Wambach and Morgan: The Dynamic Duo

Wambach and Morgan have become possibly the greatest strike force in the women's game to date. They have 50 combined goals and are currently chasing the strike partnership record held by Michelle Akers and Carin Jennings, which stands at a total of 55.


Wambach and Morgan have truly become something special in the women's game. In fact, they've become one of the most feared strike partnerships in the women's game today, and by the end of this year, maybe even the best in women's soccer history, let alone USWNT history. That is, if they can break the combined goals record held by Michelle Akers and Carin Jennings in 1991, a time when things were just getting started for our USWNT. The feat is more than possible to tackle; the duo has 50 combined goals as of right now. That's only 5 goals away, and there's still 3 more games left of the Fan Tribute Tour, and they'll be played against China. No offense to China, but their team just isn't what it used to be like back in 1999. They've become somewhat of a punching bag, and the USWNT's last meeting with them ended in a 4-1 beating (I'm happy to say I witnessed that game live, and let me tell you, there could have easily been more goals for us). So, 3 games against an opponent we're likely to whack around and get at least 3 goals in? I'd say our chances are pretty good, since Wambach, and Morgan especially, have been on fire lately. For once in a long time, I can say we really have a duo that clicks. It just fits perfectly. The chemistry these two have is unmatched. Hell, I remember the days when we had a hard time finding someone for Wambach up front. A-Rod didn't quite fit; her composure and accuracy in front of goal left much to be desired, and her speed made her more fit for a wing position. Then there was Lauren Cheney. Excellent accuracy on long range shots and great when her back was to defenders, but she simply wasn't prolific enough. She's a great option for our center midfield now. Then came Alex Morgan. But in 2010 she was simply our "Super Sub." Pia opted to keep her on the bench until she was really needed. After a while, the goals didn't lie, and she became a solid striker alongside Wambach, and the combo went together better than peanut butter and jelly. And we still have a Super Sub; good ol' Syd the Kid gives us that burst off the bench whenever we need.


But what makes Wambach and Morgan such a threatening combo? Why do defenders cringe at the thought of having to face off against these two? The answer is simple. Wambach and Morgan compliment each other like no other strike force in the women's game. They balance out and make up for what the other lacks, and this sole fact creates the whole core of their offensive tandem. As I said in an earlier post, Wambach and Morgan are Yin and Yang; they are two halves of the same whole. They are mirror images of each other; the inverses of each other create an equality and balance. Take Wambach for example. Her weaknesses are Morgan's strengths, and vice versa. This is what makes them the perfect, and most dangerous combination in the women's game. Because they are two very different players, it gives defenders twice the amount of homework. They need to deal with the double-edged sword. They need to worry about Wambach's set of abilities and strengths, and at the same time deal with Morgan's. Both sets of abilities are different from each other, and so this creates a ton of havoc for the opposing team.


-Let's take an in depth look at how Wambach and Morgan compliment each other on the field. The first way to start is to ask ourselves what each players strengths and weaknesses are. So, what are Wambach's strengths? Well, Abby is an all-around skilled player, but there are a few qualities that make her excel and stand out. She has a physical approach to the game, has a height advantage, is better in the air than on the ground (however she is still excellent on the ground), has plenty of experience (which she uses to position herself and read the game), and is a great team leader. However, Wambach lacks speed (this makes is hard for her to catch long balls or rush down the wing), lacks some finesse on the ball, and lacks her youth.

-Now lets take a look at Morgan. What are her strengths and weaknesses? Alex has a lot of speed (which makes her an excellent recipient for long balls, and gives her the ability to charge down the wing), has youth and energy, is better on the ground tha in the air, and has a lot of finesse on the ball. What Morgan lacks is height, strength in physical challenges, and some experience when reading the game and positioning herself.

Notice a trend here? If you don't I'm sorry to tell you but you may need glasses. Take a close look. Wambach's weaknesses are Morgan's strengths. And Morgan's weaknesses are Wambach's strengths. Morgan makes up for Wambach's lack of speed. Wambach makes up for Morgan's lack of height and strength. Morgan makes up for Wambach's decrease in energy, while Wambach makes up for Morgan's lack of experience. When challenging the defense, Wambach will go through you and Morgan will go around you. Both share qualities as well; both have great vision and assist each other all the time. And, they take the defenders' attention off one another. If Wambach pulls the defender's attention away, it opens up space for Morgan, and vice versa.


 Defenders have a harder time guarding against this strike partnership than any other possible combo in the USWNT roster. They have to have one eye on Wambach's height, and the other on Morgan's speed. Half their brain has to anticipate Wambach's experienced positioning, yet the other half has to think about what spontaneous burst Morgan will make next. The defender has to fight Wambach's physicality, and at the same time be ready to track down Morgan's expertise on the ball. I think it would be a lot simpler for defenders to deal with a tandem of Morgan and Leroux, for example. Both are lightning fast and crafty on the ball, but it makes the attack more one-dimensional and predictable. They know that both are going to attack head-on and use their speed to go around and/or latch onto long balls. This doesn't make the defender's job easy (I certainly wouldn't want Syd or Alex running full speed at me), but it makes it easier and more predictable. When you have such different players combining to create a strike force, you now need to adapt and fight against two different styles, rather than just one, and this is the case with Alex and Abby.


Wambach and Morgan: The Mentor and the Apprentice. The Veteran and the New Kid. The Bull and the Baby Horse. Soon to be the most prolific strike partnership in USWNT history, and maybe in all of women's soccer.


Denise

Wambach, Morgan, and Marta All Vying For 2012 FIFA World Player of the Year

So everybody, its late November. Do you know what time it is? If you said "Time for FIFA to deliver the WPOTY Finalists (Just to rip them off)" then you are correct! Although as for 2012, I think someone who deserves it is finally going to get it. Am I correct? Am I deluded? We'll find out in January! But, its time to discuss these talented Finalists, and the years they've had in 2012.


 

 Abby Wambach had a prolific year, scoring 22 goals. She was instrumental in the Olympics, scoring in 5 of the 6 games. She has worked her way up to 148 international career goals, only 10 goals behind the international goal scoring record of 158.


 Abby Wambach's numbers don't lie, plain and simple. She scored 22 goals in this calendar year; her second most prolific year in her entire career (she scored 31 goals in 2004). In fact, this proves that although she is 32, she is still in top form, performing just as well as when she was in her "prime." Most players who reach the age of 30+ start to experience a sharp decline. Wambach, for her age, is phenomenal. She's keeping up with her youthful 23 year old striking companion, Alex Morgan, who has 25 goals this year. She may not be the fastest on the field, but what she lacks in speed, she makes up for in strength, smart positioning, and her often overlooked finesse on the ball. Wambach's experience is a huge advantage; she knows how to read the game, position herself, and direct players. Her leadership is unmatched on the soccer pitch. Abby was once again instrumental in the USA's success, most importantly in this year's 2012 London Olympics, in which they became the Gold medalists (I never get tired of saying that). She scored a goal in the USA's critical 4-2 comeback against France in the first match of the tournament, and scored in their 2-0 victory against Colombia in the second group game. She scored the only goal for the USA in the following 2 matches; the group match against North Korea and the Quarterfinal against New Zealand. She converted a crucial penalty in the instant-classic Semifinal against Canada, where the USA found themselves having to come back from a goal down multiple times. Her clutch penalty late in the second half was converted, equalizing the match to make the score 3-3 and keep the USA alive. She had 5 goals in the tournament, and was the second top scorer, behind only Christine Sinclair who had 6 goals. The only game Wambach didn't score in was the Olympic final. She was nominated for U.S. Female Athlete of the Year 2012 for her outstanding performance throughout the calendar year. Wambach came up big for the USA and was an important part of the team, often carrying them through the Olympics. She was a key member in the USWNT's victorious Olympic campaign, as well as a main contributor to the team's prolific and successful year.

 Alex Morgan has become a solidified member of the USWNT and has 25 goals this year. She was an important contributor to the USWNT's Olympic tournament.


Alex Morgan is young, energetic, and fast. She can latch onto any long ball and cause all sorts of hell for the opposing defense. She has had a breakout year, and has now solidified her spot alongside Wambach, in what is considered the greatest strike partnership in Women's soccer right now. On one end of the spectrum you have the physical, smart, and experienced veteran, Abby Wambach. And on the other you have the young, speedy, loose cannon that is Alex Morgan. Both compensate for what the other lacks. They are yin and yang. Two parts of the same whole. And Morgan has adapted well. Her 25 goals speak for themselves. In the Olympics she scored in 2 crucial games for the USA. Alex contributed to the all-important 4-2 comeback against France, and she scored the critical, dramatic winner against Canada in the Semifinals, a game in which the USA had to come back from being down multiple times. Her header in Extra Time saved the USA from looming penalties, which were only seconds away. She was also nominated for U.S. Female Athlete of the Year after her very successful breakout year. For a young player, she's been very prolific and playing with a skill level beyond her years.

                 Even Marta is confused as to why she's been nominated


 I honestly don't understand FIFA's logic, and I'm not the only one. Why the hell is she a finalist? I can see her being one of the 10 nominees, but definitely not a finalist. I know FIFA would have a fit if it were an all-American contest, and everyone would think it was biased (funny because even though they have had American finalists before, they never actually win. I think an all-American contest is the only way an American can win...and even then they may still give it to Marta). She only scored 2 goals for Brazil in the Olympics; a tournament in which they had an early exit, losing to Japan in the quarterfinals. Marta was the only player out of the 3 finalists to have played in a league. She was with Swedish side Tyreso for the season. She scored 12 goals for the Swedish club, but wasn't voted as top player; teammate Veronica Boquete received those honors. Its quite unclear as to why she was nominated, when players like Rapinoe and Lloyd, who were crucial to the USA's Gold medal victory in the Olympics, were left out.



 Who do I think should win? Abby Wambach, hands down. Will she get it? I sure hope. She's been screwed out of this award too many times, and I think its FINALLY time for her to receive these honors which she so deserves (I mean seriously, how can someone who's scored 148 international career goals not get this award?). As in every other year where she was a nominee or finalist (too many to count) the facts and figures lay it all out in plain sight. Wambach was once again one of if not the most important and prolific players for the USWNT. Every single year she's nominated, and her contributions and effectiveness outshines all others. This year its a close race between her and Morgan. But my argument is that Wambach was more consistent than Morgan, especially in the Olympics. Also, I feel that Morgan is still just a pup. Wambach has had an entire career, a legendary one, and has not yet won this title. Its almost criminal when you think about it. Wambach has done what Morgan has done years ago, and was never recognized. And even now, when competing with Morgan for this award (I don't see Marta as a valid entry, or one that has any serious chances), she still deserves it more. She may have 3 less goals within the year, but she was much more consistent overall and in the Olympics. Morgan is extremely talented for her age, she has become a USWNT mainstay at 23. Nobody's arguing with that. But she's still a new kid on the block, and has plenty of time to further impress us. She will become a big name in USWNT history down the line. But right now its still a little early. Wambach on the other hand is a veteran who is nearing the end of her career. I'm not trying to retire her at all (If she could stick around forever I would love it!) but my point is that she's done amazing things for U.S. Soccer, has become a legend in women's soccer, and when she breaks Hamm's record (she's only 10 goals away) she may even go down as the best to play the game. Think about that for a minute. Quite pathetic that she hasn't won a WPOTY yet, isn't it? Its about time she receives those honors, because its extremely overdue. My biggest fear is the fact that last year, when Sawa, Wambach, and Marta were nominated, Wambach was 3rd place in voting, behind Marta who was second, and Sawa who was first. What's scary is the fact that Wambach and Sawa were the MVP's for their teams in the World Cup, both of which made it to the final; meanwhile Marta didn't make it past the Quarterfinals with Brazil, didn't perform as well for her team, and yet still got more votes than Wambach. Even though Wambach deserves it because she had the best year out of all 3, I feel like Morgan might get it instead. The reason being that she has the edge in the media. Alex Morgan has become the new media darling. She's got the charisma, and most importantly, the looks. She's become a media sensation, and publicity has latched onto her and hyped her up. Not that she doesn't deserve the attention, but its blown up even more by the media swarm around her. Wambach gets media attention, but it was much more hard-earned. Wambach had to earn it by becoming a team leader, a top scorer, and one of the team's clutch and reliable MVPs. Now she commands respect as a USWNT legend. Morgan on the other hand had attention come more easily, in my opinion, prematurely. And when it comes to the FIFA WPOTY, as we've seen, a lot of it is based on media favoritism and recognition. Its the reason why Marta won it 5 times. Wambach has had the best and most consistent year, and was a crucial part to the USA's 2012 success, both in the Olympics and out. Even though she deserves it this year (just like she did last year, and the year before...) she might still get ripped off. But I feel like her chances of finally claiming the title of WPOTY are much higher this time around. For once I actually have a good feeling about this.

Will there be robbery or justice? We'll see what happens in January's FIFA Gala,

 Denise

Has It Seriously Been a Year?

Hello all, its Denise! Probably thought you were never going to see me again, didn't you? Life has gotten particularly busy in the past year, and it just keeps on getting busier! But fear not, I don't bring bad news. I sat in class yesterday, and thought to myself about all the new and exciting things that are happening lately in WoSo. I thought to myself "And...why the hell am I not posting all of this on the blog? There was a time when I would jump on the newest piece of information, and share my opinion with other fans who cared. What the hell happened?" Truth is, it was laziness and just the hectic schedule of everyday life. Issues in daily life, growing personal relationships, doing schoolwork, scheduling for classes...it becomes time consuming, and I slowly let the blog slip away into the storage facilities in my mind. Nobody ever goes in those things. But I decided not to let something I'm so passionate about become a dusty file that was stored away. If I can sit and play iphone games when I have free time, I can definitely write a great post on the stuff that's going on in the world of women's soccer. Its much more rewarding too. It shouldn't be a chore, and it certainly isn't. I hope to see fans coming here to read again, when I was getting about 1,000 views every month, to 3/4 of a month. The page feels abandoned now, and its completely my fault. Let's make that change. Stay tuned. Posts are coming your way.

Denise