Eye on Germany

The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team returned to the field today for the first time in 2009 as head coach Pia Sundhage put 25 players (well, 24 as Tobin Heath had travel issues) through a pretty intense 90-minute workout. There was definitely an energy to the practice as team seemed genuinely pleased to be together once again in what marks a first step on the long road to the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup in Germany. With the U.S. MNT practicing on the adjacent fields at the same time, the Home Depot Center soccer fields were buzzing with activity on a warm, luxurious night in Los Angeles. This was the first of what will be about 17 trainings and four scrimmages over the 17-day training camp, after which Sundhage will choose 18 players to attend the 2009 Algarve Cup in Portugal, one of the most coveted trips for U.S. players due to the location (south coast of Portugal), the food (best pizza and crepes you'll find in Portugal) and of course the competition (almost all the best teams in Europe + China). While there will be many games, many trips, many players and the start of the new pro league before the next Women's World Cup, it's time to start the bus. The journey to Germany has begun...