The NWSL, only a short time away.
The day has come, fellow female soccer fans.
The National Women's Soccer League is set to kick off in the Spring of 2013. This is a new 8-team league with teams spread out all over the country, and players from all over the world. The 8 teams set to play this season are: Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, FC Kansas City, Portland Thorns FC, Seattle Reign FC, Sky Blue FC, Washington Spirit, and Western New York Flash. These 8 clubs each contain a handful of the U.S. National Team stars as well as other professionals. And the league already plans to expand to ten teams by next year! Women's Professional Sports usually have it tough; whether it's soccer, basketball, or even golf, they never seem to get as many spectators as the men's equivalent. That's why Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) folded in April of 2012, they couldn't keep the business going since there wasn't enough people interested.
However, this year will be different.
With golds around their necks, the U.S. Women's Soccer Team brought a lot of attention to the game during the 2012 Olympics. People started to recognize faces, watch games, and even wear jerseys. Out of all women's sports, Soccer seems to have the biggest fan base, and like I said before, they have everyone's attention right now. You can't help but be curious to see as to how this new league will act. New teams, players, and the promise of a great 2013 season.
With this kind of growth, one can't help but be excited with that this year brings.
The National Women's Soccer League is set to kick off in the Spring of 2013. This is a new 8-team league with teams spread out all over the country, and players from all over the world. The 8 teams set to play this season are: Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, FC Kansas City, Portland Thorns FC, Seattle Reign FC, Sky Blue FC, Washington Spirit, and Western New York Flash. These 8 clubs each contain a handful of the U.S. National Team stars as well as other professionals. And the league already plans to expand to ten teams by next year! Women's Professional Sports usually have it tough; whether it's soccer, basketball, or even golf, they never seem to get as many spectators as the men's equivalent. That's why Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) folded in April of 2012, they couldn't keep the business going since there wasn't enough people interested.
However, this year will be different.
With golds around their necks, the U.S. Women's Soccer Team brought a lot of attention to the game during the 2012 Olympics. People started to recognize faces, watch games, and even wear jerseys. Out of all women's sports, Soccer seems to have the biggest fan base, and like I said before, they have everyone's attention right now. You can't help but be curious to see as to how this new league will act. New teams, players, and the promise of a great 2013 season.
With this kind of growth, one can't help but be excited with that this year brings.
Why the NWSL will succeed.
With Women's Professional Soccer folding in 2012, people questioned what the future holds for Women's Soccer. Then, with a great deal of energy, news was released a couple of months ago stating that the National Women's Soccer League was going to be underway for Spring 2013. Many avid soccer fans hope this is the league that will stick around, but others don't believe it will. I'm one of the hopefuls, and I have evidence to prove my statement:
- The NWSL will be funded and operated out of US Soccer Headquarters. This is a smart move because US Soccer is a stable and powerful national federation and will be able to provide the NWSL with necessities. When the WPS was operated, it was funded by the creator of MagicJack, Dan Borislow. Relying on one person for funds is very inefficient and shows dictatorship, which is partially the reason the WPS folded. A good example is the WBNA. It was funded by the National Basketball Association, and the WNBA has been around since 1996!
- The NWSL will incorporate two major North American federations to be a part of the new league. The two federations are the Canadian Soccer Association and the Federation of Mexican Football. And since the next women's world cup is going to be held in Canada, this is a mutually beneficial move to spark interest among fans.
- Women's sports are growing constantly. More little girls are picking up soccer than ever before! These US Soccer players are now role models, with these girls hoping to one day fill their shoes. With more support then ever before, the NWSL will have many more fans than previous leagues.
Although it will still be an uphill battle, I believe there is enough reason to believe this year will be different for women's soccer. It will be a year of promises, expectations, and hope.
NWSL Allocation: Who's The Winner?
55 women: 8 teams. So many people were wondering which players will end up where in the country? How many US National players will be on each team? Which team should I cheer for?
Taking into consideration their family, hometowns, and willingness to move, U.S. Soccer did a great job in making the teams as even as possible. Of course not every player is going to be happy with their placement, but I still believe their distribution was very good at making the teams fair. And with every woman now officially on a team, people are starting to find clumps of their favorite players, which usually ends up being their new "favorite team". Everything is finally starting to fall into place with women's soccer, but after this allocation the question on everyone's mind:
Who got the best of the best from the allocation? Who got the short stick?
These are the notes I've gathered thus far from the allocation:
I believe without a doubt the Portland Thorns received the best players from the allocation. They will be a dominant force offensively with Morgan and Sinclair, controlled and creative in the middle with Heath, and experienced in the back with Buehler.
Although they received the player of the year, I believe the Western New York Flash got the short end of the stick. They only received 2 US players, whereas every other team received 3. Their team is young, which means less experience. I believe they are counting on Wambach for too much. After all, there is no "i" in "team".
Taking into consideration their family, hometowns, and willingness to move, U.S. Soccer did a great job in making the teams as even as possible. Of course not every player is going to be happy with their placement, but I still believe their distribution was very good at making the teams fair. And with every woman now officially on a team, people are starting to find clumps of their favorite players, which usually ends up being their new "favorite team". Everything is finally starting to fall into place with women's soccer, but after this allocation the question on everyone's mind:
Who got the best of the best from the allocation? Who got the short stick?
These are the notes I've gathered thus far from the allocation:
- BOSTON BREAKERS: The Breakers have a powerful Heather O'Reilly, a seasoned veteran in Heather Mitts, and an up-and-comer in Sydney Leroux. Everyone else currently on the team are from straight out of college, so there's no other names to watch out for. A very young and determined team.
- CHICAGO RED STARS: Defender Amy LePelibet and Midfielder Shannon Boxx will certainly be an asset to the team, with their creative play and goal scoring opportunities. Goalkeeper Erin McLeod of the Canadian National Team will serve as a challenge to anyone inside her 18 yard box.
- FC KANSAS CITY: Forward Lauren Cheney will provide many chances for goals, and defender Becky Sauerbrunn will be forceful as ever with her defensive play. Backup US Goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart brings a lot to the table for Kansas City, providing a 26-3-4 record when Hope Solo was injured in 2010-2011.
- PORTLAND THORNS: With two of the best forwards in the game, Alex Morgan and Christine Sinclair, one can expect many goals for the Thorns. Rachel Buehler's defensive play and Tobin Heath's creative footwork will help guide Portland through the 2013 season.
- SKY BLUE FC: Young Kelley O'Hara alongside vet Christie Rampone will create a defensive wall very difficult for opponents to break through. To top it off, with Jillian Loyden in goal, it's safe to say Sky Blue has one of the best defenses in the NWSL.
- SEATTLE REIGN FC: Considered the most soccer-crazed city in the US, Seattle has top US players such as Hope Solo, Megan Rapinoe and Amy Rodriguez. With what can only expect to be the biggest fan base in the NWSL, will the Reign have enough motivation and support to rise to the top?
- WASHINGTON SPIRIT: With defender Ali Krieger returning from Germany to play in the NWSL, the Spirit are going to have all eyes on them. Other key players include midfielder Lori Lindsey and goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris.
- WESTERN NEW YORK FLASH: The Flash is the only team to receive 2 US Players in the allocation (Wambach, Lloyd) as oppose to 3. However, with Wambach playing in her hometown, she will have the support of all of New York State behind her to lead the Flash to victory.
I believe without a doubt the Portland Thorns received the best players from the allocation. They will be a dominant force offensively with Morgan and Sinclair, controlled and creative in the middle with Heath, and experienced in the back with Buehler.
Although they received the player of the year, I believe the Western New York Flash got the short end of the stick. They only received 2 US players, whereas every other team received 3. Their team is young, which means less experience. I believe they are counting on Wambach for too much. After all, there is no "i" in "team".
NWSL Bio: Hope Solo.
The average woman would probably be terrified to have a soccer ball shot at them 80 miles per hour. Others couldn't handle the pressure put on them during a penalty kick. But not Hope Solo: she lives for this lifestyle.
Hope Amelia Solo is a goalkeeper born in Richland, Washington. She attended the University of Washington, and eventually went on to play for the US National Team. Although she is now considered a veteran, there was a point where she was just willing to learn the game like any other youth.
Solo started playing soccer as a kid, and fell in love with the sport as soon as she touched the ball. However, she wanted to be a forward, not a goalkeeper. According to Solo, "they always put the fat kids in goal. I wanted to run and score." She eventually changed her mind when she got to University of Washington, choosing to give goalkeeping a try. Turned out she was pretty good at it.
Solo played for the younger national teams all her life, and soon she was brought up to the real deal: the US Women's National Team. Like any other youngster, starting out was difficult, but eventually she transitioned. Solo wasn't liked by many of the veterans on the team, who claimed Solo was all about herself, and didn't want what was best for the team. It's tough to play on a team where you're not wanted, but Hope survived.
Soon the public began to pay more attention to Solo: she appeared on a season of Dancing with the Stars, wrote a memoir, and appeared nude in the body issue of ESPN: The Magazine. Eventually any sports family in America knew the name Hope Solo. Before long the National Women's Soccer League arrived, and Hope was allocated to her home state of Washington. This season she is joined by fellow US teammates Megan Rapinoe and Amy Rodriguez, where they plan to win the championship.
Hope can be a very controversial person who usually speaks whats on her mind, but there's no doubt about it: she is the best female goalkeeper in the world.
Hope Amelia Solo is a goalkeeper born in Richland, Washington. She attended the University of Washington, and eventually went on to play for the US National Team. Although she is now considered a veteran, there was a point where she was just willing to learn the game like any other youth.
Solo started playing soccer as a kid, and fell in love with the sport as soon as she touched the ball. However, she wanted to be a forward, not a goalkeeper. According to Solo, "they always put the fat kids in goal. I wanted to run and score." She eventually changed her mind when she got to University of Washington, choosing to give goalkeeping a try. Turned out she was pretty good at it.
Solo played for the younger national teams all her life, and soon she was brought up to the real deal: the US Women's National Team. Like any other youngster, starting out was difficult, but eventually she transitioned. Solo wasn't liked by many of the veterans on the team, who claimed Solo was all about herself, and didn't want what was best for the team. It's tough to play on a team where you're not wanted, but Hope survived.
Soon the public began to pay more attention to Solo: she appeared on a season of Dancing with the Stars, wrote a memoir, and appeared nude in the body issue of ESPN: The Magazine. Eventually any sports family in America knew the name Hope Solo. Before long the National Women's Soccer League arrived, and Hope was allocated to her home state of Washington. This season she is joined by fellow US teammates Megan Rapinoe and Amy Rodriguez, where they plan to win the championship.
Hope can be a very controversial person who usually speaks whats on her mind, but there's no doubt about it: she is the best female goalkeeper in the world.
NWSL Bio: Casey Nogueira.
Spunk. Outgoing. Adventurous. These are a few of the words to describe FC Kansas City Midfielder Casey Nogueira. Kansas City picked Nogueira fourth round of the supplemental draft. But before her signing in the National Women’s Soccer League, she was just a little girl with a dream.
Nogueira was born February 23rd 1989 in San Diego, California. Casey’s father Victor played for the San Diego Sockers, one of the most successful indoor soccer teams in the country. By 2004, Nogueira moved to North Carolina to spend her freshman year with her mother.
When Nogueira had to choose a college, she settled on University of North Carolina Chapel Hill because it was close by and offered an excellent soccer program. Player for UNC her college career she won 2 national championships freshman and senior year. While at UNC, she became known for her skills with a soccer ball. Click the link below to watch her face off against current USWNT member Tobin Heath:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEwEDEay9JY
Nogueira got married to fellow UNC Tar Heel Zach Loyd on October 13th, 2012. Loyd is a soccer player as well, playing in the MLS for FC Dallas.
Casey is the type of player that gets along with everyone in the league, but when it comes down to it she will do whatever it takes to win!
Nogueira was born February 23rd 1989 in San Diego, California. Casey’s father Victor played for the San Diego Sockers, one of the most successful indoor soccer teams in the country. By 2004, Nogueira moved to North Carolina to spend her freshman year with her mother.
When Nogueira had to choose a college, she settled on University of North Carolina Chapel Hill because it was close by and offered an excellent soccer program. Player for UNC her college career she won 2 national championships freshman and senior year. While at UNC, she became known for her skills with a soccer ball. Click the link below to watch her face off against current USWNT member Tobin Heath:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEwEDEay9JY
Nogueira got married to fellow UNC Tar Heel Zach Loyd on October 13th, 2012. Loyd is a soccer player as well, playing in the MLS for FC Dallas.
Casey is the type of player that gets along with everyone in the league, but when it comes down to it she will do whatever it takes to win!
NWSL 2013 Schedule Officially Released.
It's here, guys. We finally have dates.
The National Women's Soccer League has officially released their 2013 schedule the the public. Each team plays an average of 2-3 games per month, with the first game of the season beginning Saturday, April 13th at 7:35 with FC Kansas City Facing the Portland Thorns at Shawnee Mission North High School Stadium. Each of the league’s eight clubs will play a total of 22 games during a 19-week span, with a high percentage of games being played on weekends and holidays. At least eight of the 11 home games for each team will take place on a weekend or a holiday.
The schedule ensures adequate time for travel, rest and recovery so that all teams are being showcased at their highest level of competitiveness. Finally, the regular season will conclude August 18th, and the top four teams by that point will qualify for playoffs. They will then compete in the semifinals August 24th , and the NWSL will crown the champion on August 31st. This schedule is going to provide high intensity games for their audience with many upcoming stars showing their skills. The NWSL is the perfect league to broadcast that.
The National Women's Soccer League has officially released their 2013 schedule the the public. Each team plays an average of 2-3 games per month, with the first game of the season beginning Saturday, April 13th at 7:35 with FC Kansas City Facing the Portland Thorns at Shawnee Mission North High School Stadium. Each of the league’s eight clubs will play a total of 22 games during a 19-week span, with a high percentage of games being played on weekends and holidays. At least eight of the 11 home games for each team will take place on a weekend or a holiday.
The schedule ensures adequate time for travel, rest and recovery so that all teams are being showcased at their highest level of competitiveness. Finally, the regular season will conclude August 18th, and the top four teams by that point will qualify for playoffs. They will then compete in the semifinals August 24th , and the NWSL will crown the champion on August 31st. This schedule is going to provide high intensity games for their audience with many upcoming stars showing their skills. The NWSL is the perfect league to broadcast that.
NWSL Bio: Kelley O'Hara.
Born in Fayetteville Georgia, Kelley O'Hara is a defensive wing for both Sky Blue FC and the United States National Team. Born in 1988, O'Hara is one of the younger players on the US roster, but doesn't lack the skill and agility of the veterans. O'Hara went to school at Stanford University in California, earning her starting spot as a freshman. As a senior, she had one of the best seasons in Division I women's soccer history, scoring 26 goals with 13 assists. Below are some fun facts about this exuberant soccer player:
Finding a player like O'Hara with so much passion and personality is difficult to find, so Sky Blue shouldn't trade this gem away just yet. She has potential to be very productive and a great contribution to their club.
- Majored in science, technology and society with a focus in environmental engineering.
- Likes to put water on her cereal
- Wishes she had a pet squirrel
- Currently holds the USWNT record in the beep test.
- At the point of exhaustion, thinks of Finding Nemo "Just keep moving, just keep moving".
- Doesn't like sweet tea.
- Loves college football & Chick-Fil-A.
- Thinks Prince Harry is very attractive.
- If she isn't playing soccer, she is surfing in California.
Finding a player like O'Hara with so much passion and personality is difficult to find, so Sky Blue shouldn't trade this gem away just yet. She has potential to be very productive and a great contribution to their club.
Hope Solo Out 3-4 Months with Injury.
U.S. Women’s National Team goalkeeper Hope Solo underwent successful surgery on Thursday to repair torn cartilage in her left wrist. Solo, who has been playing with the long-standing injury, is expected to be out approximately 3-4 months.
Losing the #1 Goalkeeper in the world for the first half of the NWSL season is a big hit for the Seattle Reign. With this loss, the Reign will be forced to put an inexperienced goalkeeper in their net for the majority of their games. This can lead to foolish goals and potentially cost them games. And when Solo returns from her surgery, who knows if she will be the powerhouse she used to be.
This injury adds to the drama of the anticipation of the 2013 NWSL season.
Losing the #1 Goalkeeper in the world for the first half of the NWSL season is a big hit for the Seattle Reign. With this loss, the Reign will be forced to put an inexperienced goalkeeper in their net for the majority of their games. This can lead to foolish goals and potentially cost them games. And when Solo returns from her surgery, who knows if she will be the powerhouse she used to be.
This injury adds to the drama of the anticipation of the 2013 NWSL season.
NWSL Bio: Alex Morgan.
Alex Morgan is slowly becoming more of a household name, especially among avid soccer fans. Alex morgan really became noticed in 2011, when she competed in the 2011 FIFA World Cup. She was the first overall pick in the 2011 Women's Professional Soccer draft, and landed a spot on the U.S. Olympic women's soccer team in 2012. From a young age, it was evident Morgan was going to be something special.
Alex Morgan was a multisport athlete growing up, but she didn't start playing organized soccer until she was 14 years old. She attended Diamond Bar High School, where she was a three-time all-league pick and was named an NSCAA All-American. After high school, Morgan went to the University of California at Berkeley, where she led the Golden Bears to the NCAA Tournament in each of her four years.
Morgan played on the younger U.S. teams since she was young, but showed her potential in the 2011 Women's World Cup. Ever since that tournament, Morgan has been a star on the field, playing up top with legend Abby Wambach. Though only 23, Morgan has accomplished much in her career, and is a role model for young soccer players everywhere.
Alex Morgan was a multisport athlete growing up, but she didn't start playing organized soccer until she was 14 years old. She attended Diamond Bar High School, where she was a three-time all-league pick and was named an NSCAA All-American. After high school, Morgan went to the University of California at Berkeley, where she led the Golden Bears to the NCAA Tournament in each of her four years.
Morgan played on the younger U.S. teams since she was young, but showed her potential in the 2011 Women's World Cup. Ever since that tournament, Morgan has been a star on the field, playing up top with legend Abby Wambach. Though only 23, Morgan has accomplished much in her career, and is a role model for young soccer players everywhere.
USWNT Star Heather Mitts Hangs Up Her Cleats.
After 14 years and 137 international appearances, U.S. international Heather Mitts became a former U.S. international on Wednesday, the 34-year-old right back announcing her retirement from soccer via Facebook. She wrote:
“The time has come for me to move onto a new stage of my career. It’s been an amazing journey with some obstacles but in the very end I feel so fortunate that we were able to close on a golden note.”
However, Mitts is still going to be involved with the NWSL. She says she will continue to stay as close to the sport as possible and work as a sideline ambassador & analyst for the Philadelphia Union. It's amazing to see Mitts' career and all the amazing things she's accomplished throughout.
Click the link below to learn a little more about defender Heather Mitts:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02mF2-lnOBI
“The time has come for me to move onto a new stage of my career. It’s been an amazing journey with some obstacles but in the very end I feel so fortunate that we were able to close on a golden note.”
However, Mitts is still going to be involved with the NWSL. She says she will continue to stay as close to the sport as possible and work as a sideline ambassador & analyst for the Philadelphia Union. It's amazing to see Mitts' career and all the amazing things she's accomplished throughout.
Click the link below to learn a little more about defender Heather Mitts:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02mF2-lnOBI
Portland Thorns Ends Sale Of T-Shirts After Multiple Complaints.
Teaming up with Adidas, the Portland Thorns set out to increase their revenue with the sale of T-Shirts representing their team. The T-Shirt is a basic shirt with a dark pink color with the phrase "Feeling Thorny?". The T-Shirts were selling well when they first went on the market, but soon it became more of a headache than a profit. Many people complained about this design, saying that the phrase was sexist. While there is a great majority of fans who find the shirt funny, there is also a mass number who do not like it. And I can understand where they are coming from: the NWSL's target market is younger girls, and many children wil not have a clue what the shirt means. The Portland Thorns need to create a shirt that will appeal to their target market. This shirt should be more conservative and simpler, that way they will still make a profit but won't be crossing any boundaries.
Washington Spirit Fall To Maryland In Preseason.
In the fourth of five preseason college exhibition matches for the Spirit as they get prepared for their first NWSL season, they take on the always challenging University of Maryland. The University of Maryland received an own goal gift in the first half and capitalized on a defensive error in the second to win 2-0 in front of approximately 1,000 fans in College Park tonight.
Both teams played a high pressure game, and with the Spirit unable to create a single shot on goal in the first half, it was Maryland pressure that paid off first in the form of a 22nd minute own goal by center back Tori Huster. Then in the 68th minute, it was high pressure of their own that paid off when Amanda Gerlitz dispossessed Casey Berrier from about 40 yards out, and drove in on goal, fought off another challenge, and slotted home from 12 years to the far netting.
This is not necessarily a bad thing for the Spirit: this loss will remind them to stay humble and play their hardest in each game to be fully prepared for the 2013 NWSL season. They still have a few preseason games ahead of them where they can capitalize and gain their confidence back. The Spirit have two days to rest, recover, and prepare for Saturday’s final preseason match when they host Virginia at the Maryland SoccerPlex at 7:30 p.m.
Both teams played a high pressure game, and with the Spirit unable to create a single shot on goal in the first half, it was Maryland pressure that paid off first in the form of a 22nd minute own goal by center back Tori Huster. Then in the 68th minute, it was high pressure of their own that paid off when Amanda Gerlitz dispossessed Casey Berrier from about 40 yards out, and drove in on goal, fought off another challenge, and slotted home from 12 years to the far netting.
This is not necessarily a bad thing for the Spirit: this loss will remind them to stay humble and play their hardest in each game to be fully prepared for the 2013 NWSL season. They still have a few preseason games ahead of them where they can capitalize and gain their confidence back. The Spirit have two days to rest, recover, and prepare for Saturday’s final preseason match when they host Virginia at the Maryland SoccerPlex at 7:30 p.m.
NWSL Opens Play Without Sponsors.
In the third attempt to establish a professional women's soccer league, the National Women's Soccer league opens its season Saturday not yet ready to announce their major sponsors. The new league announced that they would be live-streaming all games online and revealed a widely varied salary range. In the 5 1/2 month season, local players will earn anywhere from $6,000 to $30,000. NWSL executive director Cheryl Bailey discussed this matter more.
"As far as goals, we want to create a sustainable league and put down roots," Bailey said. "We have a proven platform with players who can compete on the highest level. We want to grow this game, and we've seen growth from all three federations and in the leagues before us."
From a business perspective, this isn't good for the National Women's Soccer League. They need to figure out who their sponsors are if they plan on continuing their league. How do they expect to be funded from to help them out in the beginning? Until they can figure out who their sponsors are, the NWSL will end up being like past leagues and end up in the dust.
"As far as goals, we want to create a sustainable league and put down roots," Bailey said. "We have a proven platform with players who can compete on the highest level. We want to grow this game, and we've seen growth from all three federations and in the leagues before us."
From a business perspective, this isn't good for the National Women's Soccer League. They need to figure out who their sponsors are if they plan on continuing their league. How do they expect to be funded from to help them out in the beginning? Until they can figure out who their sponsors are, the NWSL will end up being like past leagues and end up in the dust.
Sky Blue Starts Their NWSL Season Strong.
Sky Blue Football Club played their first game this past Sunday against the Western New York Flash with a winning score of 1-0. The game officially started at 6:00, with both teams starting off strong right from the whistle. It was evident each team was pressuring intensely with the itch to be the first to score. The first sign of danger came in the 16th minute, when Flash Midfielder Veronica Perez was taken down inside of the 18 yard box, which resulted in a penalty kick. Adriana took the penalty kick, but it was timed perfectly and blocked by Sky Blue Goalkeeper Brittany Cameron.
Right before the end of the 1st half, Sky Blue was able to convert a goal from a corner kick by Danesha Adams, which was touched by Defender CoCo Goodson resulted in an own goal. Sky Blue's biggest scare was in the final moments of the match when Abby Wambach received a ball at the top of the penalty box in front of Cameron. With much struggle and effort, Cameron was able to fight off Wambach and keep her sheet clean.
Next up for Sky Blue FC is an April 27th match with the Washington Spirit. The team will next return home on Wednesday, May 8th, when it hosts the Chicago Red Stars at 7:00 p.m.
Right before the end of the 1st half, Sky Blue was able to convert a goal from a corner kick by Danesha Adams, which was touched by Defender CoCo Goodson resulted in an own goal. Sky Blue's biggest scare was in the final moments of the match when Abby Wambach received a ball at the top of the penalty box in front of Cameron. With much struggle and effort, Cameron was able to fight off Wambach and keep her sheet clean.
Next up for Sky Blue FC is an April 27th match with the Washington Spirit. The team will next return home on Wednesday, May 8th, when it hosts the Chicago Red Stars at 7:00 p.m.
Thorns Defeat Reign 2-1.
The Seattle Reign couldn't keep up with the prickly Thorns of Portland today at JELD-WEN field in front of 16,479. Scoring didn't start until the end of the first half. At the 45th minute, Marian Dougherty scored on a free kick from Nikki Washington outside of the 18 yard box. In the 52nd minute, Christine Sinclair passed the ball through two defenders to Alex Morgan's feet, leaving her on a 1 v 1 with the goalkeeper. Needless to day, Morgan finished flawlessly to make the score 2-0. In the 73rd minute, the Reign responded as midfielder Jessica Fishlock scored a goal on a volley to cut the lead to 2-1. However, it was not enough to change the outcome of the game as the Thorns went on to victory with a final score of 2-1
Washington Spirit draw with Flash 1-1.
The Washington Spirit had their home opener this past Saturday, playing the Western New York Flash. The game ended up being more dramatic than many anticipated, with the final score ending in a draw 1-1. Right from the start the Flash had many chances to capitalize on a lead.
In the 19th minute Kerr sent a chip into an unmarked Wambach who one-timed it but the ball hit the crossbar. Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris was a little too late to get the ball from Wambach. It wasn't till the 2nd half that a score would be posted.
In the 85th minute, Wambach got a head on the ball off of a free kick which Kerr easily tapped into the back post to make it 1-0 Flash. However, 2 minutes later the Spirit responded with a quick breakaway, where one of their forwards was taken down in the box for a penalty kick. Matherson was chosen to convert the penalty, and did so successfully to tie the game up. With only a couple of minutes left to play, both teams were exhausted and settled on each receiving one point for the league.
In the 19th minute Kerr sent a chip into an unmarked Wambach who one-timed it but the ball hit the crossbar. Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris was a little too late to get the ball from Wambach. It wasn't till the 2nd half that a score would be posted.
In the 85th minute, Wambach got a head on the ball off of a free kick which Kerr easily tapped into the back post to make it 1-0 Flash. However, 2 minutes later the Spirit responded with a quick breakaway, where one of their forwards was taken down in the box for a penalty kick. Matherson was chosen to convert the penalty, and did so successfully to tie the game up. With only a couple of minutes left to play, both teams were exhausted and settled on each receiving one point for the league.
NWSL Bio: Sydney LeRoux.
No story is more interesting than Sydney LeRoux's. Born on May 7th, 1990, LeRoux was born and raised in Surry, Canada. This caused a lot of controversy over what team she should play for. Although born and raised in Canada, LeRoux's father is American so she was legally allowed to play for either the Canadian National team or the US Women's National Team. Considering the USWNT is the #1 ranked team in the world, LeRoux decided she wanted to play with the best and pursued her career in the United States. LeRoux participated in the 2012 CONCACAF Womens Olympic Qualifying Tournament, and it was from that point on LeRoux was tied with the United States. Ironically enough, her first professional appearance was as a substitute against, you guessed it: Canada. Seeing as the game was played in Toronto, LeRoux was viciously booed. However, LeRoux is one of the strongest players on the team and is a major contributor to the USWNT.
FC Kansas City Earn First Win Over Reign
FC Kansas City is able to clutch their first win with a 2-0 victory over the Seattle Reign this past Friday. With a steady rain all day, both teams dealt with slippery conditions when it was game time. Scoring didn't start until the 21st minute when Cheney was able to get a corner kick for Kansas City. She then took it and found the head of Farrelly on the back post to make the game 1-0. Seattle pressed hard after that to make the game even, but goalkeeper Nicole Barnhardt worked hard to make this game a clean sheet. Then in the 71st minute, Cheney again is able to send a ball forward from the 18 yard box perfectly placed past 2 defenders leading forward Cuellar to a breakaway with the keeper. Facing the goalie one-on-one, Cuellar was able to finish easily and give Kansas City a lead of 2-0. This score would then hold for the remainder of the game.
These two teams face each other next week, this time in Seattle, on May 4th at 11 p.m.
These two teams face each other next week, this time in Seattle, on May 4th at 11 p.m.
Being a Soccer Fan in America.
Football. Basketball. Baseball. Even Ice Hockey. These sports are accepted much more in the United States than soccer.
I get questions all the time like, "How can you even watch soccer, let alone women's soccer? The scores are always so low, it's so boring! It's not an actual sport!"
So lets get a few things straight. First of all, what's wrong with women's sports? I will never understand why people are so intent on watching men over women. I personally don't find women's sports to be boring, I find them the exact same structure as mens sports. If more people were supportive of women's sports, it would be much better rounded and well known.
Who cares if the scores are low? Does that mean they're not exciting? I guarantee no baseball fan would be complaining if they witnessed a 1-0 game where the pitcher threw a perfect game. Just because the scores are low doesn't mean it's a boring sport. Between penalty kicks and last minute goals, I believe soccer is one of the more exciting sports. Maybe that's why it's the most popular sport in the world (just clearly not America).
Personally, my dream job would be to market something like the National Women's Soccer League and turn it into a successful, well-known franchise. I want to be able to take something so poor and make it rich, and get everyone in America to get on the bandwagon of watching not only soccer, but WOMEN's soccer. And finally, for the record, football is the actual name for soccer. Do you use your feet in football? Punters don't count.
I get questions all the time like, "How can you even watch soccer, let alone women's soccer? The scores are always so low, it's so boring! It's not an actual sport!"
So lets get a few things straight. First of all, what's wrong with women's sports? I will never understand why people are so intent on watching men over women. I personally don't find women's sports to be boring, I find them the exact same structure as mens sports. If more people were supportive of women's sports, it would be much better rounded and well known.
Who cares if the scores are low? Does that mean they're not exciting? I guarantee no baseball fan would be complaining if they witnessed a 1-0 game where the pitcher threw a perfect game. Just because the scores are low doesn't mean it's a boring sport. Between penalty kicks and last minute goals, I believe soccer is one of the more exciting sports. Maybe that's why it's the most popular sport in the world (just clearly not America).
Personally, my dream job would be to market something like the National Women's Soccer League and turn it into a successful, well-known franchise. I want to be able to take something so poor and make it rich, and get everyone in America to get on the bandwagon of watching not only soccer, but WOMEN's soccer. And finally, for the record, football is the actual name for soccer. Do you use your feet in football? Punters don't count.
Sky Blue FC Defeats Washington Spirit 2-1
Sky Blue FC continue their winning ways, defeating the Washington Spirit today 2-1 at the Maryland Soccerplex Stadium in Germantown, Maryland. Sky Blue showed their dominance as they powered out of the gates right from the first whistle. It didn't take long for them to get on the board. Within the first couple of minutes of the match Danesha Adams took a corner from the right hand side and placed it perfectly in the box. And just like in the movies, forward Coco Goodson got her head on the ball and placed it perfectly in the corner of the net to put Sky Blue on the board. Once the Spirit woke up, they seemed relentless to score a goal. Towards the end of the first half, Lori Lindsey had the ball in the left flank and was able to get the ball across the box. It trickled through some Sky Blue defenders and reached the feet of Diana Matheson to one touch into the the back of the net. Going into halftime 1-1, both teams were eager to score another goal to earn a victory. And that team turned out to be Sky Blue. Early in the second half, Lisa DeVanna received an excellent ball over the top from the defenders. Taking it down to the goal, she passed it back to a wide open Sophie Schmidt who drilled the ball into the back of the net to put Sky Blue up one. Keeping their composure, Sky Blue was able to come out of the game with a victory.