Gold is Still the Goal

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 ...

Four Before The Fourth

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 ‘T ...

Golden Goals

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 domi ...

Baby Steps to Beijing

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 ...

SPARQ Your Game

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----------
freemarker.template.TemplateModelException: get(body) failed on instance of com.jivesoftware.community.proxy.BlogPostProxy
at freemarker.ext.beans.BeanModel.get(BeanModel.java:223)
at freemarker.core.Dot._getAsTemplateModel(Dot.java:76)
at freemarker.core.Expression.getAsTemplateModel(Expression.java:89)
at freemarker.core.RegexBuiltins$replace_reBI._getAsTemplateModel(RegexBuiltins.java:145)
at freemarker.core.Expression.getAsTemplateModel(Expression.java:89)
at freemarker.core.MethodCall._getAsTemplateModel(MethodCall.java:86)
at freemarker.core.Expression.getAsTemplateModel(Expression.java:89)
at freemarker.core.Assignment.accept(Assignment.java:90)
at freemarker.core.Environment.visit(Environment.java:196)
at freemarker.core.MixedContent.accept(MixedContent.java:92)
at freemarker.core.Environment.visit(Environment.java:196)
at freemarker.core.Macro$Context.runMacro(Macro.java:164)
at freemarker.core.Environment.visit(Environment.java:537)
at freemarker.core.UnifiedCall.accept(UnifiedCall.java:128)
at freemarker.core.Environment.visit(Environment.java:196)
at freemarker.core.MixedContent.accept(MixedContent.java:92)
at freemarker.core.Environment.visit(Environment.java:196)
at freemarker.core.ConditionalBlock.accept(ConditionalBlock.java:79)
at freemarker.core.Environment.visit(Environment.java:196)
at freemarker.core.IteratorBlock$Context.runLoop(IteratorBlock.java:160)
at freemarker.core.Environment.visit(Environment.java:351)
at freemarker.core.IteratorBlock.accept(IteratorBlock.java:95)
at freemarker.core.Environment.visit(Environment.java:196)
at freemarker.core.MixedContent.accept(MixedContent.java:92)
at freemarker.core.Environment.visit(Environment.java:196)
at freemarker.core.Macro$Context.runMacro(Macro.java:164)
at freemarker.core.Environment.visit(Environment.java:537)
at freemarker.core.UnifiedCall.accept(UnifiedCall.java:128)
at freemarker.core.Environment.visit(Environment.java:196)
at freemarker.core.MixedContent.accept(MixedContent.java:92)
at freemarker.core.Environment.visit(Environment.java:196)
at freemarker.core.Environment.include(Environment.java:1378)
at freemarker.core.Include.accept(Include.java:155)
at freemarker.core.Environment.visit(Environment.java:196)
at freemarker.core.IfBlock.accept(IfBlock.java:82)
at freemarker.core.Environment.visit(Environment.java:196)
at freemarker.core.MixedContent.accept(MixedContent.java:92)
at freemarker.core.Environment.visit(Environment.java:196)
at freemarker.core.Environment.process(Environment.java:176)
at freemarker.template.Template.process(Template.java:232)
at com.jivesoftware.community.web.webwork.FreemarkerResult.doExecute(FreemarkerResult.java:97)
at com.opensymphony.webwork.dispatcher.WebWorkResultSupport.execute(WebWorkResultSupport.java:143)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.executeResult(DefaultActionInvocation.java:313)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:208)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.interceptor.AroundInterceptor.intercept(AroundInterceptor.java:31)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:190)
at com.jivesoftware.community.web.webwork.JiveSecurityInterceptor.intercept(JiveSecurityInterceptor.java:32)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:190)
at com.jivesoftware.community.web.webwork.FlashInterceptor.intercept(FlashInterceptor.java:40)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:190)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.interceptor.DefaultWorkflowInterceptor.doIntercept(DefaultWorkflowInterceptor.java:175)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.interceptor.MethodFilterInterceptor.intercept(MethodFilterInterceptor.java:86)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:190)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.validator.ValidationInterceptor.doIntercept(ValidationInterceptor.java:115)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.interceptor.MethodFilterInterceptor.intercept(MethodFilterInterceptor.java:86)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:190)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.interceptor.AroundInterceptor.intercept(AroundInterceptor.java:31)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:190)
at com.jivesoftware.community.web.webwork.JiveObjectLoaderInterceptor.intercept(JiveObjectLoaderInterceptor.java:55)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:190)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.interceptor.AroundInterceptor.intercept(AroundInterceptor.java:31)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:190)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.interceptor.AroundInterceptor.intercept(AroundInterceptor.java:31)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:190)
at com.opensymphony.webwork.interceptor.FileUploadInterceptor.intercept(FileUploadInterceptor.java:171)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:190)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.interceptor.AroundInterceptor.intercept(AroundInterceptor.java:31)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:190)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.interceptor.AroundInterceptor.intercept(AroundInterceptor.java:31)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:190)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.interceptor.I18nInterceptor.intercept(I18nInterceptor.java:151)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:190)
at com.jivesoftware.community.action.LocaleInterceptor.intercept(LocaleInterceptor.java:111)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:190)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.interceptor.AroundInterceptor.intercept(AroundInterceptor.java:31)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:190)
at com.jivesoftware.community.web.webwork.JiveIOCInterceptor.intercept(JiveIOCInterceptor.java:719)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:190)
at com.nike.sso.NikeAuthInterceptor.intercept(NikeAuthInterceptor.java:94)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:190)
at com.jivesoftware.community.web.webwork.JiveLoginInterceptor.intercept(JiveLoginInterceptor.java:42)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:190)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.interceptor.AroundInterceptor.intercept(AroundInterceptor.java:31)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:190)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.interceptor.AroundInterceptor.intercept(AroundInterceptor.java:31)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:190)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.interceptor.ExceptionMappingInterceptor.intercept(ExceptionMappingInterceptor.java:186)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:190)
at com.jivesoftware.community.web.webwork.ModuleCheckInterceptor.intercept(ModuleCheckInterceptor.java:49)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionInvocation.invoke(DefaultActionInvocation.java:190)
at com.opensymphony.xwork.DefaultActionProxy.execute(DefaultActionProxy.java:116)
at com.opensymphony.webwork.dispatcher.DispatcherUtils.serviceAction(DispatcherUtils.java:225)
at com.opensymphony.webwork.dispatcher.FilterDispatcher.doFilter(FilterDispatcher.java:202)
at com.jivesoftware.community.web.webwork.JiveFilterDispatcher.doFilter(JiveFilterDispatcher.java:53)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.internalDoFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:235)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.doFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:206)
at com.opensymphony.module.sitemesh.filter.PageFilter.parsePage(PageFilter.java:118)
at com.opensymphony.module.sitemesh.filter.PageFilter.doFilter(PageFilter.java:52)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.internalDoFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:235)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.doFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:206)
at com.jivesoftware.community.web.JiveActionContextCleanUp.doFilter(JiveActionContextCleanUp.java:46)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.internalDoFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:235)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.doFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:206)
at com.jivesoftware.community.web.filter.JiveCacheFilter.doFilter(JiveCacheFilter.java:220)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.internalDoFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:235)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.doFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:206)
at com.jivesoftware.community.web.filter.JiveDynamicResponseHeaderFilter.doFilter(JiveDynamicResponseHeaderFilter.java:70)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.internalDoFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:235)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.doFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:206)
at com.jivesoftware.community.web.filter.PresenceFilter.doFilter(PresenceFilter.java:106)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.internalDoFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:235)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.doFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:206)
at com.jivesoftware.community.web.filter.JiveCompressionFilter.doFilter(JiveCompressionFilter.java:99)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.internalDoFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:235)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.doFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:206)
at org.directwebremoting.servlet.DwrWebContextFilter.doFilter(DwrWebContextFilter.java:91)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.internalDoFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:235)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.doFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:206)
at com.jivesoftware.community.web.filter.MaintenanceFilter.doFilter(MaintenanceFilter.java:81)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.internalDoFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:235)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.doFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:206)
at com.jivesoftware.community.upgrade.UpgradeFilter.doFilter(UpgradeFilter.java:43)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.internalDoFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:235)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.doFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:206)
at com.jivesoftware.base.plugin.PluginFilter.doFilter(PluginFilter.java:77)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.internalDoFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:235)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.doFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:206)
at com.jivesoftware.base.database.dao.DAOContextCleanUpFilter.doFilter(DAOContextCleanUpFilter.java:32)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.internalDoFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:235)
at org.apache.catalina.core.ApplicationFilterChain.doFilter(ApplicationFilterChain.java:206)
at org.apache.catalina.core.StandardWrapperValve.invoke(StandardWrapperValve.java:233)
at org.apache.catalina.core.StandardContextValve.invoke(StandardContextValve.java:175)
at org.apache.catalina.core.StandardHostValve.invoke(StandardHostValve.java:128)
at org.apache.catalina.valves.ErrorReportValve.invoke(ErrorReportValve.java:102)
at org.apache.catalina.core.StandardEngineValve.invoke(StandardEngineValve.java:109)
at org.apache.catalina.connector.CoyoteAdapter.service(CoyoteAdapter.java:263)
at org.apache.jk.server.JkCoyoteHandler.invoke(JkCoyoteHandler.java:190)
at org.apache.jk.common.HandlerRequest.invoke(HandlerRequest.java:283)
at org.apache.jk.common.ChannelSocket.invoke(ChannelSocket.java:767)
at org.apache.jk.common.ChannelSocket.processConnection(ChannelSocket.java:697)
at org.apache.jk.common.ChannelSocket$SocketConnection.runIt(ChannelSocket.java:889)
at org.apache.tomcat.util.threads.ThreadPool$ControlRunnable.run(ThreadPool.java:690)
at java.lang.Thread.run(Thread.java:619)
Caused by: java.lang.reflect.InvocationTargetException
at sun.reflect.GeneratedMethodAccessor293.invoke(Unknown Source)
at sun.reflect.DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.java:25)
at java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Method.java:597)
at freemarker.ext.beans.BeansWrapper.invokeMethod(BeansWrapper.java:825)
at freemarker.ext.beans.BeanModel.invokeThroughDescriptor(BeanModel.java:272)
at freemarker.ext.beans.BeanModel.get(BeanModel.java:183)
... 142 more
Caused by: java.lang.NullPointerException
at com.jivesoftware.base.log.RotatingFileHandler.write(RotatingFileHandler.java:192)
at com.jivesoftware.base.log.RotatingFileHandler.publish(RotatingFileHandler.java:76)
at java.util.logging.Logger.log(Logger.java:472)
at java.util.logging.Logger.doLog(Logger.java:494)
at java.util.logging.Logger.log(Logger.java:583)
at com.jivesoftware.base.Log.error(Log.java:353)
at com.jivesoftware.community.renderer.impl.JiveRenderEngine.renderMacros(JiveRenderEngine.java:49)
at com.jivesoftware.community.renderer.impl.JiveRenderEngine.render(JiveRenderEngine.java:114)
at com.jivesoftware.community.renderer.impl.JiveRenderManager.render(JiveRenderManager.java:185)
at com.jivesoftware.community.impl.DbBlogPost.renderField(DbBlogPost.java:296)
at com.jivesoftware.community.impl.RenderCacheManagerImpl.renderBlogPostField(RenderCacheManagerImpl.java:83)
at com.jivesoftware.community.impl.DbBlogPost.getBody(DbBlogPost.java:349)
at com.jivesoftware.community.proxy.BlogPostProxy.getBody(BlogPostProxy.java:152)
... 148 more
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Nikesoccer

23 Posts tagged with the tarpley tag
0

Training For Success

Posted by gabejazzy Mar 12, 2008 Event Date: Mar 12, 2008 9:00 PM

The headlines have been singing Tarp’s praises all year, and with good reason. Lindsay Tarpley is in the finest form of her career. She earned the Top Scorer award at the Four Nations Tournament, she's the leading scorer for the WNT in 2008 with six goals and her stellar play is a big reason the US just secured the Algarve Cup.

But underneath all the accolades, lies an even more impressive story. What we see on the pitch is only part of the picture. It’s what Tarp does off the field that makes her on-field performances sparkle with such brilliance.

Her work ethic in training is second to none. Her commitment to improving her fitness is unrivaled. So whether she’s on her own or with the team, Tarp puts in the blood, sweat and tears to earn all the big cheers.

Case in point, she is featured in a brand new SPARQ Training video that highlights her astounding dedication to improving her game each and every day.
http://inside.nike.com/servlet/JiveServlet/downloadImage/38-1408-1371/Training+for+Success_LindsayTarpley_7_inline.png

As part of our on-going series with the US WNT, we sat down with Lindsay to find out why she was drawn to soccer and what the secret is to her unrelenting training schedule.

How did you decide soccer was the sport for you?

As a kid my mom tied bells on my shoes, because I had so much energy. And, when I was silent that’s when she worried. So as long as she heard the bells and knew I was moving then I was OK. So I think that kind of pinpointed me into my soccer career.

How do you motivate yourself to train so hard?

For me, I’m the most confident when I’m the most prepared. So if I’m stepping onto the field and I know I’ve taken care of all the elements of my game that gives me the confidence I need. It’s just a matter of getting on the field and being confident to be who I am.
http://inside.nike.com/servlet/JiveServlet/downloadImage/38-1408-1370/Training+for+Success_LindsayTarpley_5_inline.png
Can you talk about your training and how many hours you spend on it?

I don’t necessarily think it’s two hours in the gym, two hours on the field or things like that. For me personally, I used to over-train, because that’s what gave me confidence on the field. But now I train smarter and know what I need to do to be sharp, quick, agile, fast and strong.

But how much time during a day do you train?

During a day, we’ll probably train about two hours. We’ll lift two to three days a week for about an hour. But by the time you get taped, get treatment, get whatever you need and maybe even watch film, the day’s gone pretty quickly.

What’s the best part of being such an elite female athlete?

I think the best part about being a female athlete is you can be tough on the field, sweaty, gross, and then you have the opportunity to be a woman, a powerful woman, dress how you want to dress. And, for me, I love dresses, I love skirts. All of the feminine stuff, I love it. I think the best part is that I can be a tough soccer player and I can also be who I am as a woman.

Do you have any messages for your fans, especially the up-and-coming girls out there?

I think the biggest message would be to work hard and believe in yourself. You have to have that belief and the confidence in what you’ve done to know that you’re ready to be on the field and be in the game. If young girls can learn that and develop that at a younger age, they’re going to be that much stronger when they get older.


http://inside.nike.com/servlet/JiveServlet/downloadImage/38-1408-1369/Training+for+Success_LindsayTarpley_4_inline.png


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0

World Be Warned

Posted by gabejazzy Jan 16, 2008 Event Date: Jan 16, 2008 11:00 AM

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.


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0

Last of The Season

Posted by gabejazzy Oct 26, 2007 Event Date: Oct 26, 2007 1:00 PM

One last road trip to end out the year, one last stop on the bus. As you can imagine, our U.S. Womens National Team was quite tired as they rolled into Albuquerque, New Mexico. Yet, the support on the ground and in the stadium never fails to refresh our athletes and raise their spirits. As Tash told us, "It’s the last game of the year and we want to give a good show." These games are being played for you, the fans, as a thank you for the support you've shown the team the past few weeks, months, or years.

9,000 fans packed into University Stadium to watch our heroes Abby Wambach, Shannon Boxx, Cat Whitehill, Natasha Kai, and the rest take on Mexico for Game 3 in the series. Up until this game, the U.S. had outscored Mexico 9 goals to 1. With gusting winds and a cold front moving in, would the evening hold another 4+ goals for our team?

http://inside.nike.com/servlet/JiveServlet/downloadImage/1466/tarp_vs_mexico_blog+copy.png

The game started off with an interesting lineup of players, due to a handful being out with injuries. Balls were played in the middle of the field, both teams trying to hold possession and make plays happen near the center line. The game remained 0-0 until 11 minutes into the 2nd half when Mexican star Ocampo took the ball herself on the right flank, narrowing down to the 18-yard line, making a beautiful cut to have a clear strike to goal. Goalies hate those low shots that take a bounce or two - and that is exactly the type of shot that Ocampo hit.

Do you really think the U.S. would stand to be 1 goal down? No way, not at all! 5 minutes later, the entire U.S. team had a united burst of much-needed energy. The playmaker Lindsay Tarpley started the run towards the goal, playing a nice ball up to Tash, whom sprinted up the sidelines. Our Flyin' Hawaiian used her speed and pushed towards the Mexican goal, faked out the goalie, then saw Hey-O in her peripheral vision - standing in front of the goal with nobody around her! An easy square pass made for a seemingly easy USA goal.

The game ended like this, 1-1 tie. Our players walked off the field with smiles on their faces knowing that they came back from being down, and showed Albuquerque a great game. As Tash put it, "I think we came out with a lot of heart today and did what we have to do to impress the crowd."


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0

2 In a Row

Posted by gabejazzy Oct 18, 2007 Event Date: Oct 18, 2007 1:00 PM

With the rain coming down hard in Portland for the entire day, it was a seemingly bleek evening to play 90 minutes of soccer. Well, Mother Nature did not discourage any fans from coming out to support their United States Womens National Soccer Team take on Mexico - in fact, 10,000 fans were not discouraged at all.

For both teams, the 12th man of the match was the rock-hard artificial surface. Passes were not regular, and the bounces were crazy. This made for a very fast-paced game, in addition to it already being wet. However, after playing through a Typhoon in China, this was not a big headache for the USA.

http://inside.nike.com/servlet/JiveServlet/downloadImage/1468/PGEpark-warmups+copy.png

The first half of the game was played steadily in the middle of the field, with a handful of breakout plays here and there. Abby had a few 1-on-2 chances to take on the Mexican defenders, but she wasn't able to power through the line by herself. Speaking of Ms. Wambach, she was honored before the game for earning her 100th career cap with the team. She also wore the coveted Captain armband throughout this game. Congratulations Abby!

Back to the game. 1st half, injury time, corner kick by Lil, slid through goalies hands, over the goal-line, confusion, goal? After a few moments of chatting between the referees, it was determined that yes, it was a goal! 1-0 USA.

The second goal emerged from a combination between our girls Cat, Tarp, and Abby. In the 76th minute, Cat hit a free kick directly onto the head of Lindsay Tarpley in which she flicked up and over everybody in the box, directly to the feet of Abby Wambach. All the work was already done, so she simply passed the ball into the net. Goal. 2-0 USA.

http://inside.nike.com/servlet/JiveServlet/downloadImage/1469/cat_whitehill_vs_mexico+copy.png

The floodgates opened for the U.S., and up next was a finish by our favorite Hawaiian, Natasha Kai. She was at the right place, at the right time - ready for Carli Lloyd's rebound in front of the goal. Her victory dance got the entire team off of the bench, laughing, cheering, and joining in on the dancing.

With a quick substitution off of the bench, Carli had been in for a few minutes - three to be exact - before she had her first shot on goal. From a beautiful pass fom Cat, Carli jumped to let the ball slide off her head and easily into the goal. Goal. 4-0 USA! Minutes after she scores, Carli was cracked in the face with an elbow, but kept on playing. As Abby said after the game, "You have to come out every day and you have to perform. Limping around or not, we need to get the job done.”

Can the U.S. WNT continue the winning streak against their 3-game series against Mexico? Follow Saturday's game on US Soccer's Matchtracker, live at 4:30 EST. Or, if you're lucky enough to live in Albuquerque, New Mexico, support your team and cheer them on in person!

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0

2008 Starts Now

Posted by gabejazzy Sep 28, 2007 Event Date: Sep 28, 2007 3:00 PM

Where do we go from here? For the members of the U.S. WNT, the day after is a time for reflection; it’s a moment to look back at all the hard work invested in a dream that stopped just a game too short. For the real fans that have been watching from day one, it’s a chance to recognize some of the amazing achievements of this exceptional group of American athletes.

Until yesterday, they had played 51 games in two and a half years without a regulation loss, taking home the Algarve Cup, the Peace Cup, the Gold Cup, and the Four Nations Cup. There were amazing goals and amazing saves, first caps, courageous comebacks, five staples, 11 stiches, and, most importantly, an infectious spirit and camaraderie that made waking up to watch early morning Cup games something we looked forward to. A loss hurts, no doubt about it. But the loss of a championship hurts beyond words . However, knowing the competitiveness of this group, reflection will quickly turn into reaction. Let’s be real, for this team, playing for 3rd place was not the plan - it was not their intended way to cap off the trip to China. For them, Sunday's game vs Norway is now the first step towards Beijing 2008.
"Amazing saves, first caps, courageous comebacks, five staples, 11 stiches, an infectious spirit, camraderie..."

Forget about all the stories swirling around the media right now. To say things didn’t go our way yesterday would be a DRASTIC understatement. Brazil is a strong team that features a couple magicians up front, but an early own goal and playing a woman down certainly didn’t help our chances.

There’s nothing much to be gained from harping on poor refereeing, the fact that losing Shannon Boxx before halftime for a phantom foul was a small-scale tragedy. Not only did she not initiate contact, but she was a necessary component to a US comeback, not to mention someone who had worked so hard over the last year to recover from knee surgery and find her way back onto the the field. Thankfully Boxxy is the last person who’d waste time feeling sorry for herself. You’ll see her back in China soon enough, this time leading the charge for gold.

We know there’s still a game against Norway to be played, but thank you Abby, Tarp, Tash, Carli, Hope, Boxxy, Cat, Brianna, and the rest of the U.S. WNT for giving us all those weeks away from family, for your health, for your fight and for providing an example to which all athletic teams should strive. It’ll be bittersweet watching another Cup final without you, but we’re thinking of it as a chance to scout out the team you’ll be taking down next year.

Tune in on Sunday at 4:55AM EST to see our U.S. WNT take on Norway.


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The Streak is Over

Posted by gabejazzy Sep 27, 2007 Event Date: Sep 27, 2007 4:00 PM

Waking up at a semi-unnatural time this morning, thousands of fans across the United States put on their gold jerseys and tuned in to watch their U.S. Womens National Team play Brazil. Sure, we were nervous because it was the Samba Girls - but never doubted for a second that we would not end up the victors.

90 minutes and four Brazilian goals later, we sat stunned in our living rooms.

The game started out with the U.S. on 100% attack mode - pure momentum and adrenaline. This energy quickly shifted when Osbourne tried to clear a header from a cross in the box, but she mis-directed the ball, sliding past Brianna Scurry and into the goal. 1-0 Brazil. In the 40 hours leading up to the game, fans and press alike were all shocked about Coach Ryan's decision to replace Hope with Brianna, but with Brianna's 12-0 career record vs. Brazil, we were confident in his decision even if it did visibly shake up the chemistry of the starting 11. Osbourne's own-goal was a fluke which put the U.S. in an awkward, somewhat-comprimising position of settling a little too far into defense in the following moments.

7 minutes later, Brazil's Marta appears at the top-of-the-box, and nails a left-footed ball which cuts through a few U.S. defenders and in a narrow space between Brianna's gloves and the post. Goal. Brazil 2-0. This was the first time our team has trailed by two goals in their 51-game unbeaten streak.

The next downfall for the U.S. came when Boxxy was literally run over by Brazilian Christiane - yet surprisingly Shannon was issued a second yellow card. As she was laying on her back, stunned from being pushed to the ground, the referee showed her a red card. At this point, all the fans watching at home were throwing their coffee and pancakes at the tv, butterflies in their stomach because they knew we needed all 11, we needed Shannon.

With Carli coming in for Lopez in the Second Half, and despite being down 2 goals and 1 player, the hope for a comeback was still there. Marta and her Brazilians kept the pressure on, making pass after pass until they found the open player. Their aggressive intensity came an easy option for Christiane, having time to setup and beat Scurry inside the box, making an effortless goal in the 57th minute.
"I'm heartbroken." - Abby Wambach

The 2006 FIFA Female Player of the Year has again been called the most valuable in the world, and she did not disappoint in today's game. Weaving through players, dancing a mini-samba while trying to fake out Ellertson, you can't take your eyes off of Marta. The goal of the match came in the 79th, when the forward back-heeled a ball into the air - a pass to herself - through Ellertson, cut back past Cat and shot the ball into the right corner of the net. Making finesse and technique look easy and effortless, the crowd in Dragon Stadium ooh'ed and ahh'ed everytime Marta touched the ball, and gave her a standing ovation after this conversion.

10 minutes left, 4 goals to 0, and 1 man down, the outcome of the game was looking bleak for the U.S. WNT. After a short few minutes of battles in the midfield, the whistle is blown and the game is officially in the books. The 51-game undefeated streak is over. The tears are flowing. The season is done. The United States has not won the Women's World Cup.

Abby sums it up best - "We could have come out stronger I think, but today was Brazil's day. I'm heartbroken." Ms. Wambach, we feel your pain.


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US WNT - The World

Posted by gabejazzy Sep 22, 2007

The US WNT is feeling the pressure and nerves before they take on the world, but they are ready.


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Preview: US vs Korea

Posted by gabejazzy Sep 9, 2007 Event Date: Sep 9, 2007 5:00 PM

The US WNT has been in China for quite some time now, gearing up for their first game against North Korea with training sessions, sightseeing and everything else you could imagine doing in Chengdu, China a.k.a. the Panda Capital of the World. The Cup is only a weekend away, and with hordes of media crews trying to snap a photo or grab an interview with anyone wearing the red, white and blue, the WNT definitely feels the excitement. North Korea, our first opponents on September 11th and the fifth-ranked team in the world, is gearing up for the game too, but probably without all the hullabaloo (and yes, we just used the word “hullabaloo).

What are we going to see out of the North Koreans? Based on qualifying, a lot of competitive spirit. Like the other top teams from their region, they’re also technical, disciplined, and in top shape. Striker Ri Kum Suk, a Women’s Player of the Year nominee in 2006, leads the offense and will likely determine if the team can stay afloat in the Group of Death. Aside from that, there isn’t too much that’s known about the side.

On Tuesday the 11th, we’ll just have to wake up at 5:00am ET to check them out for ourselves (ESPN2).

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US WNT - USA v. Finland

Posted by gabejazzy Aug 25, 2007

A 4-0 win in the final game of their Send Off Tour shows that the US WNT is ready.


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