Nikesoccer

Not Today

DonJulio — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:25:51 GMT

After a long layoff, no matter how many hours you train, you never know what its going to be like back on the field.

Add in the defending world champions, their glossy new sold out stadium in Augsburg, and put the world #1 ranking on the line.

It could be a recipe for disaster.

But the USWNT went in as the world #1 and were willing to scrap and scramble to keep it.

A strong defense backed by the busy hands of Hope Solo kept the attacking Germans off the scoresheet, while in typical fashion Abby Wambach took her chance when it came.

A first half hardscrabble header from the stalwart striker proved to be the difference maker, giving her 101 goals in just 130 CAPS and the squad a 1-0 shutout.

They say the world is catching up to the US women. But not today.

Don't miss a single Make The Difference moment. Follow Nike Soccer on Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace. Discover more about the USWNT at their team page.

Back To Business

DonJulio — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:10:00 GMT

Three months since the last game.

A solid month of training camp.

You can't wait to get out there and be the first to every ball.

Game Time. Finally. A stage that makes all the training worth while.

After a lengthy hiatus due to the inaugural season of the American domestic league, Abby Wambach, Carli Lloyd, Shannon Boxx, and Hope Solo lead the #1 world ranked USWNT into Germany Thursday to take on the two-time defending world champions in Augsburg. Dependable veterans and youthful potential make up a reworked U.S. side looking to top off a so far undefeated 2009 (6-0-1).

Can they prove to the world that #1 is not just a number?

Don't miss a single Make The Difference moment. Follow Nike Soccer on Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace. Discover more about the USWNT at their team page.

Back To Training

adamspangler — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:10:38 GMT

Next year will be a busy year for the #1 ranked international squad. But right now it's all about training for the 23 women called into camp heading into their first game in months, October 29 in Germany when they take on the world champions. Returning stars Abby Wambach, Hope Solo, Carli Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe, and Shannon Boxx will be back together once again, polishing skills that have them at the top of the rankings.

Staying on top is often harder than getting there. Having the success the USWNT has had in the last decade doesn't come without hard work, but staying on top, getting the best game out of every opponent, means training needs to be that much more intense.

The time the women put in now becomes the dividends collected on match day. It's all about finding that personal motivation to continue the killer instinct when the next game is still weeks away. That's where the USWNT finds themselves. Training makes the difference.

The Return of the Captain

adamspangler — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:29:53 GMT

Back from injury and back in training camp, Abby Wambach is again the unabashed leader of the USWNT. Coming off a successful return to the field in the inaugural season of the new US domestic league, the nation's best female soccer player is ready to again make the difference for her country as national team training camp begins in California this week.

You know her strength on the ball, breaking down defenses. You know her bravery in the box, willing the ball into the back of the net. You know when Abby is on the field that the chances of winning sky rocket.

But do you know Abby off the field? How she was introduced to soccer, the game she now dominates? What was high school like for one of the best soccer players in the world? Did you know she wants to start a soccer camp coupled with an organic farm?

Seventeen magazine sat down with the all time leading WNT scorer to discover that goals aren't just for scoring, or soccer; Abby thinks they are essential for life. Discover the real Abby Wambach here.

Hometown Hero Nets 100

Gronamo — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:57:49 GMT

In front of a hometown crowd on Sunday, Abby completed her miraculous comeback from injury with her 100th career goal for the US WNT. A huge congrats goes out to Abby, who joins Mia Hamm and three others in this exclusive club.

Almost exactly a year ago today, Abby suffered a broken leg that kept her out of Beijing and the entire Achieve Your Gold tour. On Sunday, against a dangerous Canadian side, Abby showed us that the injury hasn’t changed her a bit.

Receiving a dangerous through ball in the box on a cutting run, Abby took one touch and put a surgical strike off the far right post and in. The hometown crowd of 9,000 in Rochester went wild for the game winner and Abby’s 100th, not to mention her first goal since coming back. A goal can’t get more special than that (check it out here).

The US had a number of other chances, pounding the Canadians with 21 shots including a laser that Angela Hucles put off the crossbar from 20 yards in the 8th minute. But in a fitting end, Abby’s was the only one that found the back of the net.

The WNT faces Canada again on Wednesday (July 22nd, FSC, 8 PM ET). Well done Abby on 100! Now bring on 101!

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.

Abby Wambach on Inside Training

gabejazzy — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:24:47 GMT

Having already been named U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year three times, Abby Wambach is no stranger to world-class soccer. Since her start for the USA in 2001, she’s developed into one of the most unrivaled strikers in the world.

Getting there wasn’t easy. Her passion during the game is impressive, but it’s what she does after the 90 minutes are up that makes her such a powerful player. She’s always trying to work on herself, whether it’s her weaknesses or strengths, and she recognizes the responsibility that comes with being the best. Listen to what moves Abby, so you can take your game to the next level.

Get Well Abby

gabejazzy — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:14:43 GMT

Calling the world's-best striker tough seems like the understatement of the century. Last week, Abby collided with a Brazilian defender and suffered a double fracture. An injury which has taken her off the field, while the rest of her team makes their way to Beijing.

As you can see in the video, Abby maintained her strong composure while being carried off the field. In a post-operative interview, she said, "I surely didn't want to affect the competitiveness on the field...I know what it takes to win a gold medal and I know that one person isn't going to be the answer."

Rest assured, Abby will make her comeback. And we're here to support her as she recovers.

Get well Abby.

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!

The Final Pass

Gronamo — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 21:14:44 GMT

Sunday was a success, but there's still room for the US WNT to improve. A victory over a team as talented and competitive as Brazil is always something to feel good about, and it's clear that both teams will benefit from these two games of pre-Beijing preparation.

Sure, Marta and Cristianne weren't on the field, but the fact is that the Americans dominated the majority of the game, even despite a relatively average performance. A couple positive things stood out. First and foremost, this younger US roster has the depth necessary to do well in a major tournament, when games are played only a few days apart and legs start to grow weary with lactic acid. What we sacrificed in experience, we gained in team speed. Yesterday was hot, hot, hot, and when a few of those Brazilian midfielders started to slow down and the defenders lost concentration, our substitutes and young guns picked up the tempo. That's why we scored the goal. That's why a player like Angela Hucles is so valuable to the American side.

Secondly, our backline--minus Cat Whitehill--looked organized against creative opponents. Brazil relies on beating defenders 1 v 1 and this time we held our ground. Neither Hope nor Nicole Barnhart was ever seriously threatened by a dangerous shot on goal.

Thirdly, some of our players looked incredibly strong when shielding the ball. Abby (still sitting on 99), Boxxy and Carli all used their bodies so well against the smaller Brazilians. That ability is pivotal to playing the possession game this American team prefers.

On things to improve, Coach Pia said it best: "If you look at the final pass, I don't think that it’s good enough yet. In the second-half, I thought it was pretty good. If you could add the final pass as well I think we will win many games in the Olympics."

The US WNT has one more friendly before Beijing. Let's see if they can find that final pass this Wednesday in a rematch with Brazil, which will be televised live on Fox Soccer Channel at 7 pm PT.

Forward Questions

gabejazzy — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 01:58:34 GMT

Will she be there?

It’s still unclear whether Marta will be in the lineup when Brazil and the US WNT meet this upcoming Sunday in Colorado. Her club team in Sweden is still in the middle of their season and just took a pre-Beijing hiatus on Wednesday, so that international players could prepare with their respective countries. Injury may also be a factor, given that after her appearance on June 17, she did not suit up for her last two club matches or yesterday’s friendly between Brazil and Canada.yesterday’s friendly between Brazil and Canada.

Will she score?

For the Americans, on the other hand, there’s no doubt that Abby Wambach will be in action. She’s only one goal away from 100 in her international career, an impressive achievement that, without question, would take her legacy to the next level. U.S. Soccer put together this nice statistical breakdown that puts the awe-inspiring striker in perspective.

In addition to being amazing displays of athletic talent, Brazil-USA matches are notoriously physical and we’re looking at two, back to back. Let’s just hope friendly means friendly this time around and that the competitive spirit doesn’t get too out of hand. That being said, it goes without saying that Abby, Carli, Tarp, Tash, Huc, Boxxy, and all the rest won’t be holding anything back. After all, that’s no way to prepare.

So tune into ESPN at 2 pm MT this Sunday to catch all the end-to-end action.

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.

Stand Up For CHANGE

gabejazzy — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:06:08 GMT

It’s not only a political keyword these days. When the U.S WNT takes on Norway this Wednesday in the quaint Fredrikstad Stadium, it’ll continue its own rapid reinvention. A new head coach, a new mix of players, and a willingness to adapt one’s individual game for the benefit of the program. Sure, this is still an Abby Wambach team that threatens to score off every set piece and a Shannon Boxx team that’s fearsome down the middle, but its biggest advantage going into Beijing is the handful of young players that are capable of providing that unexpected burst of speed or defense-splitting change of direction.

“We talked about ‘change’ since I started and they seemed to embrace that word,” head coach Pia Sundhage said last week. “It has not been too much of a change, and it hasn’t been too little either. I think we’ve balanced that in a nice way from the way they played last year and how they adapted to a new coach, and I’m impressed with that in only seven months. I think the weakness is that we didn’t have a lot of time. We could have more in order to prepare for the Olympics. However, the fact that we have not had that much time, this team has been very precise with every single minute, every single practice. I’m very happy about that. There are players with a lot of experience and players with youth experience and I think that mix is good. Weakness? Well, could you perform, could you play, could you have fun when it really matters? Because if you look at the games today, the games we are playing, they have smiles, they’re happy. If all of us could have the same feeling going into the Olympics, we don’t know. We’ll see.”

The player that perhaps best embodies this revamped attitude is Angela Hucles. She’s going into her second Olympic Games and was by no means a slouch earlier in her career. Recently, however, the experienced midfielder and all-time leading scorer at the University of Virginia found a way to take her game to a level we’ve never seen before.

Coach Sundhage givin’ a wahoo to the Wahoo:

“Angela Hucles is amazing. It’s about change and it’s about changing speed. She has all the tools. She’s fit, she has great technique, she can strike that ball. Tactically, she’s good. It’s about changing and being unpredictable. We’ve shown a video, we talked to her and all of the sudden, she got it. She’s coming of the bench and has done great stuff. She’s started and done great stuff, as well. She can change her speed and change directions. She will not only play many minutes at the Olympics, she will score many goals as well. I look at her and I just smile because she changed her style a little bit. She had it, she Angela Hucles made me very happy lately. She’s good.” had the ability and she pretty much found it and coached herself.

Ciao Italia

Gronamo — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 22:17:36 GMT

Another day at the 2008 Peace Queen Cup, another win for the U.S. WNT and two more goals for star forward Abby Wambach. Italy tried to keep the game close with a packed 4-5-1 formation, but crowding the midfield wasn't enough to shut down one of the game's most prolific scorers. On the ground and in the air (sounds like a marine motto, right?), Abby was the difference in a relatively close game.

Now we're up against Canada in Saturday's final, a familiar opponent against which we've found recent success. The U.S. WNT could win its fourth tournament title this year and, who knows, maybe Abby will score two more to reach the big 1-0-0 mark. As it stands right now, Abby has an astonishing 98 goals in 122 matches.

An 80% strike ratio is next level.

Another Three Points?

Gronamo — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:35:37 GMT

A little bit of luck and a lot of hard work helped the US WNT earn an important three points against Australia in its first game of the Peace Queen Cup.

Tash scored the first - her team-leading 11th of 2008 - before Abby jumped over two defenders to send in the game-winner with the back of her noggin in the 77th minute. Like Landon, Abby's part of the 100-cap club, but now she's only four goals away from reaching triple-digits in career scoring.

The win was the third time the Americans beat the Australians by one goal this year. Now they're up against Brazil on Tuesday afternoon. It's a huge game for both teams. Brazil beat Italy 2-1 in their first game, but aside from the points at stake, there's a whole lot of confidence on the line that will be vital going into Beijing.