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Re: U.S.A Women ~ Latest News
by Eusebio on Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:50 pm
U.S. Under-23 Women's National Team Defeats Germany, 3-0, to Win Nordic Cup Championship
BORLANGE, Sweden (July 21, 2008) – The U.S. Under-23 Women’s National Team defeated Germany, 3-0, to win the 2008 Nordic Cup championship as the young U.S. team posted its fourth consecutive shutout of the tournament.
Forward India Trotter opened the scoring in the 25th minute and Ella Massar added goals in the 34th and 63rd minutes as the USA won its second consecutive Nordic Cup title and 10th in the last 12 years at this event which serves as the top competition in the world for U-23 women.
Like in the USA’s first three matches in group play, the Americans dominated the proceedings, this time outshooting Germany 15-7 and allowing the Europeans just two shots on goal. Val Henderson picked up yet another shutout in goal for the U.S. team that did not allow a score over 360 minutes against Switzerland, England, Norway and Germany. The U.S. back line of Meghan Schnur, Becky Sauerbrunn, Nikki Krzysik and Katherine Reynolds played almost every minute in the tournament.
The first goal was created by midfielder Yael Averbuch, who lifted a great ball over the German defense on the right side. Trotter beats the defense with her speed and capitalized on her one-v-one chance, slotting the ball past the ‘keeper into the right corner for her second goal of the tournament.
Massar put the game away with her second and third goals of the tournament, the first coming 11 minutes before halftime. Reynolds started the sequence with a dribble down the right wing and sent a cross into the middle. Massar had time to settle the ball and rifle her shot into the right side of the net from 12 yards out.
The University of Illinois striker clinched the game 18 minutes into the second half, running onto a perfect through ball from Kiki Bosio. Massar outran two defenders and coolly finished on the ground for the final score line.
“We played well in the first 15 or 20 minutes of the game and we created numerous chances,” said U.S. head coach Bill Irwin. “We put one away early and the second goal came off the tactics that we have been working on. All three goals were great goals and our defense played very well once again. At the beginning of the second half, they came at us and we handled it well. It is a credit to our defense that we came through the Nordic Cup with a clean slate.”
The USA has faced Germany in the Nordic Cup championship game five times, winning four of those (2000, 2002, 2007 and in 2008). In 2006, Germany defeated the USA to break a string of seven straight Nordic Cup titles. The USA defeated Germany in the Nordic Cup title game last year by a 4-0 score.
The U-23s serve as a fertile breeding ground for future full National Team players as the majority of the current WNT player pool has passed through the U-21/U-23 program.
In the other placement matches, Sweden defeated Norway, 2-0, to take third place, Finland edged England, 1-0, to take fifth and Switzerland pounded Scotland, 5-0, to take seventh.
BORLANGE, Sweden (July 21, 2008) – The U.S. Under-23 Women’s National Team defeated Germany, 3-0, to win the 2008 Nordic Cup championship as the young U.S. team posted its fourth consecutive shutout of the tournament.
Forward India Trotter opened the scoring in the 25th minute and Ella Massar added goals in the 34th and 63rd minutes as the USA won its second consecutive Nordic Cup title and 10th in the last 12 years at this event which serves as the top competition in the world for U-23 women.
Like in the USA’s first three matches in group play, the Americans dominated the proceedings, this time outshooting Germany 15-7 and allowing the Europeans just two shots on goal. Val Henderson picked up yet another shutout in goal for the U.S. team that did not allow a score over 360 minutes against Switzerland, England, Norway and Germany. The U.S. back line of Meghan Schnur, Becky Sauerbrunn, Nikki Krzysik and Katherine Reynolds played almost every minute in the tournament.
The first goal was created by midfielder Yael Averbuch, who lifted a great ball over the German defense on the right side. Trotter beats the defense with her speed and capitalized on her one-v-one chance, slotting the ball past the ‘keeper into the right corner for her second goal of the tournament.
Massar put the game away with her second and third goals of the tournament, the first coming 11 minutes before halftime. Reynolds started the sequence with a dribble down the right wing and sent a cross into the middle. Massar had time to settle the ball and rifle her shot into the right side of the net from 12 yards out.
The University of Illinois striker clinched the game 18 minutes into the second half, running onto a perfect through ball from Kiki Bosio. Massar outran two defenders and coolly finished on the ground for the final score line.
“We played well in the first 15 or 20 minutes of the game and we created numerous chances,” said U.S. head coach Bill Irwin. “We put one away early and the second goal came off the tactics that we have been working on. All three goals were great goals and our defense played very well once again. At the beginning of the second half, they came at us and we handled it well. It is a credit to our defense that we came through the Nordic Cup with a clean slate.”
The USA has faced Germany in the Nordic Cup championship game five times, winning four of those (2000, 2002, 2007 and in 2008). In 2006, Germany defeated the USA to break a string of seven straight Nordic Cup titles. The USA defeated Germany in the Nordic Cup title game last year by a 4-0 score.
The U-23s serve as a fertile breeding ground for future full National Team players as the majority of the current WNT player pool has passed through the U-21/U-23 program.
In the other placement matches, Sweden defeated Norway, 2-0, to take third place, Finland edged England, 1-0, to take fifth and Switzerland pounded Scotland, 5-0, to take seventh.
Re: U.S.A Women ~ Latest News
by Eusebio on Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:50 pm
U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Pia Sundhage
On losing Abby Wambach for the Olympics:
“She has been a passionate player, a leader, a classy athlete and a goal scorer. For me, it’s been an honor to be her coach and she has played a significant part on the road to the Olympics. I will miss her on and off the field and I know the world will miss her. I’ve gotten emails from around the world sending their best wishes to Abby. She is a special one for sure. However, I am confident that the team will respond, step-up and bring the best out of each other. No one can replace Abby, so we will change the attacking style a little bit, but we have been able to adjust the way we’ve played at several points during this year. Our players are very brave so I think all of us will take this challenge and make the best out of it. It’s a privilege to play under pressure and we like that.”
On losing Abby Wambach for the Olympics:
“She has been a passionate player, a leader, a classy athlete and a goal scorer. For me, it’s been an honor to be her coach and she has played a significant part on the road to the Olympics. I will miss her on and off the field and I know the world will miss her. I’ve gotten emails from around the world sending their best wishes to Abby. She is a special one for sure. However, I am confident that the team will respond, step-up and bring the best out of each other. No one can replace Abby, so we will change the attacking style a little bit, but we have been able to adjust the way we’ve played at several points during this year. Our players are very brave so I think all of us will take this challenge and make the best out of it. It’s a privilege to play under pressure and we like that.”
Re: U.S.A Women ~ Latest News
by Eusebio on Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:50 pm
U.S. Women’s National Team forward Abby Wambach
On her surgery to insert a titanium rod in her leg:
“The surgery went perfect. I like that word. I think that the surgery went as well as possible, but my first few days were pretty tough and there was a lot of pain.”
On her immediate thoughts after breaking her leg:
“I realized in that moment and accepted in that moment that my Olympic dreams were not going to be what I had planned. I accepted the reality of this situation. This was a deep down acceptance of my reality. A lot of the times when you freak out about stuff is when you are more unsure of reality. It was an all encompassing moment. I wasn’t freaked out.”
On her calm demeanor as she was being carted off the field:
“A lot has to do with my experience with this team and my competitiveness. 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. I want to set the example for my teammates, to see on my face, that whether or not I’m on the field no matter who it is we’re playing, that we can win on any given day. I accepted that I knew what was going on. I guess I am proud of the way I reacted because it was truly the way I felt. I was only scared because I had never experienced that before or ridden in an ambulance. The most important thing at that moment was winning the game and showing my teammates by example that they have to lean on each other a little bit more to get that gold medal that we’ve been desperately training for over the months.”
Her thoughts on the injury and looking back over the past few days:
“It made me realize even more how insignificant one player is in a team environment. It really does take a team to win a championship. I can’t express my thanks enough to the outreach from people from all different walks of life. I am really appreciative of the support that I have, the country that I represent, and I am proud of my teammates. This is kind of an occupational hazard and we all take the risk, knowing that this is possible every time we step onto the field. That’s sports. It’s the risk you take when you lace up your boots. I play one way and there’s no other way to explain it. I’m not going to take it easy just because it’s the last game before the Olympics.”
On starting rehabilitation process:
“This morning I drove to The Home Depot Center (in Carson, Calif.) to have my first rehab session. I can’t say enough about the training and coaching staffs making things run really smoothly for me throughout the entire experience. I want to be proactive about my rehab and recovery. Dr. Damion Valletta made it so possible for me to feel comfortable. I can’t express enough thanks for him doing the surgery… You got to take it one step at a time no matter the recovery time you are looking at. I’m proud of who I am, and I’m glad to be alive with a circumstance that I will learn from and grow from. I’m fine sitting in this chair with my leg propped up above my heart… I want to take it slow but first and foremost, I want to walk around with this leg for the rest of my life so I want to make sure I do it right the first time.”
On her thoughts about the team getting on a plane to China without her:
“I get fired up for [my teammates]. I know what it’s like to be a part of the U.S. Olympic team. It’s exciting, invigorating, and prideful. You are proud of yourself for that journey. I am proud of my teammates and the accomplishments that they have achieved this year. Do I feel sorry for myself about this accident? Not for one second. This is very bad timing but this is what my life has shown me and these are the cards that I’ve been dealt. I think for the experience factor, in terms of being there with my friends and training for so long, all of the sacrifices in terms of preparing for this event; those are what weigh down on me. Yes, I choose to be on this team and with that comes injuries and hard times. With those hard times it’s when your character really shines through.”
On calling Lauren Cheney, her replacement on the Olympic roster:
“I called Lauren Cheney from the hospital, ‘You got to get your shoes out and start running because when you’re told that you were a possibility and now it’s a reality, I want you to go there and not feel bad about being selected in this type of way. It won’t do you any good or this team any good.’ Ultimately, it will not make the team perform better. What’s important is that the team going into this tournament is feeling that they can win this. At the end of the day, that’s what makes you stand at the top podium.”
On if she can name players who will step up in her absence:
“I am not sure if I can give you three players, but I can still give you 18 who will be the leaders. This is important that right from the beginning of this experience, if nothing else … is that they have to play together, they have to lean on each other, they have to rely on each other, in both good and bad times. I think that’s the one key message that needs to be said through this injury. Will one, two, three players stand out in this Olympics? Maybe. But everyone on this team will need to dedicate themselves a little bit more to be really be successful over in Beijing. I’m really excited to see the way they reacted in the game against Brazil… None of us are replaceable; you just have to fill the gaps. The quicker you can learn how to fill that gap, the better off the team will be. Who wants to step up? It will be really special to see who will. We are going to need the entire 18 to step up, not just on the field but off of the field as well.”
On her comeback from the serious injury and if it can inspire others:
“There’s no question of whether or not I’ll come back from this, it’s more when I’ll come back. Will it take a lot of hard work and dedication, pain and suffering? Probably. But do I think about the type of role model that I can be to someone who is going through the same thing? Absolutely. We aren’t on the planet alone and whether people like to admit it or not, all we can do is learn from each other in the course of a lifetime. I sometimes struggle because I don’t find myself inspiring, because it’s just me, in my own skin. If people feel like that, then let’s use this as another experience to give them a gauge in how to react in tough situations, give them a platform as a possibility. Anytime you can learn from something. What I want the younger generation to feel and see from this, first and foremost, is that I’m coming back from this.”
On her chat with Pia Sundhage:
“Pia and I have a special relationship. Off of the field is more important than off of the field. I think she felt on a personal level, aside from being the head coach of my team, she was pissed for me. It was so honest and so truthful. I saw her two days ago and she came to me house. We sat and talked for a while. She’s a realistic person. She knows that it was an accident that may never be explained. You just have to live with it and deal with it. She is great. She isn’t going to feel sorry for me but she sure feels for me. I appreciate people who feel for me and not sorry for me.”
On the support from her teammates:
“Some of the older players have seen me in past world championships and they have seen me more dedicated this time around. They were generally crushed for me. They knew how much I put into this and how important it was to me. The truth is the team will still play. They will still go to China and participate in the Olympics, and get a chance to win a gold medal. That’s the beauty of this all. They are bummed on a friendship basis, but it is what it is and I can’t change it. There’s no sense of trying because it’s just not possible. The support has been great. I love my teammates so much and I respect them all so much. I just can’t wait to see them perform under the circumstances and in the Olympics. It’s going to be pretty sweet and special because we are going to watch something really special happen.”
Final words:
“It’s going to be important not to forget about this team because one of their star players has gone down…. This team is special. I am a component of this team. I am a moving part of this team, and I do not encapsulate this whole team. With the missing parts, the bus moves a little bit differently but there’s no doubt that this team can win a gold medal. They have to play with passion and ultimately with honor. This can happen with this team. You just have to open your eyes. I will be proud to see them win a gold medal. I am going to be fine, this team is going to be fine and I hope that our team can bring home gold for this country.”
On her surgery to insert a titanium rod in her leg:
“The surgery went perfect. I like that word. I think that the surgery went as well as possible, but my first few days were pretty tough and there was a lot of pain.”
On her immediate thoughts after breaking her leg:
“I realized in that moment and accepted in that moment that my Olympic dreams were not going to be what I had planned. I accepted the reality of this situation. This was a deep down acceptance of my reality. A lot of the times when you freak out about stuff is when you are more unsure of reality. It was an all encompassing moment. I wasn’t freaked out.”
On her calm demeanor as she was being carted off the field:
“A lot has to do with my experience with this team and my competitiveness. 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. I want to set the example for my teammates, to see on my face, that whether or not I’m on the field no matter who it is we’re playing, that we can win on any given day. I accepted that I knew what was going on. I guess I am proud of the way I reacted because it was truly the way I felt. I was only scared because I had never experienced that before or ridden in an ambulance. The most important thing at that moment was winning the game and showing my teammates by example that they have to lean on each other a little bit more to get that gold medal that we’ve been desperately training for over the months.”
Her thoughts on the injury and looking back over the past few days:
“It made me realize even more how insignificant one player is in a team environment. It really does take a team to win a championship. I can’t express my thanks enough to the outreach from people from all different walks of life. I am really appreciative of the support that I have, the country that I represent, and I am proud of my teammates. This is kind of an occupational hazard and we all take the risk, knowing that this is possible every time we step onto the field. That’s sports. It’s the risk you take when you lace up your boots. I play one way and there’s no other way to explain it. I’m not going to take it easy just because it’s the last game before the Olympics.”
On starting rehabilitation process:
“This morning I drove to The Home Depot Center (in Carson, Calif.) to have my first rehab session. I can’t say enough about the training and coaching staffs making things run really smoothly for me throughout the entire experience. I want to be proactive about my rehab and recovery. Dr. Damion Valletta made it so possible for me to feel comfortable. I can’t express enough thanks for him doing the surgery… You got to take it one step at a time no matter the recovery time you are looking at. I’m proud of who I am, and I’m glad to be alive with a circumstance that I will learn from and grow from. I’m fine sitting in this chair with my leg propped up above my heart… I want to take it slow but first and foremost, I want to walk around with this leg for the rest of my life so I want to make sure I do it right the first time.”
On her thoughts about the team getting on a plane to China without her:
“I get fired up for [my teammates]. I know what it’s like to be a part of the U.S. Olympic team. It’s exciting, invigorating, and prideful. You are proud of yourself for that journey. I am proud of my teammates and the accomplishments that they have achieved this year. Do I feel sorry for myself about this accident? Not for one second. This is very bad timing but this is what my life has shown me and these are the cards that I’ve been dealt. I think for the experience factor, in terms of being there with my friends and training for so long, all of the sacrifices in terms of preparing for this event; those are what weigh down on me. Yes, I choose to be on this team and with that comes injuries and hard times. With those hard times it’s when your character really shines through.”
On calling Lauren Cheney, her replacement on the Olympic roster:
“I called Lauren Cheney from the hospital, ‘You got to get your shoes out and start running because when you’re told that you were a possibility and now it’s a reality, I want you to go there and not feel bad about being selected in this type of way. It won’t do you any good or this team any good.’ Ultimately, it will not make the team perform better. What’s important is that the team going into this tournament is feeling that they can win this. At the end of the day, that’s what makes you stand at the top podium.”
On if she can name players who will step up in her absence:
“I am not sure if I can give you three players, but I can still give you 18 who will be the leaders. This is important that right from the beginning of this experience, if nothing else … is that they have to play together, they have to lean on each other, they have to rely on each other, in both good and bad times. I think that’s the one key message that needs to be said through this injury. Will one, two, three players stand out in this Olympics? Maybe. But everyone on this team will need to dedicate themselves a little bit more to be really be successful over in Beijing. I’m really excited to see the way they reacted in the game against Brazil… None of us are replaceable; you just have to fill the gaps. The quicker you can learn how to fill that gap, the better off the team will be. Who wants to step up? It will be really special to see who will. We are going to need the entire 18 to step up, not just on the field but off of the field as well.”
On her comeback from the serious injury and if it can inspire others:
“There’s no question of whether or not I’ll come back from this, it’s more when I’ll come back. Will it take a lot of hard work and dedication, pain and suffering? Probably. But do I think about the type of role model that I can be to someone who is going through the same thing? Absolutely. We aren’t on the planet alone and whether people like to admit it or not, all we can do is learn from each other in the course of a lifetime. I sometimes struggle because I don’t find myself inspiring, because it’s just me, in my own skin. If people feel like that, then let’s use this as another experience to give them a gauge in how to react in tough situations, give them a platform as a possibility. Anytime you can learn from something. What I want the younger generation to feel and see from this, first and foremost, is that I’m coming back from this.”
On her chat with Pia Sundhage:
“Pia and I have a special relationship. Off of the field is more important than off of the field. I think she felt on a personal level, aside from being the head coach of my team, she was pissed for me. It was so honest and so truthful. I saw her two days ago and she came to me house. We sat and talked for a while. She’s a realistic person. She knows that it was an accident that may never be explained. You just have to live with it and deal with it. She is great. She isn’t going to feel sorry for me but she sure feels for me. I appreciate people who feel for me and not sorry for me.”
On the support from her teammates:
“Some of the older players have seen me in past world championships and they have seen me more dedicated this time around. They were generally crushed for me. They knew how much I put into this and how important it was to me. The truth is the team will still play. They will still go to China and participate in the Olympics, and get a chance to win a gold medal. That’s the beauty of this all. They are bummed on a friendship basis, but it is what it is and I can’t change it. There’s no sense of trying because it’s just not possible. The support has been great. I love my teammates so much and I respect them all so much. I just can’t wait to see them perform under the circumstances and in the Olympics. It’s going to be pretty sweet and special because we are going to watch something really special happen.”
Final words:
“It’s going to be important not to forget about this team because one of their star players has gone down…. This team is special. I am a component of this team. I am a moving part of this team, and I do not encapsulate this whole team. With the missing parts, the bus moves a little bit differently but there’s no doubt that this team can win a gold medal. They have to play with passion and ultimately with honor. This can happen with this team. You just have to open your eyes. I will be proud to see them win a gold medal. I am going to be fine, this team is going to be fine and I hope that our team can bring home gold for this country.”
Re: U.S.A Women ~ Latest News
by Eusebio on Thu Jul 24, 2008 10:50 am
U-17 Women's National Team Readies for CONCACAF Qualifying Semifinals vs. Mexico
U.S. WINS GROUP A, COSTA RICA ALSO THROUGH: The U.S. Under-17 Women’s National Team dominated in a 9-1 win against Trinidad & Tobago to win first place in Group A of the 2008 CONCACAF U-17 Women’s Championship. Costa Rica advanced to the semifinals with an 8-1 victory against El Salvador in their final match. The margin of victory, combined with the U.S. margin of victory against Trinidad & Tobago, boosted the Ticas to second place in Group A. In the semifinals, the U.S. will face Mexico for a direct berth to the 2008 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup. The semifinal matchup will take place at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 24, at Marvin Lee Stadium in Trinidad. In the other semifinal clash, at 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, Canada will face Costa Rica. The two semifinal winners will automatically qualify for the 2008 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, to be held from Oct. 28-Nov. 16 in New Zealand. The third place team from CONCACAF will also qualify. [2008 CONCACAF Under-17 Women’s Championship Homepage]
U.S. WINS GROUP A, COSTA RICA ALSO THROUGH: The U.S. Under-17 Women’s National Team dominated in a 9-1 win against Trinidad & Tobago to win first place in Group A of the 2008 CONCACAF U-17 Women’s Championship. Costa Rica advanced to the semifinals with an 8-1 victory against El Salvador in their final match. The margin of victory, combined with the U.S. margin of victory against Trinidad & Tobago, boosted the Ticas to second place in Group A. In the semifinals, the U.S. will face Mexico for a direct berth to the 2008 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup. The semifinal matchup will take place at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 24, at Marvin Lee Stadium in Trinidad. In the other semifinal clash, at 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, Canada will face Costa Rica. The two semifinal winners will automatically qualify for the 2008 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup, to be held from Oct. 28-Nov. 16 in New Zealand. The third place team from CONCACAF will also qualify. [2008 CONCACAF Under-17 Women’s Championship Homepage]
Re: U.S.A Women ~ Latest News
by Eusebio on Fri Jul 25, 2008 10:02 pm
MACOYA, Trinidad (July 24, 2008) – Defender Crystal Dunn scored her first-ever goal for the U.S. Under-17 Women’s National Team in the second minute of stoppage time on Thursday night to earn a 1-0 win against Mexico and book a spot at the 2008 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup. The win also secures a place at the 2008 CONCACAF Under-17 Women’s Championship Final at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 27, where the U.S. will face Costa Rica at Marvin Lee Stadium in Macoya, Trinidad.
Costa Rica advanced to the Final by stunning heavily favored Canada with a 2-0 win. Costa Rica will join the United States in New Zealand as two of the three teams to qualify from CONCACAF. Canada and Mexico will have another chance to qualify on Sunday, when they face off for third place at 4 p.m. ET at Marvin Lee Stadium. The third place winner will be the final team from CONCACAF to secure a berth at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
It was a tough game for the young U.S. side, as Mexico did well to cut off the U.S. services to the flanks, which is where most of the team’s previous goals had come from. The U.S. hit the crossbar three times in the effort, before Dunn slotted home the game-winning goal off a corner kick in stoppage time.
“We knew that they were going to be great,” said U.S. U-17 WNT head coach Kazbek Tambi, of the Mexican team. “Mexico has a great soccer tradition. Their girls play similar to their men in terms of having a very possession oriented and technical game. We knew that. The key for us was to play our game and get the better of them.
Kristen Mewis took the corner herself the second time, sending it to her sister, Samantha, right in the middle of the box. Samantha Mewis was being marked hard by a defender but managed to touch the ball slightly to her left. Dunn had run up from her place on the backline and was there just in time to slam it past Santiago and into the goal in the 92nd minute. It was Dunn’s first-ever goal for the U.S. U-17 WNT which sent them to the first-ever FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
“I’m thrilled that our kids kept attacking and we weren’t looking for overtime. In fact, on the goal that we scored, Crystal Dunn, is a defender who is not typically involved in our corner kick situations. We had her go in the box, too, just to throw an extra player in there. She ended up scoring the goal.” (More quotes)
The USA’s first real chance came from forward Courtney Verloo in the 15th minute. A Mexican goal kick went right to Erika Tymrak in the center of the field and Tymrak slipped through two defenders before touching it back to Verloo. Verloo got rid of her defender before sending her shot just wide of the left post.
Mexico put the U.S. under pressure in the 20th minute, when Charlyn Corral did well to shake off Dunn and get a look at the goal from 25 yards out on the right side of the field. Corral’s blast hit the crossbar and the U.S. defense wasted no time in clearing it out of danger.
Verloo had another look at the goal around the 34th minute when Samantha Mewis collected the ball and split two defenders to send Verloo behind Mexico’s backline. Verloo wasn’t expecting goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago to be so close, turning and shooting right into Santiago’s stomach as she came out to smother the attempt. The ball trickled out from under them as they collided, rolling weakly towards the goal before Mexican captain Marylin Diaz cleared it out for a corner kick just before it crossed the goal line.
The U.S. kicked off the second half with their own shot to the crossbar as Tymrak smacked it in the 47th minute. Verloo had the ball on the left side of the field, facing Diaz and cutting it to her right foot, sending a cross to Tyrmak on in the middle of the 18-yard box. Tymrak hit the ball on the volley, but it was inches too high as it clanged off the crossbar and was cleared out of danger.
Verloo had two more looks on goal, both in the 52nd minute, when Kristen Mewis sent a ball into the area. Verloo hit a header from the top of the six that pinged off the crossbar and back into the box. She was there to collect her own rebound, hitting it one-time towards the right side of the goal but Santiago was able to react and get a hand on it to make the save.
It looked like Verloo scored in the 55th minute when Kristen Mewis chased the ball down the left flank and sent in a cross. Verloo slammed the ball into the back of the net as the assistant referee lifted up her flag, nullifying the tally.
Mexico appeared to have worn down the U.S. defense in the 84th minute, when a quick touch from Corral sent Stephany Mayor behind the back line and racing towards the goal. But the ball was too quick for Mayor and U.S. goalkeeper Alexa Gaul did well to come off her line, making the kick save from just outside the 18-yard box.
The match seemed destined to go into overtime when Kristen Mewis earned a corner kick in the 90th minute. Second-half substitute Rachel Nuzzolese took the quick corner to Kristen Mewis, who took a shot from the left side of the box that was deflected out for another corner.
Costa Rica advanced to the Final by stunning heavily favored Canada with a 2-0 win. Costa Rica will join the United States in New Zealand as two of the three teams to qualify from CONCACAF. Canada and Mexico will have another chance to qualify on Sunday, when they face off for third place at 4 p.m. ET at Marvin Lee Stadium. The third place winner will be the final team from CONCACAF to secure a berth at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
It was a tough game for the young U.S. side, as Mexico did well to cut off the U.S. services to the flanks, which is where most of the team’s previous goals had come from. The U.S. hit the crossbar three times in the effort, before Dunn slotted home the game-winning goal off a corner kick in stoppage time.
“We knew that they were going to be great,” said U.S. U-17 WNT head coach Kazbek Tambi, of the Mexican team. “Mexico has a great soccer tradition. Their girls play similar to their men in terms of having a very possession oriented and technical game. We knew that. The key for us was to play our game and get the better of them.
Kristen Mewis took the corner herself the second time, sending it to her sister, Samantha, right in the middle of the box. Samantha Mewis was being marked hard by a defender but managed to touch the ball slightly to her left. Dunn had run up from her place on the backline and was there just in time to slam it past Santiago and into the goal in the 92nd minute. It was Dunn’s first-ever goal for the U.S. U-17 WNT which sent them to the first-ever FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
“I’m thrilled that our kids kept attacking and we weren’t looking for overtime. In fact, on the goal that we scored, Crystal Dunn, is a defender who is not typically involved in our corner kick situations. We had her go in the box, too, just to throw an extra player in there. She ended up scoring the goal.” (More quotes)
The USA’s first real chance came from forward Courtney Verloo in the 15th minute. A Mexican goal kick went right to Erika Tymrak in the center of the field and Tymrak slipped through two defenders before touching it back to Verloo. Verloo got rid of her defender before sending her shot just wide of the left post.
Mexico put the U.S. under pressure in the 20th minute, when Charlyn Corral did well to shake off Dunn and get a look at the goal from 25 yards out on the right side of the field. Corral’s blast hit the crossbar and the U.S. defense wasted no time in clearing it out of danger.
Verloo had another look at the goal around the 34th minute when Samantha Mewis collected the ball and split two defenders to send Verloo behind Mexico’s backline. Verloo wasn’t expecting goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago to be so close, turning and shooting right into Santiago’s stomach as she came out to smother the attempt. The ball trickled out from under them as they collided, rolling weakly towards the goal before Mexican captain Marylin Diaz cleared it out for a corner kick just before it crossed the goal line.
The U.S. kicked off the second half with their own shot to the crossbar as Tymrak smacked it in the 47th minute. Verloo had the ball on the left side of the field, facing Diaz and cutting it to her right foot, sending a cross to Tyrmak on in the middle of the 18-yard box. Tymrak hit the ball on the volley, but it was inches too high as it clanged off the crossbar and was cleared out of danger.
Verloo had two more looks on goal, both in the 52nd minute, when Kristen Mewis sent a ball into the area. Verloo hit a header from the top of the six that pinged off the crossbar and back into the box. She was there to collect her own rebound, hitting it one-time towards the right side of the goal but Santiago was able to react and get a hand on it to make the save.
It looked like Verloo scored in the 55th minute when Kristen Mewis chased the ball down the left flank and sent in a cross. Verloo slammed the ball into the back of the net as the assistant referee lifted up her flag, nullifying the tally.
Mexico appeared to have worn down the U.S. defense in the 84th minute, when a quick touch from Corral sent Stephany Mayor behind the back line and racing towards the goal. But the ball was too quick for Mayor and U.S. goalkeeper Alexa Gaul did well to come off her line, making the kick save from just outside the 18-yard box.
The match seemed destined to go into overtime when Kristen Mewis earned a corner kick in the 90th minute. Second-half substitute Rachel Nuzzolese took the quick corner to Kristen Mewis, who took a shot from the left side of the box that was deflected out for another corner.
Re: U.S.A Women ~ Latest News
by Eusebio on Fri Jul 25, 2008 10:03 pm
Post-Match Quote Sheet: U.S. U-17 WNT 1, Mexico 0
On the match vs. Mexico:
“It was a great game. Mexico came out and gave us a run for our money, obviously. We had some chances, maybe, that we could have put away earlier in the match, especially in the first half, maybe would have made it a little bit easier. The longer the game went with us missing chances upon chances, the stronger Mexico felt about their chances of pulling off the upset here. But we’re thrilled that we were able to pull it out after 90 minutes.”
On whether he expected Mexico to play the way that they did:
“We knew that they were going to be great. Mexico has a great soccer tradition. Their girls play similar to their men in terms of having a very possession oriented and technical game. We knew that. The key for us was to play our game and get the better of them. We did create the chances, I felt, to score some goals but, unfortunately, we didn’t put them away. Again, that Mexico some life and the longer the game goes 0-0, I think the better they start to feel about themselves. For them, the result sometimes can be in doubt. But I’m thrilled that our kids kept attacking and we weren’t looking for overtime. In fact, on the goal that we scored, Crystal Dunn, is a defender who is not typically involved in our corner kick situations, we had her go in the box, too, just to throw an extra player in there. She ended up scoring the goal.”
On the team's mentality going into halftime:
“Up until now we’ve had some lopsided scores. Today was unusual in that we got into halftime at 0-0. The players talked to each other and we gave them some insight as to what they could do to be a little bit sharper. But the bottom line is that we said we have to keep going forward, keep attacking and keep moving the ball fast, and sooner or later we would get our goal. Better later than never.”
On whether he will be looking at new players before the 2008 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup:
“We definitely keep an open door until we have to make our final selection deadline. We have a lot of great players back in the States who weren’t a part of this group. We had a tough decision making process to narrow it down to the group that’s here but we’re going to keep looking at players and there might be some changes between now and them. My idea is that a player who plays for the U.S. (U-17 Women’s ) National Team has to earn her spot every day and every week. Just because you were here for this CONCACAF qualification doesn’t guarantee your spot in the final squad. It’s going to have to be earned between now and the deadline for submitting the World Cup roster.”
On whether the team is looking to win the championship despite already securing a berth to New Zealand:
“Absolutely. We’re thrilled that we pulled this one out. Our mission was to first get through the group. Second mission was to win the semifinals and our ultimate goal is to win the championship. We’re going to be pumped and going to do our homework between now and Sunday and hopefully have our best performance of the week.”
U.S. Under-17 WNT Defender Crystal Dunn
On the match vs. Mexico:
“We usually play a different game and for us to struggle a little bit was a shock. Overall, the U.S., I think that we were pumped and even though the game was going on, it felt like it was dragging and dragging. We’re very excited that we came across with the win.”
On her goal:
“As the ball came across, Sam (Mewis) was in a tackle with another player and she basically toe-poked the ball a little bit and I just happened to be there, just to tuck it away.”
On what she expects in New Zealand:
“Well, I don’t have a definite ticket to New Zealand but I expect the competition to be very hard and all the teams to be fighting to win the championship. It’s going to be a very good challenge and we hope the USA wins.”
On whether the team is looking to win the championship despite already securing a berth to New Zealand:
“Oh yes. And I feel very confident in the U.S. team, even if I’m not part of it. I think us, as a whole, we play very good soccer and I think we can come away with a win.”
U.S. U-17 WNT Forward Victoria DiMartino
On the match vs. Mexico:
“It was a great win. We played our hearts out and it came to the final minute, who wanted it more. We pulled together and we got a win.”
On the team’s mentality on the field:
“We were all rushing. We just didn’t want to go into overtime. We were encouraging each other. I think we were going to score in the final minute. Crystal (Dunn) played her heart out, got up, scored a good goal and just took it away.”
On whether the team is looking to win the championship despite already securing a berth to New Zealand:
“For sure. I think we can do it. We have a great chance.”
U.S. U-17 WNT Defender Amber Brooks
On the match vs. Mexico:
“The first half, I think Mexico had a very good strategy against us. They know that we like to play to our flanks and they kind of shut down that option. At least in the back, we had a lot more time but we didn’t necessarily do the right thing with the ball. I think we were just a little bit off our game in the first half. At halftime, we went in, readjusted, reminded ourselves that we’re the best and we should be confident. We went out in the second half and in the first 10 or 15 minutes, we should have put, probably, three or four away. We had some really good opportunities. I think we panicked a little bit when we didn’t finish those opportunities and, luckily, Crystal was there at the last minute and put us through.”
On looking forward to the Final:
“It’s against Costa Rica and we’ve played them before, so it’s always nice to know how they play. For the most part, they play very good soccer. At the same time, it’s the championship game and they’re going to want it a lot more than, per se, the group game. They’re going to come out really strong. We’re looking forward to it.”
On how it feels to have qualified for the 2008 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup:
“It feels great. We’ve all been working towards this but we still want to finish first so we can get into that group that the CONCACAF champion is drawn into. We’re really excited but we still have one more step to go.”
On the match vs. Mexico:
“It was a great game. Mexico came out and gave us a run for our money, obviously. We had some chances, maybe, that we could have put away earlier in the match, especially in the first half, maybe would have made it a little bit easier. The longer the game went with us missing chances upon chances, the stronger Mexico felt about their chances of pulling off the upset here. But we’re thrilled that we were able to pull it out after 90 minutes.”
On whether he expected Mexico to play the way that they did:
“We knew that they were going to be great. Mexico has a great soccer tradition. Their girls play similar to their men in terms of having a very possession oriented and technical game. We knew that. The key for us was to play our game and get the better of them. We did create the chances, I felt, to score some goals but, unfortunately, we didn’t put them away. Again, that Mexico some life and the longer the game goes 0-0, I think the better they start to feel about themselves. For them, the result sometimes can be in doubt. But I’m thrilled that our kids kept attacking and we weren’t looking for overtime. In fact, on the goal that we scored, Crystal Dunn, is a defender who is not typically involved in our corner kick situations, we had her go in the box, too, just to throw an extra player in there. She ended up scoring the goal.”
On the team's mentality going into halftime:
“Up until now we’ve had some lopsided scores. Today was unusual in that we got into halftime at 0-0. The players talked to each other and we gave them some insight as to what they could do to be a little bit sharper. But the bottom line is that we said we have to keep going forward, keep attacking and keep moving the ball fast, and sooner or later we would get our goal. Better later than never.”
On whether he will be looking at new players before the 2008 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup:
“We definitely keep an open door until we have to make our final selection deadline. We have a lot of great players back in the States who weren’t a part of this group. We had a tough decision making process to narrow it down to the group that’s here but we’re going to keep looking at players and there might be some changes between now and them. My idea is that a player who plays for the U.S. (U-17 Women’s ) National Team has to earn her spot every day and every week. Just because you were here for this CONCACAF qualification doesn’t guarantee your spot in the final squad. It’s going to have to be earned between now and the deadline for submitting the World Cup roster.”
On whether the team is looking to win the championship despite already securing a berth to New Zealand:
“Absolutely. We’re thrilled that we pulled this one out. Our mission was to first get through the group. Second mission was to win the semifinals and our ultimate goal is to win the championship. We’re going to be pumped and going to do our homework between now and Sunday and hopefully have our best performance of the week.”
U.S. Under-17 WNT Defender Crystal Dunn
On the match vs. Mexico:
“We usually play a different game and for us to struggle a little bit was a shock. Overall, the U.S., I think that we were pumped and even though the game was going on, it felt like it was dragging and dragging. We’re very excited that we came across with the win.”
On her goal:
“As the ball came across, Sam (Mewis) was in a tackle with another player and she basically toe-poked the ball a little bit and I just happened to be there, just to tuck it away.”
On what she expects in New Zealand:
“Well, I don’t have a definite ticket to New Zealand but I expect the competition to be very hard and all the teams to be fighting to win the championship. It’s going to be a very good challenge and we hope the USA wins.”
On whether the team is looking to win the championship despite already securing a berth to New Zealand:
“Oh yes. And I feel very confident in the U.S. team, even if I’m not part of it. I think us, as a whole, we play very good soccer and I think we can come away with a win.”
U.S. U-17 WNT Forward Victoria DiMartino
On the match vs. Mexico:
“It was a great win. We played our hearts out and it came to the final minute, who wanted it more. We pulled together and we got a win.”
On the team’s mentality on the field:
“We were all rushing. We just didn’t want to go into overtime. We were encouraging each other. I think we were going to score in the final minute. Crystal (Dunn) played her heart out, got up, scored a good goal and just took it away.”
On whether the team is looking to win the championship despite already securing a berth to New Zealand:
“For sure. I think we can do it. We have a great chance.”
U.S. U-17 WNT Defender Amber Brooks
On the match vs. Mexico:
“The first half, I think Mexico had a very good strategy against us. They know that we like to play to our flanks and they kind of shut down that option. At least in the back, we had a lot more time but we didn’t necessarily do the right thing with the ball. I think we were just a little bit off our game in the first half. At halftime, we went in, readjusted, reminded ourselves that we’re the best and we should be confident. We went out in the second half and in the first 10 or 15 minutes, we should have put, probably, three or four away. We had some really good opportunities. I think we panicked a little bit when we didn’t finish those opportunities and, luckily, Crystal was there at the last minute and put us through.”
On looking forward to the Final:
“It’s against Costa Rica and we’ve played them before, so it’s always nice to know how they play. For the most part, they play very good soccer. At the same time, it’s the championship game and they’re going to want it a lot more than, per se, the group game. They’re going to come out really strong. We’re looking forward to it.”
On how it feels to have qualified for the 2008 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup:
“It feels great. We’ve all been working towards this but we still want to finish first so we can get into that group that the CONCACAF champion is drawn into. We’re really excited but we still have one more step to go.”
Re: U.S.A Women ~ Latest News
by Eusebio on Sat Jul 26, 2008 11:43 pm
U.S. U-17 WNT Challenges Costa Rica for 2008 CONCACAF Under-17 Women's Championship Title
The U.S. Under-17 Women’s National Team earned a hard-fought, 1-0, win against Mexico in the semifinals of the CONCACAF Under-17 Women’s Championship to book a spot at the 2008 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup and will face Costa Rica at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 27, at Marvin Lee Stadium for the 2008 CONCACAF Under-17 Women’s Championship title.
The U.S. Under-17 Women’s National Team earned a hard-fought, 1-0, win against Mexico in the semifinals of the CONCACAF Under-17 Women’s Championship to book a spot at the 2008 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup and will face Costa Rica at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 27, at Marvin Lee Stadium for the 2008 CONCACAF Under-17 Women’s Championship title.
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