Every four years, the world is introduced to emerging young soccer talent showcased in the World Cup tournament. With the Women’s World Cup being held in Germany next Summer, why not have an advantage in discovering the World’s next crop of super stars? As the months lead up to Germany 2011, this blog will strive to familiarize readers with the world’s next Martas and Mia Hamms.
As a special homage to the Women’s World Cup hosts, Germany, the first rising star will spotlight Alexandra Popp. Any fervent follower of the women’s game will have previously learned of Popp from her success at the U-20 Women’s World Cup this past summer. Leading Germany to the championship, Popp scored an impressive ten goals in just six matches. Popp was awarded with the Golden Ball and Golden Boot.
Born on April 6, 1991, Alexandra Popp is only 19 years of age. At 5’8 (1.74 meters) she has sufficient size. Popp’s greatest asset may be her versatility. Manager’s have the luxury of placing Popp anywhere on the left flank. Popp has used her experience as a left back to emerge as a speedy and threatening left wing attacker on the National squad.
Her success at the international level was evident even prior to her phenomenal performance during the U-20 World Cup. While playing with the U-17 squad she made 25 appearances and netted in 16 goals. Similar success followed her at the U-19 level with eight appearances and seven goals. Highlighted by the accomplishments in the U-20 World Cup, Popp scored 14 goals in nine appearances. Playing with the senior squad since early 2010, Popp has made 6 appearances and has scored two goals.
Alexandra Popp currently plays for the club team, FCI 2001 Duisburg. Recording impressive minutes as a starter, Popp has only been subbed out of one match during the past two seasons. This year, Popp has scored four goals as her team battles for the top positions in league play.
Follow Alexandra Popp through her club team’s web page: FCI 2001 Duisburg.
Kroc of Sports: Refusing to dumb down Women's Soccer.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Is Now the Time for USWNT Change?
As a fan of the US Women’s National Soccer Team since the early 1990’s, I love when the women gain the country’s attention. With qualification to the World Cup resting on the result of the second leg against Italy, many questions are surfacing regarding team dynamics and tactics. After losing to Mexico, looking sloppy against Costa Rica, and a non-impressive first leg away win against Italy, fans are beginning to take away the symbolic clipboard from head coach Pia Sundhage.
Don’t let me fool you. I will be the first to point out the weaknesses in the team. However, if we honestly think about it--it would be a disaster if Pia tried to implement any of these changes at this particular time.
First, let us keep in mind that although it looks ugly, the US only lost one, yes ONE match in 2010. They defeated the all powerful Germany twice. During the CONCACAF tournament they only gave up two, yes two goals. Italy failed to score on the US on their own home field. During 2010, the US has only given up 8 goals in 17 games.
Why should Pia hit the panic button? Why should the head coach, who needs the unconditional respect of her team, suddenly seem worried and start messing with player’s confidence when the team has only lost one game? During press conferences, the US players seemed to want to tell the media and fans to “chill-out.”
If Pia would have changed her starting midfield for the Italy match, her actions would not have backed up her talk of “we are fine.” Now is not the time to change things. By calling up Lindsey Tarpley, Leslie Osborne, and Tina DiMartino, Pia acknowledged that improvements in the midfield were needed. This action sent a message to current starters such as Shannon Boxx, that their play had to drastically improve. These three players stayed off the final roster. Imagine if Pia had altered the line-up with one of these players who did not compete in Mexico, and the US lost. What would we be saying then? Why take a chance and radically break up team chemistry when all we have done is give up one goal? Do we not remember the horrid results of Greg Ryan and the Solo/Scurry drama?
As much as we can say that there are major technical problems with some players and that our tactical direct physical offensive play is no longer working (which Pia has tried to change), change does not come during the course of only one month. Yes, we need players to match up with the offensive tactical style that Pia is trying to establish, but our player pool of who can do this is small.
Alex Morgan is a shinning example of the future of the US program. She has excellent speed, good control, and a powerful and precise finish. She has proved that she can score under pressure. Combined with Abby Wambach, Morgan creates an offensive threat that few teams will be able to shut down--but now is not the time to start Morgan. I can appreciate what Pia is doing. Morgan is the super sub. She is allowing Morgan to gradually prove her worth without throwing the next “Mia Hamm” burden upon her shoulders. She is experimenting to see what combinations work well with Morgan. Perhaps after Morgan’s extra time goal against Italy, we will see her enter the game earlier in the second half. I do not expect her to start nor would I want her to start. If the US move on to the World Cup, then I expect Alex Morgan to start along side of Abby Wambach. That will be her time to shine.
Pia Sundhage surely understands what changes need to be made for next summer. I am also guessing that Pia knew that the US would probably survive a two match play-off versus Italy. The US needs to only make minor changes now to ensure qualification. Allow the major changes to be made during the many months leading up to the World Cup.
Mary Burns
Don’t let me fool you. I will be the first to point out the weaknesses in the team. However, if we honestly think about it--it would be a disaster if Pia tried to implement any of these changes at this particular time.
First, let us keep in mind that although it looks ugly, the US only lost one, yes ONE match in 2010. They defeated the all powerful Germany twice. During the CONCACAF tournament they only gave up two, yes two goals. Italy failed to score on the US on their own home field. During 2010, the US has only given up 8 goals in 17 games.
Why should Pia hit the panic button? Why should the head coach, who needs the unconditional respect of her team, suddenly seem worried and start messing with player’s confidence when the team has only lost one game? During press conferences, the US players seemed to want to tell the media and fans to “chill-out.”
If Pia would have changed her starting midfield for the Italy match, her actions would not have backed up her talk of “we are fine.” Now is not the time to change things. By calling up Lindsey Tarpley, Leslie Osborne, and Tina DiMartino, Pia acknowledged that improvements in the midfield were needed. This action sent a message to current starters such as Shannon Boxx, that their play had to drastically improve. These three players stayed off the final roster. Imagine if Pia had altered the line-up with one of these players who did not compete in Mexico, and the US lost. What would we be saying then? Why take a chance and radically break up team chemistry when all we have done is give up one goal? Do we not remember the horrid results of Greg Ryan and the Solo/Scurry drama?
As much as we can say that there are major technical problems with some players and that our tactical direct physical offensive play is no longer working (which Pia has tried to change), change does not come during the course of only one month. Yes, we need players to match up with the offensive tactical style that Pia is trying to establish, but our player pool of who can do this is small.
Alex Morgan is a shinning example of the future of the US program. She has excellent speed, good control, and a powerful and precise finish. She has proved that she can score under pressure. Combined with Abby Wambach, Morgan creates an offensive threat that few teams will be able to shut down--but now is not the time to start Morgan. I can appreciate what Pia is doing. Morgan is the super sub. She is allowing Morgan to gradually prove her worth without throwing the next “Mia Hamm” burden upon her shoulders. She is experimenting to see what combinations work well with Morgan. Perhaps after Morgan’s extra time goal against Italy, we will see her enter the game earlier in the second half. I do not expect her to start nor would I want her to start. If the US move on to the World Cup, then I expect Alex Morgan to start along side of Abby Wambach. That will be her time to shine.
Pia Sundhage surely understands what changes need to be made for next summer. I am also guessing that Pia knew that the US would probably survive a two match play-off versus Italy. The US needs to only make minor changes now to ensure qualification. Allow the major changes to be made during the many months leading up to the World Cup.
Mary Burns
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
USWNT verus Italy, Match preview
Members of the US Women’s National Team had scheduled various vacations before and after Thanksgiving. They assumed that they had plenty of time to rest before they were asked to train again after the CONCACAF Women’s World Cup qualification tournament in Mexico. Plans have changed. Rather than receiving a much needed rest, the US will be training and competing for the right to play in Germany for the Women’s World Cup next summer.
Finishing third in CONCACAF qualifying, the US earned a playoff spot against FIFA's 11th ranked Italy. The first match will be played in Padova, Italy on November 20th followed by a November 27th match in Chicago. The winner will be decided on aggregate.
After winning their initial qualifying group, Italy was placed in an eight team tournament play against other group winners. France defeated Italy 3-2 sending Italy to play other initial losers for a chance to play the CONCACAF third place team. After playing a home and away series for each opponent, Italy defeated the Ukraine (3-0 on aggregate) and Denmark (3-1 on aggregate). Italy then played Switzerland on October 23 and 27th.
Alessia Tuttino scored in the 86th minute against a Swiss squad down to 10 players due to a 36th minute sending off. The second leg between Italy and Switzerland produced a more offensive game. Italy defeated the Swiss 4-2 (in Switzerland) and advanced to play the US based on a 5-2 aggregate score.
Expect Italy to be a very technical team. Starting in 2009, they have placed an emphasis on rising to the level of other European teams. Led by such players as Patrizia Panico (86 international goals, plays for Sky Blue) Elisa Camporese, Elisabetta Tona, and Alessia Tuttino, Italy will look to challenge the US defense which has seemed vulnerable as of late. The Italians will try to control the midfield by being aggressive in moving the ball forward to free up space for their strikers. Italian midfielders will try to play the ball in behind the US defense while strikers will look for quick combinations or slotted balls.
The Italians should pose a credible threat to the FIFA #1 ranked US team. Defensively, the US central defenders need to close gaps often created on the counter attack. As of late, the US central defenders look out of position and hesitate when the opposing team is attacking off a dribble. Shannon Boxx must improve her central midfield play. The US needs to avoid their direct-central offensive play in order to defeat the Italians. Many US players make the unnecessary pass when they have had enough space to attack on the dribble. Both the defense and midfield resort to playing low percentage long balls to their strikers. This style of attack produced a blank against a tactically ready Mexican squad. Coach Pia Sundhage continues to encourage her players to attack using the flanks in hope that they will challenge and take on individual defenders. Against Costa Rica, Heather O’Reilly was the only notable midfielder attempting this. Lori Lindsey should also provide some attack on the flank for the US.
The height and power of the US strikers led by Abby Wambach should prevail against Italy’s defense and goalie, Anna Maria Picarelli. An alumna of Pepperdine University, Picarelli will be determined to ward off any US goals. At 5’4 and a Californian native, many had told Picarelli that she was too short to play for the US on a national level as well as play professionally. The daughter of an Italian father, she found success in Italy. Picarelli does well vertically and off set-pieces.
Despite the recent exposure of the US team’s weakness, keep in mind that the US has defeated many difficult European opponents this year including Sweden, Norway, and even defeating Germany twice. The US is a physical and intimidating team that always has a desire to win and the heart to achieve success.
Fun fact: USA’s first women’s international game was a 1-0 loss to Italy in 1985.
View Italy’s line-up versus Switzerland
Finishing third in CONCACAF qualifying, the US earned a playoff spot against FIFA's 11th ranked Italy. The first match will be played in Padova, Italy on November 20th followed by a November 27th match in Chicago. The winner will be decided on aggregate.
After winning their initial qualifying group, Italy was placed in an eight team tournament play against other group winners. France defeated Italy 3-2 sending Italy to play other initial losers for a chance to play the CONCACAF third place team. After playing a home and away series for each opponent, Italy defeated the Ukraine (3-0 on aggregate) and Denmark (3-1 on aggregate). Italy then played Switzerland on October 23 and 27th.
Alessia Tuttino scored in the 86th minute against a Swiss squad down to 10 players due to a 36th minute sending off. The second leg between Italy and Switzerland produced a more offensive game. Italy defeated the Swiss 4-2 (in Switzerland) and advanced to play the US based on a 5-2 aggregate score.
Expect Italy to be a very technical team. Starting in 2009, they have placed an emphasis on rising to the level of other European teams. Led by such players as Patrizia Panico (86 international goals, plays for Sky Blue) Elisa Camporese, Elisabetta Tona, and Alessia Tuttino, Italy will look to challenge the US defense which has seemed vulnerable as of late. The Italians will try to control the midfield by being aggressive in moving the ball forward to free up space for their strikers. Italian midfielders will try to play the ball in behind the US defense while strikers will look for quick combinations or slotted balls.
The Italians should pose a credible threat to the FIFA #1 ranked US team. Defensively, the US central defenders need to close gaps often created on the counter attack. As of late, the US central defenders look out of position and hesitate when the opposing team is attacking off a dribble. Shannon Boxx must improve her central midfield play. The US needs to avoid their direct-central offensive play in order to defeat the Italians. Many US players make the unnecessary pass when they have had enough space to attack on the dribble. Both the defense and midfield resort to playing low percentage long balls to their strikers. This style of attack produced a blank against a tactically ready Mexican squad. Coach Pia Sundhage continues to encourage her players to attack using the flanks in hope that they will challenge and take on individual defenders. Against Costa Rica, Heather O’Reilly was the only notable midfielder attempting this. Lori Lindsey should also provide some attack on the flank for the US.
The height and power of the US strikers led by Abby Wambach should prevail against Italy’s defense and goalie, Anna Maria Picarelli. An alumna of Pepperdine University, Picarelli will be determined to ward off any US goals. At 5’4 and a Californian native, many had told Picarelli that she was too short to play for the US on a national level as well as play professionally. The daughter of an Italian father, she found success in Italy. Picarelli does well vertically and off set-pieces.
Despite the recent exposure of the US team’s weakness, keep in mind that the US has defeated many difficult European opponents this year including Sweden, Norway, and even defeating Germany twice. The US is a physical and intimidating team that always has a desire to win and the heart to achieve success.
Fun fact: USA’s first women’s international game was a 1-0 loss to Italy in 1985.
View Italy’s line-up versus Switzerland
US Women defeat Costa Rica
Defeating Costa Rica 3-0, the US Women’s National Team finished the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying tournament scoring a total of 21 goals while only conceding one. Despite this impressive stat, the US finished in third place and must now defeat Italy on aggregate to proceed to Germany next summer.
With elimination on the line, the US looked poised and relaxed against Costa Rica. Coach Pia Sundhage had urged her team to attack using the flanks while playing in their 4-4-2 formation. Costa Rica was able to suppress the outside attack during much of the first half. Again, lack of US outside midfielders and defenders failed to challenge one versus one situations on the flanks which created a more direct central US attack. The US caught a break in the 17th minute when Lauren Cheney’s shot managed to catch Costa Rica’s goalie wrong footed.
Sporting a blue head band that covered her recent stitches earned during the Mexico match, Abby Wambach scored her 116th international goal in the 33rd minute with a picture perfect left footed volley. Wambach scored goal number 117 early in the second half to ensure the US victory.
Despite easily defeating Costa Rica, the US will face a more difficult Italian side in Italy on November 20 and again in Chicago on November 27. The winner will be decided on aggregate, which means that the team which scores the most goals will advance to the Women’s World Cup.
For a preview of the Italy-USA match, including info on Italy, please continue here: USWNT V ITALY
USWNT post match quotes
With elimination on the line, the US looked poised and relaxed against Costa Rica. Coach Pia Sundhage had urged her team to attack using the flanks while playing in their 4-4-2 formation. Costa Rica was able to suppress the outside attack during much of the first half. Again, lack of US outside midfielders and defenders failed to challenge one versus one situations on the flanks which created a more direct central US attack. The US caught a break in the 17th minute when Lauren Cheney’s shot managed to catch Costa Rica’s goalie wrong footed.
Sporting a blue head band that covered her recent stitches earned during the Mexico match, Abby Wambach scored her 116th international goal in the 33rd minute with a picture perfect left footed volley. Wambach scored goal number 117 early in the second half to ensure the US victory.
Despite easily defeating Costa Rica, the US will face a more difficult Italian side in Italy on November 20 and again in Chicago on November 27. The winner will be decided on aggregate, which means that the team which scores the most goals will advance to the Women’s World Cup.
For a preview of the Italy-USA match, including info on Italy, please continue here: USWNT V ITALY
USWNT post match quotes
Monday, November 8, 2010
Pre-game Thoughts For USWNT Must Win Game Versus Costa Rica
As the nation hopefully tunes into ESPN2 tonight at 6pm, the US will have to fight off many obstacles to keep their hopes of World Cup qualification alive. Challenged by playing in an unsupportive atmosphere, the US will look to remain undefeated and un-scored on by Costa Rica.
There remains little doubt that the women’s national team is still transitioning from their powerhouse dominating 90’s and pre-2007 World Cup days. While the US is building their identity and foundation for the future, the rest of the world has finally improved drastically. With better coaching and more opportunities, more parity has been created within the women’s game. Therefore, the lousy setup of the women’s CONCACAF World Cup qualification has been a joke and hopefully will be changed after this debacle of a tournament is over.
Tonight, the US has one simple task. Embrace the US women’s soccer tradition of never giving up. To embrace the competitive drive that I once witnessed as a young teenager when many national team players were playing in a “pick-up” soccer game. The desire to win was so intense that a fight almost broke out between two very good friends. Winning was everything, even in a pick-up soccer game.
If Costa Rica’s coaching staff knows what they are doing, they will come out in a 4-5-1formation--or a similar formation to congest and jam the midfield. During the CONCACAF tournament, the US midfield and defense has been frustrated and often times ineffective at controlling the midfield. Frantic play along with not developing a strong possession game has had the US starting matches a little “off” and sluggish. The midfield has not been able to settle down and become creative. Costa Rica will look to exploit this weakness and force the US to fall into their bad habit of playing a direct and physical style of soccer. If the US falls into this pattern, the referees will not tolerate the US physical play. Costa Rica may be able to have a quick counter against the US central defenders who have seemed vulnerable in quick counter situations.
The good news is that the US has never lost to Costa Rica and recently defeated them on November 1. The bad news is that it took the US a penalty kick late in the first half to start their scoring campaign. The other three goals all came in the second half. The US failed to capitalized on many scoring chances that game. The score could have been worse. However, Costa Rica definitely exposed the weaknesses in the US midfield and central defense.
To win tonight, look for the US to play more relaxed and less direct. The midfield needs to find width and use the flanks to initiate the attack. The US is a stronger side and has more depth. A quick attacking style that exposes gaps within the Costa Rican defense will free up Abby Wambach in the center. Look for sub (or starter?) Alex Morgan to come in to take some pressure off Wambach. The US will need to be disciplined and play a possession game.
The US may start veteran Kristine Lilly at left midfielder. Her experience and silent leadership should be beneficial during this stressful match. Lilly has always been the calm silent one.
One thing is for certain, the US Women’s National team once again has the country talking about them. Hopefully, they will rise to the challenge as they have always done.
There remains little doubt that the women’s national team is still transitioning from their powerhouse dominating 90’s and pre-2007 World Cup days. While the US is building their identity and foundation for the future, the rest of the world has finally improved drastically. With better coaching and more opportunities, more parity has been created within the women’s game. Therefore, the lousy setup of the women’s CONCACAF World Cup qualification has been a joke and hopefully will be changed after this debacle of a tournament is over.
Tonight, the US has one simple task. Embrace the US women’s soccer tradition of never giving up. To embrace the competitive drive that I once witnessed as a young teenager when many national team players were playing in a “pick-up” soccer game. The desire to win was so intense that a fight almost broke out between two very good friends. Winning was everything, even in a pick-up soccer game.
If Costa Rica’s coaching staff knows what they are doing, they will come out in a 4-5-1formation--or a similar formation to congest and jam the midfield. During the CONCACAF tournament, the US midfield and defense has been frustrated and often times ineffective at controlling the midfield. Frantic play along with not developing a strong possession game has had the US starting matches a little “off” and sluggish. The midfield has not been able to settle down and become creative. Costa Rica will look to exploit this weakness and force the US to fall into their bad habit of playing a direct and physical style of soccer. If the US falls into this pattern, the referees will not tolerate the US physical play. Costa Rica may be able to have a quick counter against the US central defenders who have seemed vulnerable in quick counter situations.
The good news is that the US has never lost to Costa Rica and recently defeated them on November 1. The bad news is that it took the US a penalty kick late in the first half to start their scoring campaign. The other three goals all came in the second half. The US failed to capitalized on many scoring chances that game. The score could have been worse. However, Costa Rica definitely exposed the weaknesses in the US midfield and central defense.
To win tonight, look for the US to play more relaxed and less direct. The midfield needs to find width and use the flanks to initiate the attack. The US is a stronger side and has more depth. A quick attacking style that exposes gaps within the Costa Rican defense will free up Abby Wambach in the center. Look for sub (or starter?) Alex Morgan to come in to take some pressure off Wambach. The US will need to be disciplined and play a possession game.
The US may start veteran Kristine Lilly at left midfielder. Her experience and silent leadership should be beneficial during this stressful match. Lilly has always been the calm silent one.
One thing is for certain, the US Women’s National team once again has the country talking about them. Hopefully, they will rise to the challenge as they have always done.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
USWNT Update
The US Women's crucial Word Cup qualifying match against Costa Rica will be shown live on ESPN2. The game is scheduled to start at 6pm. To qualify for the World Cup, the US needs to defeat Costa Rica and then play a home and away series against Italy. What makes me nervous is not the Costa Rica match, but the idea of Thierry Henry scoring for Italy by using his hand.
All fans of the USA Women's team must check out their blog. http://www.ussoccer.com/Social/WNT-Blog.aspx
As for an Abby Wambach status, the US is reporting that she will be 100% ready for Monday's match. The question remains if the US defense will be ready. The defense four along with the midfield had a horrid time against Mexico. They played with fear and panic which led to numerous poor touches, pointless long balls, and poor passes. I was most displeased with Heather Mitts and wonder if Pia will sit her again.
Pia had the luxury of constantly rotating subs throughout the tournament outscoring opponents 18-0 prior to the Mexico match. Perhaps Pia will have to show her cards now, so to speak. She will be forced to select her finest 11 on the pitch for Costa Rica.
All fans of the USA Women's team must check out their blog. http://www.ussoccer.com/Social/WNT-Blog.aspx
As for an Abby Wambach status, the US is reporting that she will be 100% ready for Monday's match. The question remains if the US defense will be ready. The defense four along with the midfield had a horrid time against Mexico. They played with fear and panic which led to numerous poor touches, pointless long balls, and poor passes. I was most displeased with Heather Mitts and wonder if Pia will sit her again.
Pia had the luxury of constantly rotating subs throughout the tournament outscoring opponents 18-0 prior to the Mexico match. Perhaps Pia will have to show her cards now, so to speak. She will be forced to select her finest 11 on the pitch for Costa Rica.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
What can we learn from the CONCACAF Women's WC qualifying? Part 2
As discussed in part 1, the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying tournament is providing viewers with a glimpse into the Pia Sundhage era of US soccer. What is exciting about the current US women’s team is the emergence of young exciting players developing within Pia’s system while still experiencing playing with battle-tested legends such as Abby Wambach and Kristine Lilly.
What can we expect offensively from the US in next years World Cup? Watch Alex Morgan. I believe she will be the next generation’s superstar. From what I have seen, she has a solid technical strike on the ball. Her shots are powerful and accurate. She has tremendous speed even when she has the ball at her feet. She possesses the basics of one v one skills that most of the players lack.
Although Morgan has only been used as a sub recently, she has created a much needed offensive spark during these matches. Morgan provides the creativity and danger that is otherwise lacking within the US game. The October 6 match against China may have provided an exciting foreshadowing of the USA’s offensive future. Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan worked in tandem with natural ease resulting in an important goal.
Let's face it. Abby Wambach needs Alex Morgan. The fast technicaly savvy style of Alex Morgan is a perfect match paired with Wambach’s physical and dangerous presence If Morgan becomes a threat--will opponents dare to double team Wambach and allow Morgan to be free? This tandem could perhaps become even more dangerous than Hamm and Akers.
I am hoping that Pia will allow Morgan to be a substitute for Lauren Cheney or Amy Rodriguez rather than for Abby Wambach as was the case against Costa Rica. In time we will know for sure, but as of now, Morgan is exciting to watch.
click here to read part 1
What can we expect offensively from the US in next years World Cup? Watch Alex Morgan. I believe she will be the next generation’s superstar. From what I have seen, she has a solid technical strike on the ball. Her shots are powerful and accurate. She has tremendous speed even when she has the ball at her feet. She possesses the basics of one v one skills that most of the players lack.
Although Morgan has only been used as a sub recently, she has created a much needed offensive spark during these matches. Morgan provides the creativity and danger that is otherwise lacking within the US game. The October 6 match against China may have provided an exciting foreshadowing of the USA’s offensive future. Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan worked in tandem with natural ease resulting in an important goal.
Let's face it. Abby Wambach needs Alex Morgan. The fast technicaly savvy style of Alex Morgan is a perfect match paired with Wambach’s physical and dangerous presence If Morgan becomes a threat--will opponents dare to double team Wambach and allow Morgan to be free? This tandem could perhaps become even more dangerous than Hamm and Akers.
I am hoping that Pia will allow Morgan to be a substitute for Lauren Cheney or Amy Rodriguez rather than for Abby Wambach as was the case against Costa Rica. In time we will know for sure, but as of now, Morgan is exciting to watch.
click here to read part 1
What can we learn from the CONCACAF Women's WC qualifying? Part 1
As the US Women’s National Team cruises through the CONCACAF Women’s World Cup qualification tournament, it becomes difficult to breakdown the strengths and weaknesses of the team as it prepares for next summer’s World Cup. Despite frequent matches in which the US were not displaying their true offensive power early on, heading into the semi-finals, the US has outscored their opponents 18-0.
Despite being reduced to watching the tournament on-line with a camera angle which provides sub-par tactical viewing, I have to acknowledge that Coach Pia is clearly leading this team in the right direction. When hired as head coach, Pia challenged the offense to be more creative and comfortable in aggressive one versus one soccer. To the average soccer fan, especially our friends on the other side of the pond, this may seem like a no-brainer. However, as a former soccer coach, I can attest to the weakness of one on one skills in the women’s game.
The skills of Brazilian superstar Marta definitely open the eyes of many young soccer playing girls. Even the USA’s greatest players (Akers, Hamm, Wambach) never had moves like Marta. There is something that occurs within the development of US youth girl soccer players that sucks the desire to dribble right out of them. Before the age of ten, players are content to dribble around until they can find a way to push the ball into the goal. They love dribbling. That ball is their's and their's alone. Around the age of ten, a little demon appears within the conscience of young girls as they learn the tactical/technical aspects of the passing game. The demon disrupts the once natural urge to dribble. The demon now commands the girls to make passing their first option. Watch any high school and college game--when a young woman finds herself alone with a defender she will most often choose to pass the ball off rather than take the individual defender on.. The few girls who manage to ignore the demon are often ridiculed and labled as “ball hogs,” and “showy” when their teams are not successful.
No one really realized that the US women were deficient in this skill due to their continual domination on the international stage. Fortunately, the 2007 Women’s World Cup opened our eyes. We not only lost--we were destroyed by teams we used to easily dominate. Brazil had burst our bubble. Goalie controversies led to the exposure of a faulty foundation. We were on the brink of a disaster. Thankfully, the hiring committee (which included Mia Hamm) did something unthinkable. They hired a foreigner to lead their program.
Since that time, Pia Sundhage has slowly rebuilt the US team correctly. She has been patient. She has been successful. So far. CLICK HERE TO GO TO PART 2
Despite being reduced to watching the tournament on-line with a camera angle which provides sub-par tactical viewing, I have to acknowledge that Coach Pia is clearly leading this team in the right direction. When hired as head coach, Pia challenged the offense to be more creative and comfortable in aggressive one versus one soccer. To the average soccer fan, especially our friends on the other side of the pond, this may seem like a no-brainer. However, as a former soccer coach, I can attest to the weakness of one on one skills in the women’s game.
The skills of Brazilian superstar Marta definitely open the eyes of many young soccer playing girls. Even the USA’s greatest players (Akers, Hamm, Wambach) never had moves like Marta. There is something that occurs within the development of US youth girl soccer players that sucks the desire to dribble right out of them. Before the age of ten, players are content to dribble around until they can find a way to push the ball into the goal. They love dribbling. That ball is their's and their's alone. Around the age of ten, a little demon appears within the conscience of young girls as they learn the tactical/technical aspects of the passing game. The demon disrupts the once natural urge to dribble. The demon now commands the girls to make passing their first option. Watch any high school and college game--when a young woman finds herself alone with a defender she will most often choose to pass the ball off rather than take the individual defender on.. The few girls who manage to ignore the demon are often ridiculed and labled as “ball hogs,” and “showy” when their teams are not successful.
No one really realized that the US women were deficient in this skill due to their continual domination on the international stage. Fortunately, the 2007 Women’s World Cup opened our eyes. We not only lost--we were destroyed by teams we used to easily dominate. Brazil had burst our bubble. Goalie controversies led to the exposure of a faulty foundation. We were on the brink of a disaster. Thankfully, the hiring committee (which included Mia Hamm) did something unthinkable. They hired a foreigner to lead their program.
Since that time, Pia Sundhage has slowly rebuilt the US team correctly. She has been patient. She has been successful. So far. CLICK HERE TO GO TO PART 2
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