...), the team has now lost its head coach. And, there doesn't seem to be any efforts to replace him. In fact, since the team has not been complying with the league rules in a number of different ways, they have been penalized. the team lost their 3rd and 4th round picks in the 2012 Draft, and have been docked a point in the league standings. And now, as for the whole coaching situation, Mr. Borislow is leaving it up to the players, in particular, probably team leaders/captains. Mike Lyons quit his post after magicJack's last match, and it was reported that he had an argument with the refs and also a verbal confrontation with Abby Wambach. He used more personal reasons in explaining his resignation as head coach, but nonetheless he is no longer their coach. He is now only a consultant. The coaching is left to the players. This could be a good or bad thing. Sky Blue FC's 2009 championship team won after going through coaches constantly, and then having Rampone as the player-coach. Maybe player-coaches are better for them. they can do things they way they want, and maybe its a more effective training and game environment. Not only that, but maybe there will be less stress on the players. However, a situation like this could be potentially distracting and could maybe make some players lose focus. But, I'm confident they'll be able to work well in these circumstances. There a few players from Sky blue's '09 winning team that have experiencd this type of situation, including Rampone, who was the player coach. Also, magicJack is loaded with World Cup roster players, and many other highly talented and professional athletes, who I'm sure will be able to handle the situation smoothly.

Best of luck to magicJack! Let's not forget, they're the only team still undefeated! It'll take a lot to knock them down.

Denise

USWNT Women's World Cup Roster Announced

A few days ago, the World Cup roster for the USWNT was finalized and released to the public. Here's the team:


GK: Solo, Barnie, Loyden

DEF: Rampone, Sauerbrunn, Cox, Krieger, Mitts, Buehler, LePeilbet

MID: Boxx, Heath, Lloyd, Rapinoe, Lindsey, O'Reilly, Tarpley

FWD: A-Rod, Cheney, Morgan, Wambach

The roster delivered no real surprises. I'm happy with the selections. The only thing I would have done differently is picked Harris as the third string keeper. but honestly, it doesn't matter, since 3rd string keepers normally sit the bench the whole time. still, as a young and talented keeper I feel she deserved it. Loyden however, is also a skilled keeper who will do just fine. There's no doubt in my mind that these players deserved their spots and worked hard to get them, and I'm sure they will make the USA proud.

Don't forget, there are 2 matches coming up for the USWNT. They will be playing a double header against Japan on May 14th, and May 18th. Here's the TV schedule in case you forgot:

May 14th
USWNT vs. Japan
Fox Soccer Channel- 6:30pm ET

May 18th
USWNT vs. Japan
ESPN2- 7pm ET

Be sure to catch these games! The new USWNT jersey will make its debut for the first time in a match. After May 14th, the jerseys will be available for purchase with customizing options.


Mark your calendars if you haven't already!

Denise

Official Song for Germany 2011 Announced

You know you're getting really close to the kick-off of the Women's World Cup tournament when the official song is announced. Come to think of it, we are only about 6-7 weeks away from the competition! And as we get closer, more and more aspects of the tournament are being announced/completed. The official song of the WWC 2011 is Sean Kingston's "Ready or Not." I hope the song sounds just as good as the song title! I'm not sure if the song has actually be released, but it was mentioned that it will be used in stadiums and clubs in Germany very soon.

We just keep getting closer to the World Cup! Only a little more than a month away! I grow more excited by the day. June 26th will be here soon enough.

Denise

The Pre-World Cup Injury Whammy

Before all major competitions, whether it be a World Cup or an Olympics, there is always some poor soul hit with what I like to call "The Injury Whammy." Its described as a bunch of bad fortune/luck, or a "black cloud", and it lands on a player/number of players, prohibiting them from playing in said competition. This whammy and bad luck always floats around before these major competitions and it always lands on someone. And, this time is no different. There seems to be a trend happening right now, where many top/key players are falling prey to the curse. So far, Kate Gill of Australia, Segerstrom of Sweden, and Maroszan of Germany, have all been reported as having sever knee injuries (ACL tears) and will subsequently miss the World Cup. Also, a friend of mine who is a fan of England's squad said that both Faye White and Fara Williams are/might be injured. The evidence is clear that the whammy is in fact making its rounds. Four teams have already been hit. Let's hope and pray that no other players have to miss the competition! Its a dream to play in the World Cup, and these players work incredibly hard to get to the tournament. It is a shame to see these players miss it, and it would be a shame to have to see any more players become injured and miss the competition. I'm wishing all the teams luck, in hopes that their players stay healthy.

Denise

News Aplenty

Hey everyone. I've been away from this blog for a long time! Didn't even realize it, but its practically been a month! College work has kept me busy, along with other day to day things, and the blog has taken a backseat. But, its time we catch up on some important news. I plan to have the first post in my "WPS Review" series either later today on Week 4, or at the latest by next week based on Week 5. First though, let's do a general update.


USWNT Action Kicks Off- The USWNT will be playing a number of friendlies quite soon. On May 14th and May 18th, the USWNT will face off against Japan. Both games will be on TV. The game on the 14th will be aired live on Fox Soccer Channel at 6:30pm ET, while the game on the 18th will be broadcast on ESPN2 at 7pm ET. Also, the USWNT's World Cup send-off will be played against Mexico, in Red bull arena, located in Harrison NJ. That will be live on ESPN2, with coverage starting at 2pm ET. Also to note, the USWNT will debut their new World cup jerseys in the first game against japan. In fact, if I have the time, I'll write a post on the jerseys.


WPS Is Back- That's right, the WPS is back, and its already going on Week 5! Week 4 just finished up, with 3 games having been played on Sunday alone. Here are this week's scores:

magicJack 2-1 Philly independence (Wambach and DeVanna scoring for Freedom, with diMartino netting one for Philly.)

Boston Breakers 1-0 Sky Blue FC (Goal for Buehler)

WNY Flash 3-0 ATL Beat (2 for Sinclair and 1 for Marta)


And the standings of the league are as such:

WNY flash GP: 3 PTS: 7

magicJack GP: 2 PTS: 6

Boston Breakers GP: 4 PTS: 6

ATL Beat GP: 4 PTS: 4

Philly Independence GP: 2 PTS: 1

Sky Blue FC GP: 3 PTS: 1


-Note that some teams have played more games than others. WNY Flash has 7 points accumulated over 3 games. MagicJack has only played in 2 games and is only a point behind, and is the only team who remains undefeated. Boston has played in 4 games, but has only won 2 of them. The Beat have played in 4 games, and only have 4 points. Sky Blue is doing the worst after playing 3 games and only having one point. An order is starting to establish itself already, however, as we've seen in past seasons, teams fall into slumps halfway through, or even towards the end, and also take into account that the world cup will have a huge effect on many of the teams in the league. During World Cup, teams will be relying on youth players for the most part, which can turn the tides and cause some changes to take place within the league table.


I haven't watched the WPS' FSC Sunday fixture between sky Blue and Boston yet, and I will try and squeeze in a Week 4 review soon if possible. If not, expect one on Week 5.

Thanks for reading! I will try my best to keep up with the blog despite being rather busy! Summer vacation is almost here so then I'll have plenty of time to focus!

Denise