Women's Soccer USA

Coverage of women's soccer in the US. If it's not here...it's not important...

December 24, 2008

Marta's compensation

The LA Sol have agreed a five-year guaranteed contract offer to Marta, according to a report coming out of LA. The package is believed to include a $225,00 guaranteed salary, a house and a car and a $250,000 Puma sponsorship package.
Neither the Sol nor the league have officially acknowledged that an offer has been made to Marta, but a source told this blog those terms were not "even close."

December 19, 2008

Done deal!

The league has made the signing of Marta its top priority and we have unofficial word that Marta will suit up for the LA Sol next season.
A pre-contract agreement has been signed and only the fine details remain to be finalized.

Seattle Sounders change ownership

The Seattle Sounders Women, a member of the United Soccer Leagues’ W-League, announced a change in ownership. Fellow USL organization, the Tacoma Tide F.C. of the men’s Premier Development League, has acquired the women’s franchise.
The Sounders are four-time semifinalists (George Holland)With a previous desire to expand the Tide organization into the W-League and the knowledge of how important the Sounders W-League team is to the development of girls’ soccer in the entire state of Washington, Jennings stepped up to acquire the team with the assistance of Adrian Hanauer, the former owner of the USL-1 Sounders and current minority owner and General Manager of the MLS Sounders, and Teddy Mitalas, Sounders W-League Coach & Starfire Sports Complex Director of Operations – a pair of individuals who have been at the forefront of the Sounders existence and success in the W-League.
The W-League team will continue to play their matches at the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, WA. The team is considering a name change to link it to its brother-team, the Tacoma Tide. Mitalas will continue to act as GM and Head Coach for the ladies.

Lloyd selected Player of The Year

U.S. Soccer named Carli Lloyd, whose goal gave the USA a gold medal in 2008 Olympic women's soccer, was named as the 2008 Female Athlete of the Year. Kristie Mewis, who starred on the U.S. Under-17 Women's World Cup team, won the Young Female Award.

Nogueira named best college player

North Carolina junior forward Casey Nogueira has been chosen the nation's top collegiate female soccer player and will receive a 2009 Honda Sports Award.
Nogueira was chosen over three other finalists -- Kerri Hanks and Brittany Bock, both Notre Dame seniors, and Christina DiMartino, a senior at UCLA -- by the National Soccer Coaches Association.

WPS poised to do well

Ironically, the tumultuous economy could play into the hands of niche sports leagues, already run on low-cost models and marketing affordability to fans.

Women's Professional Soccer, a start-up league set to kick off this spring, suffered a setback when a sponsorship deal with Whirlpool (nyse: WHR - news - people )--an economic casualty that announced 5,000 layoffs for this year--fell through at the last minute. The league's seven inaugural franchises (due to expand to 10 by 2010) also figure to lose local sponsorship dollars in the weak economy. But the WPS still managed to snag Puma (other-otc: PMMAF.PK - news - people ) as an official sponsor. And with low overhead and tickets going for as low as $10 per game in some markets, the league is poised to offer itself up as a solid value proposition.
"We are fairly bare bones in our approach," says WPS commissioner Tonya Antonucci, who is targeting an average of 5,000 fans per game as the league-wide break-even mark. Sponsorship interest remains strong in sectors like personal care and insurance, she says, even as the financial and auto sectors are hibernating. When will they wake? Good question.

December 18, 2008

12,000

It was a school night, and yet 11,933 fans came to the first-ever soccer match in Ford Field to watch the U.S. women's national team.
The Americans boasted homegrown stars in defender Kate Markgraf (Bloomfield Hills) and Lindsay Tarpley (Kalamazoo), and the crowd clearly came to support its fellow Michiganians.
The U.S. team defeated China, 1-0, thanks to a Heather O'Reilly goal off a Tarpley assist in the 32nd minute.

December 17, 2008

Opening WPS weekend announced

Los Angeles Sol vs.Washington Freedom, The Home Depot Center, Sun., March 29 (6pm)
FC Gold Pride vs. Boston Breakers, Buck Shaw Stadium, Sun., April 5 (TBD)
Sky Blue FC vs. Los Angeles Sol, TD Bank Park, April 5 (TBD)
Saint Louis Athletica vs. Chicago Red Stars, SIU, Sun., April 5 (TBD)
Boston Breakers vs. Saint Louis Athletica, Harvard Stadium, Sat., April 11 (7pm)
Washington Freedom vs. Chicago Red Stars, Maryland SoccerPlex, Sat., April 11 (TBD)
Chicago Red Stars vs. Sky Blue FC, Toyota Park, Sun., April 19 (TBD)

Full speed ahead

The economic downturn forced the Arena Football League to cancel its 2009 season a day earlier, but WPS commissioner Tonya Antonucci said her league remains on track to make its debut.
The WPS has yet to complete its contract with the U.S. national team players association, something Antonucci had been hopeful to have done months ago.
"I think we really are down to the final, final issues here," she said.
Antonucci would like to reach a deal by the end of the year before the league starts announcing the signings of international players.

Sundhage's contract renewed

U.S. women's soccer coach Pia Sundhage got a four-year contract extension through the 2012 Games after leading the Americans to the gold this year.

Mothers playing again

"After having another baby, it's great to be back. I was younger (18) when I had my first one, so I was able to bounce back quicker. This time, my body hasn't responded as fast, but I'm wiser about what I can do. It takes about a year until everything flows. Until then, you have to grind it out."
Lilly felt like she was grinding it out Saturday night, playing for the first time since October 2007, entering in the 55th minute.

Kalamazoo announces ‘09 head coach

TKO Premier Soccer Club, owner of the Kalamazoo Outrage, has named the head coach for the 2009 United Soccer Leagues W-League season. Leading the Women’s side will be current Outrage assistant coach Todd Wells.
Wells is no stranger to the West Michigan Soccer scene where he has been involved in almost every level of competitive soccer. A native of neighboring Battle Creek, he began his coaching career as a youth staff coach for the Battle Creek Community Soccer Club, where he also served as President. Wells also operated a local soccer camp called Cereal City Soccer Camps for Battle Creek youth. He served as the head men’s coach at Battle Creek Lakeview High School for five years, and is currently in his fifth season as the head women’s coach for the Lady Spartans where he has earned three City Coach of the Year honors and four East Division Conference Titles.
Since 2005, Wells has served as the head coach for the TKO ‘92 Girls Team. Under his tutelage these girls have made two State Cup Semifinal appearances in a row, a top 20 regional ranking, as well as two straight League Championships - one in the First Division of the Michigan State Premier League and one in the Midwest Regional League. He has also served as a co-coach and head coach for the 2007 and 2008 TKO ‘92 Girls Super Y League team. This team is the second time defending Midwest Division Champions and they recently returned from their second trip to the USL Super Y League North American Finals.
This fall, Wells took on the role as the Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach at Kalamazoo College, where he assists with recruiting and daily team operations. He holds a USSF National C License and a NSCAA Regional Goalkeeping Diploma. He also serves on the Michigan State Youth Soccer Association Coaching Education Staff. Wells graduated from Western Michigan University with a BS in Elementary Education and an MA in Educational Leadership. He is currently in his 10th year as a teacher in the Lakeview School District in Battle Creek.

December 15, 2008

Small crowd for USA vs. China

On a chilly Saturday evening, just 3,619 hardy souls bothered to show up to see the Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. play one of the world's best women's teams.
To put that in perspective, the last time China played against the U.S. in Southern California, 90,185 - at the time a record attendance for any women's athletic event - packed the Rose Bowl to watch Hamm and Co. win the 1999 Women's World Cup.

Puma to sponsor WPS

Women's Professional Soccer, the second attempt in the U.S. at a major pro soccer league for women, is pressing ahead toward its April kickoff.
On Monday, the league plans to announce a deal with Puma, the German shoe manufacturer and clothing retailer and the first of three founding sponsors WPS is seeking. The three-year deal calls for Puma to pay roughly $10 million to become the official equipment sponsor.

December 14, 2008

USA 1, China 0

Tina Ellertson scored her first goal for the United States in a 1-0 victory over the Chinese women's football team in an international friendly Saturday.
Ellertson, who gave birth in May and missed the Olympics in Beijing, scored in the 61st minute.

December 12, 2008

USC Beaufort postpones plans to launch women's soccer

State budget cuts affecting USC Beaufort have pushed the addition of any new athletics teams back at least a year and put a cramp on scheduling for the spring season, athletics director Kim Abbott said Thursday.
The school faces a cut of $689,343 -- or 24 percent of its budget. In response, the athletics program, which is in its second year, has postponed plans to launch women's soccer until at least the 2010-11 school year, Abbott said.
"Nobody knows where the end of this is, so we have just put everything off one year," Abbott said. "And that's OK. In light of some tough, tough, tough times, we definitely understand, and we'll do what we have to do."

December 11, 2008

Sky Blue soccer transfer rights to W-League franchise

Sky Blue Soccer announced Wednesday it has transferred the rights to its franchise in the United Soccer Leagues W-League, Jersey Sky Blue, to Quickstrike FC of New York.
The move will allow Sky Blue to concentrate fully on the operation of its franchise in Women's Professional Soccer, Sky Blue FC, which debuts with the league in April 2009.
Quickstrike FC will move Jersey Sky Blue to New York and has rebranded the franchise Hudson Valley Quickstrike Lady Blues. The team will serve as a feeder outlet to the WPS franchise.

Chicago Gaels renamed Chicago Red Eleven

The Chicago Gaels of the United Soccer Leagues W-League were rebranded the Chicago Red Eleven Thursday by new team owner Ted Gradel, who bought the rights to the franchise from Mark Boyle after four seasons.
The Eleven will continue to serve as the official affiliate to the Chicago Red Stars of Women's Professional Soccer, which starts its debut season in April 2009.
Gradel also announced Tony Anglin, who won the 2008 USL W-League Coach of the Year award after leading the Atlanta Silverbacks to a 13-0-1 record, will become the Eleven's new head coach.
Larry Sunderland, who currently serves as technical director for the Chicago Fire in the USL Premier Development League and the Fire Juniors, will hold the same position with the Eleven.
The rest of the coaching staff will consist of:
- Robyn Serge, head coach of the women's soccer team at Benedictine University in Lisle, IL, which will serve as the team's home field
- Steve Berry, current assistant director of coaching with the Fire Juniors
- Evan Strehlau, assistant women's soccer coach at St. Xavier Chicago

FC Indiana, New York FC To Open Soccer Academy In Cameroon

The FC Indiana Lionesses and their new sister franchise in the United Soccer Leagues W-League, the New York FC Pride, announced plans Wednesday to open a jointly-operated women's soccer academy in Douala, Cameroon.
The academy would give women the opportunity to compete for positions with soccer teams in the US and internationally.
The FCI/NYFC Academy will be directed by Martin Ndjem with help from members of Cameroon's women's national team's coaching staff.
In return, the academy will field a team in Cameroon's top women's league, to be called FCI/NYFC Cameroon.

December 10, 2008

2008 Top 10 Teams in the US

1. Pali Blues (W-League), 14-0-0 – Started the 08 campaign with 6-0 and 1-0 wins over NCAA D1 National Champions USC and UCLA respectively, and finished with a 2-1 win over FC Indiana. Impressive 2-0 win over USA U-20s. Nine players drafted by the WPS.
2. FC Indiana (W-League) - Second best in the W-League, beat Ajax America to win Open Cup.
3. Ajax America (WPSL) - Dominated the WPSL winning the title 3-1 over Arizona. Goalkeeper Ali Lipsher may feature in the WPS. Six former WUSA players on the roster.
4. Washington Freedom (W-League) - Welsh, Lindsey, Hoffman and Co. finished third in the W-League after losing 2-0 to eventual champions Pali Blues.
5. North Carolina (NCAA) - 25-1-2, National Champions.
6. Atlanta Silverbacks (W-League) - Finished 14-1-1. Featured 4 Canada WNT players and 5 former WUSA players.
7. Notre Dame (NCAA) - Almost perfect.
8. Arizona Rush (WPSL) - Good young team, should win it all in 09.
9. Seattle Sounders (W-League) - Former WNTeamer Michelle French led the team to another stellar season.
10. Stanford (NCAA) - Great season, may exceed in 09.

December 09, 2008

"I turned on the NCAA final between UNC and Notre Dame, and I almost puked," says Chris Hummer

"...But if the NCAA final was the example our youth are supposed to be striving for, I'm worried.

Then, I turned on the NCAA final between UNC and Notre Dame, and I almost puked. Here were the two best teams in women's college soccer in the country with the best women's national teams in the world, and they were playing the exact style of game I am trying so hard to avoid for our team. I don't think they worked the ball around the back more than twice. The back line never dropped off far enough in possession to provide adequate support, and the players constantly chose to try and force the ball in situations where the defense had already concentrated. In general, they had more patience than youth players, but the game was still more about getting the ball to the best players and trying to get a long ball to a streaking forward, or to punch it through a crowded defense after getting numbers forward.

My jaw was on the floor - in a bad way - for much of the match at the decisions these players were making. I mean every elite female youth player today views UNC as the ultimate in soccer for them (even though some dream of playing elsewhere, if UNC came calling, it would be VERY HARD to turn them down.) And here I was, staring at what is commonly seen as the pinnacle of female soccer, and having the SAME frustrations I had just had watching our own games.

Then, the Under-20 World Cup Final came on, and my prayers were answered. This team, made up of college freshmen and sophomores - and even some who had yet to begin their college careers - was playing some of the best soccer I've seen. They were calmly, yet aggressively moving the ball around and through all "thirds" of the field with possession as the major priority. They were holding the ball, and looking for the highest-percentage chances on goal - the chances that come when you unbalance a defense, and are quick enough to exploit it. Oh, and there were SO many moments of individual brilliance and creativity. Not just Alex Morgan's goal, but dozens of little things. A flick, a juke, a great first touch away from pressure turning a 50/50 ball into a counter-attack opportunity. It was just a pleasure, and just at the right time. Honestly, I think that U-20 team might have performed better than our full 2007 World Cup "Greg Ryan" team did in China. That team looked more like a college team, kick it long to our forward and pray. This U-20 team played like an Arsenal - with the only real difference being the speed of play and range of power.

What was the difference? Was it individual skill or was it coaching? You would think skill at first considering the U-20 team is an "all star" team, but then you think about that 2007 World Cup team that was embarrassed by Brazil and played poorly throughout the event, and it creeps into your mind that it's not the talent, it's the philosophy. Tony DiCicco is not one of my favorite personalities in the US Soccer world, but I have to say, that after what I just witnessed, he is clearly a coach I plan on learning from.

The college game is supposed to be the ultimate goal for so many youth players out there, but it is obvious to me that without more examples of a higher level of play like there is on the men's side, the women's college game is far too low a goal for our girls. They should use college soccer to pay for a great education for sure, but please don't look at the actual soccer on TV and aspire to only reach that level. That bar is clearly too low."

December 08, 2008

2008 Champions

WPSL – Ajax America, 3-1 win over Arizona Rush
W-League – Pali Blues, 2-1 win over FC Indiana
Open Cup – FC Indiana, 1-0 win over Ajax America
Amateur Cup - D'Feeters, 1-0 win over Chicago Eclipse
NCAA D1 – North Carolina, 2-1 win over Notre Dame
NCAA D2 – Seattle Pacific, 1-0 win over Western Florida
NCAA D3 – Messiah, 5-0 win over Wheaton College (IL)
NAIA – Lee University, 3-0 win over Concordia College (OR)

WPSL players Naeher and Morgan dominate FIFA U-20 World Cup awards

The Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) players Alyssa Naeher who plays for SoccerPlus Connecticut and Alex Morgan who plays for West Coast FC claimed the Golden Gloves as best keeper, and Silver Ball and the Bronze Shoe respectively, following the US team winning the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2008 in Chile.
Morgan helped West Coast FC to 9 wins, 6 losses and 1 tie, while Naeher led Tony DiCicco's WPSL club to 11 wins and 1 loss.
Ten of the twenty players on the US U-20 roster came from the WPSL.

Hanks says "I was fouled"

The Irish were understandably unhappy with the outcome, especially after a debated lack of call in the box late.
In the final 30 seconds Hanks made a run down the left flank and fell to the turf. Hanks felt she was fouled.
"I was running and I know she didn't mean to trip me but she did," she said. "It's in the box and she's the last player. It should have been a call."

COMMENT: She was fouled, it was a red card, it was a penalty.

December 07, 2008

Messiah College wins D3 National title

The Messiah College women’s soccer team defeated Wheaton College (Ill.), 5-0, and completed the sweep of the 2008 NCAA Division III Championships. Led behind Erin Hench’s two goals. Messiah College culminated their season at 23-0-2.

U20 World Cup: USA 2, Korea DPR 1

The USA are the new women's world champions at U-20 level after defeating Korea DPR 2-1 in the final of Chile 2008. Goals from the strike pairing of Sydney Leroux and Alex Morgan were enough to see them over the line, the Koreans responding with a lone strike in injury time.

UNC 2, Notre Dame 1

Casey Nogueira scored two second-half goals, including the winner with 2:06 remaining, and North Carolina defeated Notre Dame 2-1 on Sunday in the championship game of the NCAA Women's College Cup.
The Tar Heels (25-1-2) overcame the fastest goal in Notre Dame history to win their 19th women's soccer championship in the 27-year history of the tournament and deny the Fighting Irish's bid for their first undefeated season.
Nogueira, who had a goal and an assist in UNC's 2-1 victory over Notre Dame in the 2006 championship game, tied Sunday's game on a free kick in the 52nd minute. She put the Tar Heels ahead to stay with shot from the left flank that sailed over the head of Notre Dame goalkeeper Kelsey Lysander on its way to the right side of the net.
Kerri Hanks gave Notre Dame (26-1-0) the early lead, finding the back of the net 16 seconds into the game.

Score one for the gays

Antonucci told The San Jose Mercury News that the name Gold Pride symbolizes the Bay Area, “including the connections to the gay and lesbian community.”
Members of the lesbian community have been longtime supporters of professional women’s sports and will no doubt continue to be when WPS begins play in April of 2009. With the strong gay and lesbian community that exists in the Bay Area it is safe to assume that the name chosen for their team is a direct relation to LGBT soccer fans throughout the area.

December 06, 2008

Lee (Tenn.) Wins the 2008 NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship

Lady Flames defeat Concordia (Ore.) 3-0 in Championship final
The Lee (Tenn.) Lady Flames have won the 2008 Women’s Soccer National Championship. Lee defeated the Cavaliers of Concordia (Ore.) 3-0 in the Championship final to win the first women’s soccer title in school history.
Lee got on the scoreboard when Jamie Achten netted a goal to make it 1-0 in the 37th minute. Meg Willette made it 2-0 as she scored on an assist from Linn Christensen in the 40th minute. That would be the score at the half.
The Lady Flames stretched the lead to 3-0 in the 51st minute as Tiffany Cox scored on a pass from Jamie Achten. That would prove to be the final score of the match.
Lee finishes 24-1-1 on the year while Concordia ends the season at 23-1-1.

NAIA All-America team

Jackie Pronovost - Concordia (Ore.) D, Sr.
Anne Houliston - Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) D, So.
Marcia Silva - Martin Methodist (Tenn.) D, Sr.
Theresa Broad - Azusa Pacific (Calif.) F, Jr.
Kimmia Parker - Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) F, So.
Shannon Walter - Martin Methodist (Tenn.) F, Jr.
Roxanne Love - Westmont (Calif.) GK, So.
Sarah Yoro - Azusa Pacific (Calif.) M, Sr.
Christiane Christensen - Lee (Tenn.) M, Jr.
Selin Kuralay - SCAD (Okla.) M, Sr.
Jamie Achten - Lee (Tenn.) UT, Fr.

Seattle Pacific 1, Western Florida 0

Seattle Pacific wins its first ever NCAA D2 national title

Tobin Heath's omission a shock

Tobin Heath's, arguably the best pure soccer player in the college game, absence from the first team All-American selection list is stunning. No disrespect to Dew, Noyola, Cheney, Hanks, and Taylor, Heath is simply on a different planet.
Her vision, confidence, passing, movement very simply make her the best college player in the country. Last nights contest between UNC and UCLA was a stark reminder of Heath's indisputable quality even compared to her US WNT teammate Cheney, who looked lost and unable to impact the game.

2008 NSCAA/adidas NCAA Division I Women's All-America Team

First Team
Pos., Name, Class, School, Hometown
K, Alyssa Naeher*, Jr., Penn State, Seymour, Calif.
D, Carrie Dew, Sr., Notre Dame, Encinitas, Calif.
D, Becky Edwards, Jr., Florida State, Downingtown, Pa.
D, Nikki Krzysik*, Sr., Virginia, Clifton, N.J.
M, Amanda DaCosta, So., Florida State, Katonah, N.Y.
M, Christina DiMartino**, Sr., UCLA, Massapequa, N.Y.
M, Teresa Noyola, Fr., Stanford, Palo Alto, Calif.
F, Lauren Cheney**, Jr., UCLA, Indianapolis, Ind.
F, Kerri Hanks***, Sr., Notre Dame, Allen, Texas
F, Casey Nogueira, Jr., North Carolina, Raleigh, N.C.
F, Lindsey Taylor, Fr., Stanford, Los Altos, Calif.

Second Team
K, Erin Guthrie, Jr., Rutgers, Sparta, N.J.
K, Aline Reis, Fr., Central Florida, Campinas, Brazil
D, Marisa Abegg, Sr., Stanford, Elk Grove, Calif.
D, Erin Hardy, Sr., UCLA, Costa Mesa, Calif.
D, Sarah Wagenfuhr, Sr., Florida State, Colorado Springs, Colo.
M, Yael Averbuch**, Sr., North Carolina, Upper Montclair, N.J.
M, Carolyn Blank, Jr., West Virginia, Toms River, N.J.
M, Tobin Heath*, Jr., North Carolina, Basking Ridge, N.J.
M, Megan Rapinoe , Sr., Portland, Redding, Calif.
F, Ameera Abdullah, Sr., Florida, Denver, Colo.
F, Brittany Bock*, Sr., Notre Dame, Naperville, Ill.
F, Kelley O'Hara*, Jr., Stanford, Fayetteville, Ga.
F, Sanna Talonen, So., Florida State, Tampere, Finland
F, Claire Zimmeck*, Sr., William and Mary, Fairfax, Va.

Third Team
K, Jill Mastroianni, Fr., Boston College, Durham, Conn.
D, Greer Barnes*, Sr., West Virginia, Rye, N.Y.
D, Whitney Engen, Jr., North Carolina, Rolling Hills Estates, Calif.
D, Kasey Moore**, Sr., Texas, Mission Viejo, Calif.
M, Hailey Beam, Jr., Charlotte, Charlotte, N.C.
M, Danielle Collins*, Sr., William and Mary, Cream, N.J.
M, Ahna Johnson, Sr., Fairfield, Hamden, Conn.
M, Yolanda Odenyo*, Sr., Oklahoma State, Uppsala, Sweden
M, Malorie Rutledge, Jr., LSU, Sharpsburg, Ga.
M, Sarah Teegarden, Sr., Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Batavia, Ill.
F, Laura Heyboer, Fr., Michigan State, Hudsonville, Mich.
F, Christina Julien, Jr., James Madison, Williamstown, Ontario
F, Katie Larkin**, Sr., Brigham Young, Draper, Utah
F, Veronica Napoli, Fr., Northeastern, Newport, R.I.
F, Amy Rodriguez, Sr., Southern Cal, Lake Forest, Calif.
* indicates prior selection

December 05, 2008

Notre Dame 1, Stanford 0

Courtney Barg scored in the 15th minute and Notre Dame beat Stanford 1-0 Friday to reach the championship of the NCAA Women's College Cup.
The Fighting Irish (26-0-0), who are in the final four for the third straight year, will play North Carolina on Sunday.

UNC 1, UCLA 0

0 for 7.
Despite having at her disposal the best talent and the biggest budget, UCLA coach Ellis just can't win the big one.

NAIA Final Four

Friday, December 5
5:00 p.m. #1 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) vs. #5 Concordia (Ore.)
7:00 p.m. #3 Lee (Tenn.) vs. #10 Trinity Christian (Ill.)
Saturday, December 6
6:00 p.m. FINAL

D2 final set

Amanda Johnson scored two goals and assisted on the third Thursday to send fourth-ranked Seattle Pacific into the championship game of the NCAA Division II women's soccer tournament with a 3-1 semifinal victory over No. 12 Metro State at Pepin Stadium.
Seattle Pacific (21-1-2) will meet No. 2 West Florida (24-0-1) in Saturday's championship game at 3:30 p.m., which will be shown live on CBS College Sports cable. West Florida advanced with a 4-0 victory over No. 21 Saint Rose.

USA to face Korea DPR

The USA beat Germany, 1-0, and North Korea edged France, 2-1, Thursday to set up a showdown in the final Sunday at 4:30 ET (TV arrangements TBA.). Three weeks ago, the North Korean under-17 team defeated its U.S. counterpart, 2-1, to claim the first-ever title of that age group for female players.
Sydney Leroux (UCLA) scored in the 21st minute from a cross by Nikki Washington (North Carolina) to down Germany, 1-0, and secure the U.S. a spot in the final against North Korea, which rallied from a goal down and struck a winner in stoppage time to stun France, 2-1.

December 04, 2008

Women's Soccer USA 2008 Top 11

K, Alyssa Naeher, Jr., Penn State
D, Whitney Engen, Jr., North Carolina
D, Sarah Wagenfuhr, Sr., Florida State
M, Amanda DaCosta, So., Florida State
M, Christina DiMartino., Sr., UCLA
M, Yael Averbuch, Sr., North Carolina
M, Tobin Heath, Jr., North Carolina
M, Megan Rapinoe , Sr., Portland
F, Katie Larkin, Sr., Brigham Young
F, Amy Rodriguez, Sr., Southern Cal
F, Kerri Hanks, Sr., Notre Dame

Chastain ready to play for FC Gold Pride

"I hope our newest sports team doesn't fall into that trap. FC Gold Pride is part of the new Women's Professional Soccer league, which is scheduled to start play in April.
The team will face an uphill battle, launching during a stomach-churning economy in a saturated sports market. But it has one important thing in its favor:

Chastain, for her part, is optimistic that she will have a role with FC Gold.
"It'll happen,'' she said Wednesday. "I believe that.''
Chastain would like to play. Unlike her famous teammates, she never retired, but was unceremoniously dumped by former national team coach Greg Ryan (the first of many bad ideas that led to his firing last year). But she has continued to play with Sacramento Storm, with and against players who have been drafted by the new league.
Chastain is 40 and well aware that she has some limitations on the field. But, at an FC Gold news conference at Santa Clara last month, she looked out at her old collegiate field and said: "Sitting here I can only think of game day. I would love to have Jaden come to the stadium to see his mom play.''
One would assume that FC Gold will pick Chastain in next month's general draft, which is the latest of the WPS's selection of players.
"We know her interest is to play,'' team General Manager Ilisa Kessler said. "We recognize her ability on and off the field. We'll make our final decision where she lands in the draft. She's one of our prospective players for sure. We couldn't ignore her.''

And despite the accomplishments of the current women's national team, which won the gold medal in Beijing, those players aren't exactly household names. They won't attract media attention or put people in the seats.

The news conference was held as the stock market was tumbling and the economic outlook turned worse.
This league's predecessor, the Women's United Soccer Association, was founded a month before the dot-com bubble burst and died after three seasons. Many factors contributed to its demise, but a faltering economy — and its effect on entertainment spending — was high among them.
The new league has much more modest goals than the WUSA. But it will need all the help it can get. And there's help right here — a valuable natural resource named Brandi Chastain."

D3 Final Four

NCAA Division III National Semifinals & Finals

December 5-6, 2008
Macpherson Stadium at Bryan Park
Greensboro, North Carolina

December 5
5:00 PM – Williams (19-0-1) vs. Wheaton (IL) (21-3-2)
7:30 PM – William Smith (16-1-5) vs. Messiah (22-0-2)
December 6
5:00 PM -- Friday's winners meet for NCAA title

D2 Final Four

Division II women's soccer Final Four
Where: Pepin Stadium, Tampa, Fla.

Today, semifinals:
Seattle Pacific (20-1-2) vs. Metro State (20-1-3), 4 p.m.
West Florida (23-0-1) vs. Saint Rose of Albany, N.Y. (20-3-2), 7 p.m.
Saturday: Championship game, 3:30 p.m.
Webcast: www.ncaa.com

December 03, 2008

2008 Hermann Trophy semifinalists

Marisa Abegg
D, Sr., Stanford, Lake Oswego, Ore.
Yael Averbuch
M, Sr., North Carolina, Upper Montclair, N.J.
Brittany Bock
M/F, Sr., Notre Dame, Naperville, Ill.
Lauren Cheney
F, Jr., UCLA, Indianapolis, Ind.
Christina DiMartino
M, Sr., UCLA, Massapequa, N.Y.
Kerri Hanks
F, Sr., Notre Dame, Allen, Texas
Tobin Heath
M, Jr., North Carolina, Basking Ridge, N.J.
Laura Heyboer
F, Fr., Michigan State, Hudsonville, Mich.
Nikki Krzysik
D, Sr., Virginia, Clifton, N.J.
Casey Nogueira
F, Jr., North Carolina, Raleigh, N.C.
Yolanda Odenyo
M, Sr., Oklahoma State, Uppsala, Sweden
Megan Rapinoe
F, Sr., Portland, Redding, Calif.
Amy Rodriguez
F, Sr., Southern Cal, Lake Forest, Calif.
Sanna Talonen
F, So., Florida State, Tampere, Finland
Claire Zimmeck
F, Sr., William and Mary, Fairfax, Va.

D2 All-America Team

2008 Daktronics NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer All-America First Team
G - Kristina Nasturzio, Grand Valley State
D - Nicole Cito, Metropolitan State
D - Shameka Gordon, West Florida
D - Jamie Schroter, Mercyhurst
D - Natalja Stanksi, Grand Valley State
M - Marcela Franco, West Florida
M - Amelia Kasten, Winona State
M - Elin Svavarsdottir, Christian Brothers
F - Shaneka Gordon, West Florida
F - Angelika Johansson, Franklin Pierce
F - Katy Tafler, Grand Valley State

Sol draft pick signs with Swedish club

Prolific 22-year-old Margaret Vidarsdóttir was the top scorer in UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ qualifying with 12 goals and for Valur Reykjavík she has consistently registered at nearly two per game in both domestic and European competition. Linköpings FC – only just pipped to the 2008 Swedish title by the mighty Umeå IK – won the race for her signature, beating off the likes of Los Angeles Sol in the new American professional league.

December 02, 2008

NAIA results

No. 1 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 3, No. 16 McKendree (Ill.) 0
Top seed Lindsey Wilson is moving on in the 25th Annual NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship. The Blue Raiders defeated No. 16 seed McKendree (Ill.) 3-0.
Lindsey Wilson led 2-0 at the half on goals by Louise Christensen and Anne Houliston. The Blue Raiders scored once more in the second half on a goal by Kimmia Parker with 25 seconds remaining in the game.
Lindsey Wilson improves to 20-1 on the year while McKendree ends the season at 19-2-1.

In form Lilly and Dalmy called up

Kristine Lilly and Marian Dalmy, who have not played in a competitive game for over a year, were named to Sundhage's roster for two games against China.

Pia, its a new cycle, get ready for 2011.

December 01, 2008

"I don’t think anything can stop us!"

Despite being matched up with 5th ranked Stanford in the semifinals on Friday and a potential meeting with perennial favorite North Carolina in the championship game, ask Notre Dame if they’re the best team in the bunch and they won’t shy away.
“I feel confident in this team," Bock says. "As long as we stay focused and work hard, I don’t think anything can stop us!"

Marta boycott

Today I am commencing a boycott of Marta.
I will not buy tickets to nor attend any WPS games in which Marta will appear. I will not watch any games on TV in which Marta will appear.
I will not buy Marta’s or her team’s merchandise.

Here are my reasons:
- Marta’s greed.
- Marta’s ego.
- Marta’s duplicity.
- Marta’s theatrics, diving and whining to referees.
- US WNT players have earned my respect based on what they do for women’s soccer in the US. They deserve salaries at least comparable to Marta’s.

Just my opinion.

Michelle French

Seven weeks have now passed, and French is back coaching her girls and working out. The swelling has disappeared. So has her curly hair. She had it shaved off after it started falling out in clumps. She is receiving six chemotherapy treatments to shrink the tumor. She has a very optimistic 90 percent chance of recovery. All that swelling was a blessing.