Drama and Hope

The WNT may not have brought home their third consecutive Algarve Cup Championship, but they provided enough drama to fill up a season of ER.

Down 1-0 vs. Sweden with seconds left, Boxxy slammed home the equalizer, sending the already-turbulent match into PK’s. That’s the second straight 90th minute goal by the WNT, mind you.

And even as PK’s go, these were especially thrilling, complete with clutch saves and clanging crossbars. In the end, the magic of their back-to-back late rallies was undeniable, but it fell just short of enough.

On the other hand, magic had nothing to do with Hope Solo’s game and tournament MVP status - straight talent and clutch performance. Allowing only one goal over the 360 minutes of soccer played, Hope saved the best for last and came up with three point-blank stops in the Cup final to keep her squad in the game. Coach Sundhage said it best, “She’s just playing better and better.”

Congrats to Hope Solo for being chosen the MVP of the Algarve Cup, and to the WNT for a great tournament. There’s a bright future ahead.