Nikesoccer

Defeat Thy Neighbor

Gronamo — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:25:08 GMT

This past weekend the US and Canada engaged in a little neighborly rivalry when the WNT traveled to Toronto for a match against their northern nemesis. The US put their stamp on the match almost immediately though, when veteran middy Shannon Boxx slotted home in the first 93 seconds. Up one-nil the ladies in red, white and blue never looked back, and Megan Rapinoe finished the half the way it opened with another shot to the back of the Canadian goal. Then Lindsay Tarpley put the match out of contention in the 77th minute with her 30th career goal. As if that wasn't enough, the US added one more just for good measure to round off the rout at 4-0.

Star forward, Abby Wambach, was back to her usual self after a grueling recovery from a broken leg. Abby was not able to find the back of the net, so she still sits on 99 goals, but that is something she will have a chance to change come July 19 when these two teams meet again. And, this time it's at Abby's hometown of Rochester, NY, so you know she'll be gunning for 100 in front of her friends and family.

Drama and Hope

Gronamo — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 22:02:23 GMT

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.

D Equals W

Gronamo — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:52:15 GMT

Since Friday the WNT have had two shutout victories. And it’s no small feat that they had already clinched a spot in the Algarve Cup Final with the first of the two.

With a jaw-dropping goal in the 90th, the US shocked the Icelandic side and guaranteed the women a spot in the Championship game. Settling a long ball from the left back with a chest trap, our striker tipped the ball over a confused Icelandic defender and finished with a precise left-footed half-volley. See for yourself – it’s a thing of beauty.

Though Monday’s 1-0 victory against Norway was inconsequential, the physical play characteristic of the US vs. Norway match-ups was no less present. Let’s be honest, how are you going to tell the WNT not to go all out on 50-50 headers? It’s that kind of intensity that has resulted in the US being the only team not to allow a goal this tournament.

On Wednesday, the WNT will defend their title against the Swedes, marking the seventh straight Algarve Cup Final appearance for the US. But the WNT doesn’t stand alone with stats on their side – the Swedes have never lost an Algarve Championship in three appearances.

So follow the action with MatchTracker on ussoccer.com. Kickoff time is March 11, 12 PM ET.

Youthful Fire

Gronamo — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 01:21:51 GMT

You wouldn’t think it from the result yesterday, but Lagos, Portugal is not the WNT’s favorite venue. Coming into the match the WNT was an uninspiring 1-5-0 in Lagos. The kickoff brought no sign of a brighter day either, as the game opened to cold rain, high winds and shaky play all around.

But with a little fire from the youth of the team, the girls warmed up on the pitch and made a little rain themselves, pelting Denmark’s keeper with 14 shots by the final whistle and pulling out a convincing 2-0 win.

Angie “Wozzy” Woznuk had the first tally, smashing a low-angle half-volley into the back of the net and following up with her trademark airplane back to the US half. The goal was so surgical it was even described as “Hamm-like.”

That’s right, the WNT has nothing to fear from bad weather. Air Wozzy flies in all conditions.

So the Lagos curse is broken. Now down to Ferreiras, Portugal to take on Iceland. Kickoff is this Friday at 10 am E.T., and as always you can follow the action on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker.

Action in Algarve

Gronamo — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:57:07 GMT

When you're on top, you’ve got further to fall. That’s why you work that much harder to stay there. The Algarve Cup kicks off Wednesday, March 4 and the die-hard work ethic of the WNT hasn’t changed a bit.

Coming off a 17-day training session at the Home Depot Center, Coach Sundhage and her 18-woman roster have traveled to southern Portugal and spent the better part of the week in round-the-clock practices before the tournament kicks off.

Sure, Portugal is not all hard work – the girls’ treasured Algarve tradition of crepes and ice cream lives on, as do the rest of the team-wide competitions (check the WNT blog out).

But fact is that the US has taken the Cup five times in the last 6 years, and the rest of the field is pining for a shot at the top dogs. First up is Denmark on March 4th, and you can be sure that Lindsay, Lloyd, Boxxy and the gang will be ready for them.

Follow all the action at ussoccer.com.

Lindsay Tarpley: 2 Golds by 25

gabejazzy — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:50:42 GMT

Recently, Kelley Ferro of the Nike Women Field Reporter team had the chance to interview Lindsay Tarpley of the Women's National Team. Tarp was at the Chicago Niketown to headline a forum on soccer training with Abby Wambach. Before the forum kicked-off, the Kalamazoo native opened up to Ferro and talked about her life and what’s next on the horizon.

Kelley Ferro: What was the best moment in your soccer career?
Lindsey Tarpley: Standing at the podium and accepting that gold medal. We had lost three key players before the Games, and we still overcame.

KF: So, this past August marked your second gold medal in a row. How did this gold medal feel different than the
first time?
LT: In Athens I was a lot younger. I learned a lot form Mia and Julie, but I was still learning. This year I was more mature and much stronger.

KF: When did your training really pay off and you said to yourself, "That was awesome"?
LT: In 2004 at the Athens Games, I had the first goal. I had really been working on my long-range shots. I was practicing them a lot. And all of a sudden the chance was there and I kicked a 21-yard goal. The training had really paid off!

KF: When you are having a rough day and don't feel like practicing, what gets you up and out there?
LT: My teammates. Knowing that my teammates are out there and practicing—that's what inspires me.

KF: Who was the role model that really inspired you to go all the way in soccer?
LT: Tracy, my U19 coach. She was an influential coach at an important time in my life.

KF: What do you do in your free time? Whenever that is….
LT: Well since I don't get a lot of free time, I like to be with my husband. We go to coffee shops, play basketball and hang out.

KF: If you could be better at one sport – other than soccer – what would it be?
LT: Golf

KF: What's your favorite indulgence?
LT: Junk food. As much of it as I can get! If I had to pick one, it'd be ice cream.

KF: What's your personal motto?
LT: Just to get after it. Dream big.

KF: So what's next?
LT: I just hope to keep doing well. And next up, World Cup.

-Kelley Ferro

Tarp Takes You Inside Her World

gabejazzy — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 21:15:44 GMT

Lindsay’s got a brand new athlete page and it brings you face-to-face with the gold medal-winning star. Tarp's page pulls back the curtain on her life and allows you to look inside her world, on and off the field, and gives you direct access to what's on her mind…or her camera.

Check out Tarp’s page to see her bio, stats and current status, which gives you the 411 on what exactly the soccer superstar is up to. And if that’s not enough to feed your Lindsay fire, you’ll also find a Q&A section where you can ask Tarp your most burning questions.

While you’re thinking up what questions to ask, take a look at Lindsay’s photo stream, news feed and blog updates, not to mention Tarp’s Locker, which shows you the gear she's checking out right now.

So come inside and see what's new with Lindsay Tarpley.

Clean Sheets

Gronamo — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:10:42 GMT

Sometimes it just takes a scoreless game to remind everyone what wins championships.

The two US goalkeepers combined to put up a clean sheet on Wednesday, keeping the crowd entertained with a host of acrobatic saves.

And though the fans in Cincinnati didn’t see a goal, they certainly didn’t leave without a tease. Lindsay Tarpley let a howitzer fly in the 31st that found the woodwork – and nearly the inside of the goal line – before getting cleared out of the area by the South Koreans.

Make no mistake, the WNT isn’t playing for a medal, trophy or prize anymore, just pride and the love of the game. You won’t see a podium at the final match-up of the three game series against the South Koreans, as it moves down to Tampa, Florida. But tune-in to ussoccer.com this Saturday at 7 p.m. ET, and you’ll see the competitive spirit in its purest form.

Business as Usual

Gronamo — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:49:28 GMT

It’s almost starting to become routine. The WNT resumed their “Achieve Your Gold Tour” on Saturday with yet another decisive win over yet another outclassed visitor.

Then again, you can’t quite call it routine. How can witnessing the chemistry and precision that Tarp and the gang play with ever become normal? Their skills are unequaled in the world, and they’ve got a certain color medal to prove it.

It’s really not even fair. Coach Sundhage said the team had only practiced once since finishing a clean sweep of the Irish over a month ago. One practice and that kind of play? You gotta be kidding.

The 3-1 victory over the South Korean women, who have yet to beat the WNT in four chances, meant that the girls moved to 4-0 on the Tour. And for Angela Hucles, it meant even more. A Virginia native who blossomed in Beijing, Angela earned "Woman of the Match" honors in front of her hometown crowd.

The South Koreans have two more chances against our gold medalists, the first coming on Wednesday in Cincinnati at 7:30 p.m. ET. Follow it live on ussoccer.com. You’re guaranteed the usual – pure class.

Shutout in Chicago

Gronamo — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:24:39 GMT

After honoring Shannon Boxx for her 100th cap before the game, the WNT set out at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, IL to bring home their record 29th win in a single calendar year.

Boxxy was given captain’s honors for the first time in her career, but she shared the spotlight with Lindsey Tarpley and Carli Lloyd, who will be playing for the WPS Chicago Red Stars in the upcoming season.

And in the 19th minute, Tarp and Carli gave the fans a taste of what to expect from the stacked Chicago team. On a one-two play, Carli first found Tarp inside the area on a short ball. Tarp, with a cool head and smooth touch, touched it off to set up a wide open teammate from ten yards. Shot, goal. It’s that easy Chicago.

The WNT dominated the rest of the game, holding the Irish side to just one shot and finishing with a 2-0 score. It was a fitting end to the three-game series – one that echoed the US domination.

The “Achieve Your Gold Tour" is not over, but the girls are taking a well-deserved break from national team play for the month of October. Keep in touch to hear the locations of the upcoming games.

Lindsay Tarpley on Inside Training

gabejazzy — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:28:34 GMT

With five years of action under her belt, Lindsay Tarpley is one of the U.S. Women’s National Team’s leading forwards. And this year she has another shot at gold, as the team makes their way to Beijing.

Having scored two of the most important goals in U.S. soccer history, Tarpley knows fully well what she has to do on the field this summer. But she also knows how that translates to her time off the field. That means training. Her relentless desire to be the best is what motivates her to never stop improving. Listen to Lindsay’s philosophy on dedicating yourself to next level.

Gold is Still the Goal

Gronamo — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:09:51 GMT

By now you probably already know: Abby's out. Yesterday, in the 85th minute, Carli Lloyd connected with Natasha Kai off a set piece to give the Americans the lone goal in a friendly versus Brazil, the last tune up before Beijing. For supporters of American soccer, though, the win was a mere afterthought. Fifty-four minutes before Kai's game-winner, Abby collided with a Brazilian defender and fractured her tibia and fibula. That means at least twelve weeks on the sidelines and then a period of intense rehabilitation. It's a terrible blow for the U.S. and a massive setback for Abby.

But for the US WNT, it's not the end. To describe someone with 99 career goals in 127 games as "integral" is an understatement sure, but statistics don't reveal all the intangibles Abby has already shared with her teammates - intangibles that can't be carted off the field or put in a cast. You better believe that the leadership and experience and raw athletic courage Abby brought every time she put on the red, white and blue will still be there come August 6th. Now it's up to Tash and Carli and Tarp and everyone else on the WNT to step up. More than ever before, it's time for this special group to take their game to the next level.

Also, if there's one major reason for solace, it's the fact that for the past year the WNT coaching staff has tried to redefine the team's tactical style. No more sheer physicality and reliance on free-kicks. These players have shown recently that they can score without a big target striker. They have the talent to hold the ball, to possess and build and, let's hope, to finish the chances they consistently create. Abby might be gone, but gold is still the goal.

In the meantime, send Abby your wishes for a speedy recovery. After everything she's given us, she deserves all the support we can give her. Our thoughts are with you Abby. Get well soon!

Four Before The Fourth

gabejazzy — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:29:01 GMT

The Fourth of July fireworks came a little early for the U.S. WNT. Having never beaten Norway in Norway, the Americans walked out of Fredrikstad Stadium 4-0 winners after dominating most of Wednesday’s match. Tarp, Carli Lloyd, Angela Hucles, and Abby each scored a goal, while ‘Tash forced the issue with her speed all day and the backline held airtight. Although Angela’s long distance goal in the 84th wasn’t exactly a game winner—the U.S. was up 2-0 by that point—it’s certainly highlight reel worthy (check out ussoccer.com later today). Her form has been amazing recently; one might even say Wambach-esque. For Abby, “recently” constitutes her last 124 games. She’s now sitting pretty on 99 career goals and you can bet she’ll be hunting for that magic number this Saturday (11:00am ET) against Sweden, U.S. head coach Pia Sundhage’s native country.

Though she didn’t make it into the lineup against Norway, one player rapidly ascending the WNT ranks is defender Ali Krieger Check out this short article posted on the U.S. WNT Blog to hear about some of her unique soccer accomplishments this year. Looks like we’ll be seeing a lot more of Ali in the future, so might as well get an introduction now.

Golden Goals

Gronamo — Mon, 05 May 2008 22:27:35 GMT

Two back-to-back friendlies against Australia. Two stoppage time goals. Two U.S. WNT wins. If you ever wondered about this team's character, just thank the Matildas for forcing the Americans to provide an answer.

Saturday afternoon was something like a play in three acts. The Americans dominated the first 46 minutes, jumping out to a 4-1 lead with both Abby and Tarp scoring two goals each.

The Australians then muscled their way back into the game and evened the score by the 69th minute. Finally, four minutes past the 90-minute mark, Abby flicked another well-struck Cat Whitehill set-piece onto Angela Hucles, who volleyed the ball passed the keeper for the win.

Clearly there's much room for improvement before Beijing, especially on the defensive side, but it's good to see that this group is building up the all-important "refuse to lose" mentality.

Blowouts are always nice, but also sometimes misleading. As Tarp said herself after the game, "As a team, I think you grow the most during these tough times. Having these types of games and situations is definitely helping us prepare for the Olympics."

The road show continues in D.C.,, where the WNT is preparing for Saturday's friendly against Canada.

Baby Steps to Beijing

gabejazzy — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 03:37:10 GMT

When the 2008 Games kickoff in Beijing, U.S. soccer will be there. This much we know. The question is will it be just the men's team or will the women step up and join the guys in China?

If history has anything to say about it the defending Olympic champions should be shoe-ins, but we all know that in soccer what's happened in the past stays in the past.

So with their eye on creating a new legacy, the US WNT travel down to Mexico where they'll take the first step in qualifying for this summer's Olympics. That first step will come against Jamaica on Friday, April 4th at 7:30 pm PT. The next match for the red, white and blue will be against hosts Mexico on Sunday, April 6th at 12:30 pm PT. Tune into U.S. Soccer's "Match Tracker" to follow all the action.

"Things are different this year compared to ‘04. You have to change every single time, because if you're not evolving as a person and as an athlete then you're not going to keep up with the Jones," says U.S. striker Abby Wambach. "The team is so different than it was in '04. We've got a different coach that we hope can put us in an environment to contend for a gold medal, and I couldn't be more excited."

That new coach is Pia Sundhage and she's got a unique way of putting the team in the right "environment."

"In our first meeting ever with Pia she just started singing in front of us Bob Dylan's ‘The Times They Are a-Changing,'" Wambach says. "She's a strong, confident woman and I think we need that and now she makes it a habit to sing to us."

Pia's attitude is a breath of fresh air for the team and her emphasis on taking it one step at a time is resonating with the players.

"I do better when I have baby steps," says attacking middy, Lindsay Tarpley. "Yes, the ultimate goal is to win the gold medal, but there're a lot of little steps in that journey. And if we're fortunate enough to win the gold medal, the journey will be complete."

One person who's well aware of what it takes to win at the Olympics is Shannon Boxx. Boxxy was not only part of the team that took home the 2004 gold medal, but her sister, Gillian, won gold with the U.S. softball team at the '96 Games.

"People are so surprised when I tell them my sister and I have both won gold medals," Boxxy says. "My sister actually convinced me to get a tattoo with her after I won gold in '04. I don't think I'll ever regret it, because people come up to me all the time and ask me about it. So it's a good ice breaker."

If Boxxy wants another tattoo the team has to first get through the CONCACAF qualifiers and into the Olympics. But, if Tarp's any indication the squad is on the right track.

"I know the team's prepared for the Olympic qualifiers," Tarp ensured. "We're doing everything in our power to be at our peak performance. We're confident in who we are. We're playing for each other and coming together to compete as a team. And I think at this level, it's little things like that that can make the difference."

So with everybody gunning to take them down, can the US WNT successfully defend their Olympic crown? Well, tomorrow's match against Jamaica will go a long way in deciding whether Pia's singing the blues or belting out "We Are the Champions."