USA Womens Soccer

US sweeps Canada series with a final 1-0 score

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:31:12 -0700

The US Women played their last home games of the year and they finished off their domestic schedule with another 1-0 victory over Canada on July 22 in Charleston, NC.

This was the third and final meeting between the two. Originally, the US were scheduled to play two matches against Japan in May, and then two matches againt Canada in July. That didn't happen as Japan pulled out of their North American tour (they were also scheduled for a couple matches aginst Canada) with fear of the H1N1 virus. The US and Canada quickly agreed on a "make-up" match on May 25th in Toronto, Canada.

The US got back to their WPS teams, and met again on July for the Canada series. The frist match ended in a 1-0 win for the US, a game in which Abby Wambach scored her 100th goal to give the States the win.

The second leg also ended in a 1-0 win for the US on an 89th minute game-winner from 18-year-old Christine Nairn, who scored her first ever goal for the Women's National Team.

This match was less lop-sided than the previous one. The US didn't have as many chances on goal, and Canada's defense held strong. Hope Solo had a key save late in the second half when Christine Sinclair almost scored her 100th goal for Canada. Sinclair received a through ball infront of the US defenders, and dribbled into the box where Solo was coming off her line. Sinclair touched the ball to her left, but Solo was there to push the ball away.

Minutes later, the US got the only goal they need on a funky, scrambled play. Angela Hucles ran the ball down the right flank, and got just enough space to get a cross in to the near post, where Abby Wambach got her head on the ball to keep Erin Mcleod from punching it away. Lauren Cheney then headed the rebound towards the open net. McLeod reacted quickly and tried to slap the ball away from the goal line, but the ball went crashing to Nairn's back and into the goal.

Lauren Cheney describes the goal with great excitement: "Ang got (the ball) out wide, she takes her player on, she gets a couple inches, swings in a great cross. Abby flicks it backwards, the goalie taps it. I have a 1 v 1 with a girl. I headed the ball over her. Then the goalie tries to throw it out and Nairn just backs it in."

"First, sick goal. First goal. Sick. Awesome. Good job Nairn," she adds.

The players will now go back to their WPS club teams, and will get back together in the fall for a training camp followed by a European tour. They have a match set against Germany for October 19th. More on that later.

Meanwhile, watch WPS as the final weeks and the fight for play-offs spots heats up. The LA Sol have already clinched a spot on the final. which they will host at the HDC, with a 0-0 tie against FC Gold Pride on Thurday. No other team can catch up in points, and the winner of the regular season gets to host the final. At the end of the season, the #2 seed will host the winner between the 3rd and 4th placed teams for the semifinal. The winner of the semifinal, of course, will play against the Sol on August 22 for the 1st place title of the inaugural season of Women's Professional Soccer.

Wambach scored her 100th goal for the US in a 1-0 victory over Canada

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:34:34 -0700

The US defeated Canada 1-0 on an 80th minute goal from Abby Wambach. The game was played in her hometown of Rochester, NY in front of 8,443 fans. This was her 100th goal for the US, and her first since coming back from her broken leg injury.

The play started when Tobin Heath won a goal kick from Karina LeBlanc. Her header turned into a short pass to Shannon Boxx in the middle. Boxx then played the ball up to forward Lauren Cheney (she replaced Wambach in the Olympic roster after the injury) who spun around towards the goal, sneaked a through ball past Candace Chapman, where Wambach dribbled towards the goal and shot to the far post.

The goal makes Wambach the 9th female in the world and just the 5th player in US Soccer history (all women) to score 100 goals. The first player to do so was Mia Hamm in 1998, also in Rochester, NY, who ended her career with 158 goals for the USA. Kristine Lilly has scored 129 times for the US, Michelle Akers finished with 105, while Tiffeny Milbrett ended her career with 100.

The US had numerous chances to score including a first half rocket to the crossbar from Angela Hucles in the 8th minute.

Wambach had a chance in the 7th minute, but her shot was blocked by Chapman. She had another one in the 49th minute when Megan Rapinoe sent a bouncing ball into the area, but LeBlanc beat her to it. In the 52nd minute, Amy Rodriguez sent a low cross into the area, but Wambach just missed it as she scrambled with two other defenders.

In the 61st minute, Hucles bent a ball to the far post where Wambach tried for a diving header, but just missed it. Two minutes later, she chip a shot to the far post, but it went just wide. Abby sure had all the fans on their feet every time she had a chance on goal.

Canda's best chance came in the 68th minute when Chelsea Stewart received a long ball the was played behind the US backline. Heather Mitts came to the rescue as she ran her down, blocked her shot, and cleared the ball away.

Pia Sundhage started Cat Whitehill in the back for the first time since her ACL injury in June.

Tobin Heath came into the match in the 75th minute to replace Heather O'Reilly. Her first touch was nutmeg. A few minutes kater she pulled off a double nutmeg, giving a pass to Boxx on the left wing, who's cross would turn into a corner kick for the US.

The US played without team captain Christie Rapmone, who had to undergo emergency abdominal surgery. It didn't seem to make much of an impact in the backline as they limited Canada to one shot on goal, and Nicole Barnhart was forced to make one save to earn the shutout.

The US will play Canada next on Wednesday July 22 at Blackbaud Stadium in Charlestin, SC. The match will air live on Fox Soccer Channel at 8pm ET.

Roster for Canada friendlies released

Wed, 8 Jul 2009 21:13:58 -0700

Head coach of the US Women's National Team, Pia Sunhage has announced the 18-player roster that will play against Canada in a two-game series. The first match will be on July 19th in Rochester, New York, hometown of striker Abby Wambach, who is still looking to find the net for the 100th time for her country. If she scores in front of her hometown fans, she will become the 5th player in US Soccer history to score 100 or more goals, and she will have scored it where Mia Hamm scored her 100th goal. The match will be aired LIVE on ESPN at 12pm PT.

The second match will be on July 22nd in Charleston, NC at Blackbaud Stadium, and will be broadcast LIVE on FSC at 5pm PT.

The roster consists of 18 WPS players and 3 collegiate players. Leading the way are the Boston Breakers who will have four players with the US team, those being Amy Rodriguez, Amy LePeilbet, Heather Mitts, and Angela Hucles.

The Chicago Red Stars will be without some of their best players, Lindsay Tarpley, Carli Lloyd, and Megan Rapinoe.

FC Gold Pride will once again use their back up keeper as Nicole Barnhart was called up. Leslie Osborne will be back with the team after about a year and two months out from an ACL injury.

The Los Angeles Sol will miss Stephanie Cox, and Shannon Boxx.

Hope Solo, and co-captain Lori Chalupny from St. Louis will be with team USA.

Captain Christie Rampone, and Heather O'Reilly will represent Sky Blue FC .

From the Washington Freedom, Abby Wambach will get another chance at her 100th goal, and Cat Whitehill will also be back with the team since her ACL injury in June of last year.

Tar Heel Tobin Heath from the University of North Carolina, Bruin Lauren Cheney from UCLA, and Lioness Christine Nairn from Penn State were also called up.

The roster includes 14 of the 2008 Gold Medalists. It will be a very experienced group for the most part, with the exception of Nairn who has just one cap, earned in the previous friendly against Canada. Leslie Osborne and Cat Whitehill have not seen action with the US team in over a year; it would be great to see if they can come out and play at the highest level for their country again.

Here's what it looks like:

GK (2): Nicole Barnhart, Hope Solo

D (7): Rachel Buehler, Stephanie Cox, Lori Chaluppny, Amy Lepeilbet, Heather Mitts, Christie Rampone, Cat Whitehill

M (9): Shannon Boxx, Tobin Heath, Angela Hucles, Carli Lloyd, Christine Nairn, Heather O'Reilly, Leslie Osborne, Megan Rapinoe, Lindsay Tarpley

F (3): Lauren Cheney, Amy Rodriguez, Abby Wambach

Stars and Stripes down the Maple Leaf

Mon, 25 May 2009 17:59:35 -0700

The US Women got back together for their first action since the Algarve Cup final in mid-March for a friendly against cross border rival Canada. Japan had pulled out of a North American tour including matches against the US and Canada. To make up for the matches lost, the Canada agreed to a friendly against the USA.

The match took place at BMO Field, home of the MLS' Toronto FC. This was the first meeting between the two teams since the Olympic quarter-final in which Natasha Kai scored the game-winning goal in over time to give the US a 2-1 win, and get them to the semifinal against Japan.

The US took the lead early in the first half. Shannon Boxx took the ball to the top right side of the box and released a shot that got past Canadian goalkeeper, Karina LeBlanc in the 3rd minute.

The match did not have a lot of action as was expected and was a little slow. Canada had more possession though, but the US was able to score again in the closing minutes of the first half. This time it was Megan Rapinoe, who started at center midfield. She took the ball inside the area, cut to her right around a defender and bent a perfect ball to the lower right corner of the goal.

She sent the US into the locker rooms with a 2 goal lead. Halftime changes included Nicole Barnhart coming in for Hope Solo, who had only a couple touches on the ball with her feet. Rachel Buehler subbed in for Amy LePeilbet.

The US came into the second half hungry for more goals. In the 67th minute, Angela Hucles received a pass form Abby Wambach. Her effort went high over the crossbar.

In the 71st minute Heather O'Reilly stole a ball at the top of the box and dribbled inside the area. Her shot also went high over the bar.

Canada gave the US a corner kick in 78th minute. Hucles played the ball to the far post where Wambach was able to keep it in play. The Canadian defense was not able to clear the ball, and second-half substitute Lindsay Tarpley found the back of the net to give the US a 3-0 lead.

Just three minutes late, Lauren Cheney, who had just come in for Amy Rodriguez, sealed the win on a cross from O'Reilly. She headed the ball into the goal from a tight angle.

The US backline was pretty solid throught the match, and cut down Canada's chances. Christine Sinclair was not able to score her 100th goal. Abby Wambach did not find the net either. The good thing is the teams will meet again twice in July. The first match will be on July 19th at Rochester Rhino's Stadium in Rochester, NY. Kick-off is at 3pm ET and will air live on ESPN. The next match will be on July 22nd at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, SC. The match is set to start at 8pm ET and will air live on FSC.

Japan series cancelled

Tue, 12 May 2009 17:49:17 -0700

The US Women were set to open their domestic schedule with a two-game series against Japan. The first match would be May 20 in Sandy, Utah. The second leg was scheduled for May 23 in Dallas, Texas. Unfortunately, Japan has pulled out of their North American tour (they were also scheduled to play against Canada on May 25, Memorial Day).

Japan has decided not to travel to the US or Canada due to concerns with the H1N1 virus. “This is an unfortunate situation, but one that we had absolutely no control over,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. “We have been assured that the risk to the participating teams is exceptionally low, but we accept the Japanese Federation’s decision not to travel.”

Fans that had already purchased tickets for the 2 matches will get full refunds.

The US will now face Canada on May 25th, Memorial Day in Toronto at BMO Field, home of the MLS' Toronto FC. This match will be televised live on FSC at 7pm ET. Fans can also follow online at ussoccer.com.

This is the first time the US Women have played in Canada since 2001. The math was played at Varsity Stadium in front of 9,023 fans, which was the largest crowd to ever watch a Canada Women's match at the time. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.

Forwards Abby Wambach (USA) and Christine Sinclair (Canada) will both be aiming to score their 100th goals for their respective countries. Be sure to tune in and you might be able to witness world soccer history if either of them score.

"I am grateful that we could put together a game on such short notice and want to thank the WPS teams and officials for their flexibility in unique situation," said U.S. head coach Pia Sundhage. “We’ve been watching a lot of WPS games and it will be so nice to have all the players together who have performed well in the league. I am very happy that the USA and Canada could get together to organize this match.”

The quick arrangement of the match in Toronto means that the USA and Canada will play three times this summer as the two countries were already scheduled to meet twice in July in the United States, on July 19 in Rochester, N.Y., and on July 22 in Charleston, S.C. Tickets are available for both games through ussoccer.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and at all Ticketmaster ticket centers throughout the Rochester and Charleston areas. Groups of 20 or more can obtain an order form at ussoccer.com or call 312-528-1290.

US Women to play 2 matches against Canada in July

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:32:42 -0700

The US Women will play their rival Canada twice in July for a rematch of the 2008 Olympic quarter finals. They will face each other first on Sunday, July 19th at Marina Auto Stadium in Rochester, NY. The second game will be on Wednesday, July 22nd at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, SC.

These matches are very interesting for a couple of reasons. One of them is that the last time these teams played each other, the US beat Canada to the semi-final of the Olympics. Natasha Kai scored the game-winning goal on a cross from Shannon Boxx with a diving header in over time. It's been a while since the teams met, but they know each other very well having played a total of 44 matches (the most times the US has faced any country in history) but now Canada has a different coach. Legendary Italian player Carolina Morace has taken over the Canadians and will likely introduce the players to a different style of play.

The second reason is that some Canadian players are playing here in the US in the Women's Professional Soccer league and are teammates with US players. Forward Christine Sinclair is playing in the Bay Area with FC Gold Pride with US goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart, defender RachelBuehler, and midfielders Leslie Osborne and Tina DiMartino. Karina LeBlanc is the starting keeper for the Los Angeles Sol which has defender Stephanie Cox, midfielders Aly Wagner and ShannonBoxx. Canadian forward Martina Franko has just signed with the Sol as well. Melissa Tancredi is playing in St. Louis alongside US goalkeeper Hope Solo, defender/midfielder Lori Chalupny, and forward Tina Ellertson.

Abby Wambach, who scored 142 goals at Our Lady of Mercy High School, where she was an all-American and 1997 high school player of the year could also return to her hometown. Last time she played in Rochester, she scored 2 goals for the States' 3-1 victory over Mexico on September 13, 2006. She also scored 2 goals last time the US played at Blackbaud helping the US defeat Mexico 3-0.

These matches will be the last home games for the US and they are scheduled to go on a European tour after the WPS season ends.

For tickets to the Japan matches in May, or the Canada series in July, visit ussoccer.com for more information.

US WNT to open domestic schedule against Japan

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 10:54:58 -0700

Since the start of WPS is almost here, the US Women's National Team will have a limited amount of playing time. They started out with the Algarve Cup in early March, and will be back together after in late May for a two-game series against Japan.

The first match will be on May 20 in Frisco, Texas at Pizza Hut Park, home of the Major League Soccer's FC Dallas. This will be the first match there since a 6-2 win for the USA against Canada on May 12, 2007, and their first match-up against Japan since the 4-2 win for the US in the Olympic semifinal. Kick-off is set for 7:30 pm CT. Ticket prices range from $18-$80 plus VIP on-field seats for $125. Tickets go on sale Saturday at 10 am CT. If you are not able to go to the game, you can follow live on ussoccer.com's MatchTracker.

The second match-up will be on May 23 in Sandy, Utah at Rio Tinto Stadium where Real Salt Lake of the MLS plays their home games. Tickets start at $18, plus on-field seats for $150 and go on sale on March 21, at 10 am MT. This game will be televised live on Fox Soccer Channel at 4 pm MT. Fans can also follow live on MatchTracker.

The US and Japan have had a long history dating back to 1986. They also played each other in the 1991 and 1995 FIFA Women's World Cups as well as in the quartefinals in the 2004 Olympics, and most recently at the Beijing Olympics in Group play and in the semifinal. Japan has never defeated the US, but tied 3 straight games played between 2000 and 2004.

Japan will most likely feature its star player, midfielder Homare Sawa of the Washington Freedom, along with midfielder Aya Myama of the Los Angeles Sol and forward Eriko Arakawa of the FC Gold Pride.

Sweden edges US Women in Algarve Cup final

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:27:32 -0700

After Shannon Boxx caused Sweden to take the lead in the 19th minute, she came back to score the goal that would keep the US Women in the game at the 90th minute, at least until Heather Mitts would miss the deciding shot of the penalty shootout.

For the first 45 minutes, the US struggled to find their rhythm and create chances. At halftime, Pia talked to the team and changed their attitude. The US fought hard throughout the second half until the 90th minute. That is when Carli Lloyd cut past a defender, played the ball to Kai, who played it to Rapinoe who struck a pass across the goal mouth for Boxx to score. Hope Solo stepped up big time to keep the US in it, making 5 spectacular saves. The game ended and went into a penalty shootout.

First up for Sweden was Louise Fors who scored into the lower left corner.

Next Shannon Boxx blasted the ball into the upper right crner.

Next up for Sweden was Lisa Dahlkvist who also shot into the lower left.

Kristin Hammarstrom blocked Megan Rapoine's shot.

Sweden's Linda Sembrandt got her shot in off the left post.

Carli Lloyd slammed her shot to the lower left corner.

Anna Paulson gave life to the USA when her shit went high ocer the crossbar.

Then Christie Rampone's shot hit the inside of the left post and behind Hammarsrtom, but not in.

Hope Solo kept the US alive as she blocked Lotta Schelin's shot.

Tina DiMartino shot to the left and the ball went through Hammarstrom's hands.

Emelie Olander shot the ball over the goal.

Then Angie Woznuk's shot was saved.

Stine Segerstrom then finished into the lower left corner.

Finally, Heather Mitts cracked her shot to the left post and Sweden earned 1st place.

Mitts was playing in her 100th game for the WNT, and is the 25th player to achieve it in the history of the team. Unfortunately, her 100th cap was not as great as she hoped it would be. Hope Solo went on to win the Best Player of the Tournament award, and was the woman of the match.

Algarve Cup Final Standings:

1. Sweden
2. USA
3. Denmark
4. Germany
5. China
6. Iceland
7. Finland
8. Portugal
9. Norway
10. Austria
11. Poland
12. Wales

US Defeat Norway

Mon, 9 Mar 2009 17:34:56 -0700

The US played in the last match of group play for the Algarve Cup today against long-time rival, Norway. They were coming in against the US having lost their previous two matches of Group B as they fell to Iceland and Denmark 3-1 and 2-0, respectively.

Although the result of this match would have made no difference to the US, they still fought hard for the win, out-shooting Norway 12-9. Kacey White made a long run down the left flank, played a pass to Amy Rodriguez, who spun around her defender to play the ball to Megan Rapinoe on the right side. Rapinoe cut to her inside, continued inside the box, and ripped a shot that went into the net after hitting the left post in the 23rd minute.

Hope Solo also came up big for the USA once again, earning a second shutout (Nicole Barnhart earned the other shutout against Iceland) in the tournament. In the 18th minute, Kristine Lie took a shot from the left side of the top of the box, that was headed straight or the top right corner. Solo made a fully extended dive to the corner to tip the ball over the crossbar. She punched away the following corner.

Solo on the save: “I believe she struck it on top of the box to my right side. But Mitzy (Heather Mitts) was tracking the player down pretty fast to put pressure on her to get a shot off quickly. The only spot she had to shoot was my upper left. I got a good read on it and moved early.”

In the 33rd minute, the US could have made it 2-0. White sent a looping cross to Rodriguez, who's shot went just wide right.

Solo made another great save in the 83rd minute. Norway's captain, Ingvild Stensland shot a rocket that forced Solo to spring straight up and tip the ball over for a corner kick.

The USA are the only team that has not allowed a goal in the tournament. The back four have had a great tournament thus far, with rookie Kendall Fletcher having had her first cap and full 90-minute game against the Norwegians.

Sweden defeated Germany in a must win match. They will face the US Women in the Algarve Cup 1st place match. Pia Sundhage will coach the USA against her home country once again.

Pia on coaching against Sweden: “Regardless of what you have done before the final, everyone has the feeling of loving to play in the final. I think all 18 are ready to go. The fact that we are playing Sweden makes it a little interesting. I will have my best friend sitting on the other bench (asst. coach Lilly Persson). It would be cool to win that game.”

The final will be on Wednesday, March 9 at 12 pm ET. The match can be followed online on ussoccer.com's Match Tracker.

US defeat Iceland, earn spot on championship match

Fri, 6 Mar 2009 20:01:45 -0800

After 90 minutes of struggling against a determined and organized Iceland team, and strong winds in the small stadium, Parque Deportiva da Nora in Ferreiras, Portugal, the US Women got the 90th-minute game winner from Natasha Kai to earn a berth in the championship match of the Algarve Cup.

The game was off to a slow start for the US, maybe because of the fact that they were playing against the wind in the first half. Iceland had several chances to score in the first 45 minutes as they took advantage of several bad passes, caused by swilrling winds, by the US players.

In the second half, Pia Sundhage added Heather O'Reilly to the line up on the right wing, and added Lindsay Tarpley to the left, moving Megan Rapinoe up to play a withdrawn forward position behind Amy Rodriguez. The US started to find its rhythm and used the width of the field to create numerous chances, including 7 corner kicks.

Iceland played a mostly defensive second half, refusing to get scored on. They finally started attacking more, and in the 72nd minute, Dora Maria Larusdottir blasted a shot from the right side of the box, forcing US goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart to tip the ball over the crossbar, which made for 2 consecutive corner kicks for the Icelanders.

Shannon Boxx and Heather Mitts did what they do best in the last 15 minutes of the match. They made several tackles in the box and cleared off long passes from Iceland defenders, keeping the US in the game.

In the 87th minute, Barnhart came off her line to challenge a bouncing ball and collided with Rakel Honnudottir, who was able to get a touch on the ball, but the shot went wide right.

In the 90th minute, Christie Rampone passed a long ball to Kai, who trapped it it with her chest, let the ball bounce, flicked it over a defender, let it bounce once more, and hit a left-footed half-volley to the back of the net.

The US is now in the championship match with one match still left in group play, regardless the result of their match against Norway. The result will have no effect on group B standings as Norway lost to Iceland and Denmark, and Iceland and Denmark lost to the USA. The US will prepare for a championship match against Germany or Sweden, who play each other on March 9 at 9 am ET. Germany needs a win or tie, and Norway must win in order to have a chance at winning the Algarve Cup.

The US will play Norway on March 9 at 10 a.m. ET, 7 a.m. PT.