Nikesoccer

Hope Solo on Inside Training

gabejazzy — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:26:51 GMT

Starting goalkeeper for the U.S. Women’s National Team, Hope Solo, needs no introduction—she’s one of the best goalies in the world. Currently on a mission to Beijing, she’s expecting to bring home a Gold.

Fiercely competitive when she’s on the field and always trying to improve her game when she’s off the field, Hope never stops training. Listen to Hope explain what keeps her motivated, and what you can do to take your game to the next level.

Scandinavian Success

gabejazzy — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:46:48 GMT

If last week’s Norway game proved the U.S. WNT could win big against a high quality opponent, yesterday’s 1-0 away win against Sweden showed that this select group of American athletes isn’t prone to folding under pressure. The difference-maker in the game turned out to be midfielder Carli Lloyd, a former four-time All-American in college. In the 39th minute, the pride of New Jersey soccer dribbled past three defenders off of a short corner before she took a successful left-footed attempt at goal. After that, it was a combination of solid defending, steady goalkeeping by Hope and Nicole Barhnhart, and a healthy dose of good fortune. Hey, when you’ve got Pia on your side and you’re playing in Sweden, good things tend to happen.

Brazil’s up next for the U.S WNT, and frankly, if the Samba girls bring their best, we’re going to have to take our game to the next level. Two games against a dangerous team may not be the most conservative way to prepare for Beijing, but it might very well yield the greatest payoff. Who knows what we’ll see. Two U.S. wins? Abby’s 100th goal? Find out July 13th in Denver (2 p.m. MT on ESPN) and July 16th in San Diego (7 p.m. PT).

World Be Warned

gabejazzy — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:41:19 GMT

What's up football fanatics? Well, the U.S. Women’s National Team opened up the 2008 Four Nations Tournament in Guangzhou, China with a 4-0 drubbing of Canada. Now, that's what we're talking about. New head coach, Pia Sundhage wasted little time in securing her first W, as the U.S. hammered in four goals in a 28-minute span during the second half.

The U.S. team has now announced their intentions to the world – relentless dominance.

Lindsey Tarpley stamped her authority all over the match in the second half, and put the game beyond reach with two stunning strikes that proved her lethal ability as an attacking midfielder. Abby Wambach was menacing all game long, as well, as she constantly threatened Canada’s defense, which opened up acres of space for her teammates. And, a rock-solid defense, anchored by Hope Solo in goal, was rarely troubled throughout.

The convincing win on Chinese soil is the perfect start to their campaign for gold in Beijing, and puts painful memories of last year’s World Cup behind them. Now the ladies turn their attention to their next match against Finland, which will take place on Friday, January 18. And, you just know this impressive win gives the team loads of confidence. We can't wait to see what they're going to do next.

The U.S. team has now announced their intentions to the world – relentless dominance. Consider yourself warned.

To read the full match review, go to ussoccer.com.

And, click here for the just added highlights.

One More Go Round

gabejazzy — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 19:47:41 GMT

Eight days, three games, three cities, one opponent. Pretty intense way for the U.S. WNT to wrap up an exhausting two year Cup cycle. Why do it? For you, the fan, it’s a final opportunity to see this amazing team play together before some of its individual members, maybe one of your idols, hang up their boots for good.

Say thank you to the team through your attendance. For the players, it’s pretty simple: The series is another chance to compete, to play the game they love, alongside the teammates they love, in front of the people they love. Of course, all that sentimentality doesn’t mean that winning doesn’t matter. For someone like Shannon Boxx, the only way to end the year on a good note is to tackle hard, sprint all over the field, and when the final whistle blows, walk off as part of the winning team. The homecoming is also a chance for Tash, Tarp, Carli, and the next generation of WNT stars to show everyone how far they’ve come as players, and why they’re going to be needed when the Olympics come around.

And with Hope back on the roster, these games will prove that the WNT is still a family, through the thick and thin. Things might not have gone according to plan, but coming together is why when this team falls, it falls on its feet.

The first game’s tomorrow night at 7pm in the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. It won’t be televised, so grabbing a ticket is the only way to see the action. Then, checkout the action in Portland at PGE Park on Wednesday and 7pm. Ending out the series on the 20th, take a roadtrip to Albuquerque to see the ladies one last time vs Mexico.