Thursday, September 13, 2007

Focoose

On the eve of a massive game against Sweden, the U.S. players are relaxed and loose, but you can certainly tell that the focus is there, perhaps a good combination to produce a positive result tomorrow. The team had its usual pre-game meeting after dinner and then the players settled down for a quiet evening, which for some players included popcorn and movies. The dominate emotion may be excitement as the team is eager to get back on the field after the draw with North Korea. Both teams know each other extremely well, having played four times since meeting in the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup, so tomorrow’s match probably won’t be one of surprises, bur rather hard work and effort.

9 comments:

vasoccermom3x said...

Great game ladies! Keep up the great footwork against Nigeria on Tuesday. I had to agree with Lilly early on - settle & slow down the pace a little. Foudy made the comment early in the 1st half - you started out playing Sweden's game BUT you ended on a US note. Thanks to the ESPN family for televising these games so the East Coast can watch live - Halifax, Virginia is watching! Bring home the GOLD ladies...

Nomad said...

Team USA -

Congratulations on your victory over Sweden! Your evening of relaxation paid off in a big way! Thank you for such an enjoyable match.

On a seperate note, I want to thank each and everyone of you for helping elevate the beautiful sport among your countrymen, and not just among young girls like the media insists on saying. I have two young sons, Christian and Erik (ages 6 and 7), who both play at the U-8 level and who are starting to really love the sport - thinks in no small part to you. They wouldn't miss seeing you play for anything in the world. Here on the East Coast, the matches are airing on TV just before 5:00 AM. This morning my sons woke me up at 4:30 and, in whispered tones, demanded that I turn on the TV so the three of us could watch you play against Sweden!

Since my boys play at the U-8 level, they are just beginning to develop their skills and have not yet settled into any one position. They enjoy all positions, but really love playing goal keeper. This morning as they dressed for school,they told me they wanted to be great keepers and play for the US when they were older. Not connecting the dots, I said, "You want to be like Tim Howard or Kasey Keller?"

My youngest, Christian, looked at me like I did not know what I was talking about and promptly said, "No. We want to be better than them. We want to be like Hope Solo."

Ladies, you have definitely made two young boys (and their dad) life-long fans of yours. Keep it up! You have us cheering in our seats as the sun comes up here in Atlanta, GA.

Daeta said...

Way to go girls! You seem to be getting your rhythm back. Against N.Korea it appeared the team cohesiveness had been lost somewhat but it looks like you're coming back together. Keep it up! Columbus, Ohio is watching too! SO worth getting up at 4am for! Speaking of gold...what happened to the new gold kit?

NewMexter said...

Fabulous work ladies. Way to weather the initial onslaught Hope and kudos to rest of the team for settling and getting back to your game. Great job Abby, Chups, and Lilly for delivering the points. The game was well worth getting out of bed at 3am.

Thanks to the Blogsters too. I check the entries each day and enjoy reading about the matches as well as general team antics.

NewMexter said...

Fabulous work ladies. Way to weather the initial onslaught Hope and kudos to rest of the team for settling and getting back to your game. Great job Abby, Chups, and Lilly for delivering the points. The game was well worth getting out of bed at 3am.

Thanks to the Blogsters too. I check the entries each day and enjoy reading about the matches as well as general team antics.

Mamacita Chilena said...

congratulations on the huge win against Sweden!!!

I have to confess, first my brother called me right after the game. He said, "Hope Solo...wow!" And I said, "Yeah isn't she good?!?" He goes, "Yeah that too, but WOW SHE'S HOT!" And then two seconds later my dad called to tell me the same thing.

Hey, at least they're watching, even if it's for all the wrong reasons :) Team USA's amazing play on the field should get them focused on something other than Hope Solo's spectacular hotness :)

Unknown said...

I agree with what nomad said about how you elevated the sport of soccer to a new level in the States. I never followed soccer until I saw the dramatic come from behind (twice) win over Germany in '99 and I was hooked ever since. Nomad's right, it's not just young girls who follow your game, I'm evidence of that fact.

I hope to see more great soccer from you girls. I think the short passes did wonders for possession today. I'm looking forward to the goalfest against Nigeria as we'll surely want to be on top of the group!

Best wishes from the atl

jr said...

CONGRATULATIONS! Keep building on your games! The future is yours!!! Y'all are a great group of ladies, on and off the pitch. You're an amazing bunch! It's not hard getting up to see you play at 4am (I'm in Oklahoma City)... I love watching! You make it look so easy!!!!!
Bring it home!

Impedient said...

Great victory 2-0!

I could have watch it but had to leave home for school's soccer training! But anyway, saw the highlights and the 2nd goal by Wambach was awesome! Well taken and bang, 2-0!

Let's bring another victory over Nigeria!

WOOHOO, Go on Team USA!