Author: RD Welch

U-23 USWNT: Brooks and Bywaters Score Versus Sweden

The U-23 USWNT came out ahead in a test match versus their Swedish cohorts, today, with Amber Brooks and Zakiya Bywaters each scoring a goal. The final scoreline was 2-0. Sweden’s football association has thankfully posted a full match report, which is available, here (in Swedish). Notably,  goalkeeper Bianca Henninger was subbed out in the 29th minute, which must have been for some kind of injury. On her Twitter, there is this short tweet: “Crutches…not the business” (Sunday, 3:46pm Eastern). Waldrum has not yet commented about the apparent injury via his Twitter account. Continue reading “U-23 USWNT: Brooks and Bywaters Score Versus Sweden”

U-23 USWNT La Manga Roster with Notes

Last Sunday, the U-23 USWNT roster was announced for their three matches in La Manga, Spain (USSoccer.com). Here is that roster, with basic notes about the players, including some more specific info about their normal playing position(s), along with 2012 or 2011 WPS Draft information, if applicable. Continue reading “U-23 USWNT La Manga Roster with Notes”

Abby Wambach Takes On Co-Captain Duties

AP sports writer, Joseph White Jr., had an article out yesterday where we learned that USWNT head coach Pia Sundhage has named Abby Wambach as co-captain of the team (espn.com). Apparently, Christie Rampone will remain in her position as full captain, with Wambach taking an unspecified role that will be subordinate to the team’s last remaining 99’er. This move can also be viewed as part of a succession plan for the captaincy, as Rampone announced last September that she will retire sometime after the Olympics (USSoccer.com), with Wambach the most likely candidate to be captain in 2013.

Also, the article is worth a read as it provides some excellent insights into the relationship between Sundhage and Wambach.

U-17 USWNT Schedule for U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifying

On Thursday, CONCACAF officially announced the schedule for the final stage of the 2012 CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Championship, which will be hosted by Guatemala. This event is the confederation’s qualifying tournament for the Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan, later this year. The top three teams from CONCACAF will qualify.

The USA’s U-17 WNT were automatic qualifiers for the final stage, along with Canada and Mexico. Last Sunday, a draw was held to determine the two round-robin groups. Continue reading “U-17 USWNT Schedule for U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifying”

Hope Solo Interview with FIFA.com

FIFA.com has posted a short interview article with USWNT goalkeeper Hope Solo. I found this excerpt noteworthy:

“Our training camp last December was a key point for me. Fifteen months after my operation [in September 2010] I began with my preparations for the Olympic Games. I’m learning to use my shoulder in a different way. No more drugs, less pain. My movements are different now. It’s about getting to know my body again in the hope of being in a stronger position heading into the Olympics than I was for the World Cup.”

Just something to keep in mind when evaluating and comparing her performance.

USWNT Rival Watch: Japan’s Uncapped Players

The USWNT’s final opponent in group play at the Algarve Cup is Japan. Their Cup roster includes two players without any senior international caps, U-20 standout Mai Kyokawa (who just turned 18) and Saori Ariyoshi.

Continue reading “USWNT Rival Watch: Japan’s Uncapped Players”

USWNT Rival Watch: Japan’s Algarve Cup Roster w/ Stats

Here is Japan’s Algarve Cup roster, with player stats as of 20-Feb-2012. The stats are from JFA’s website (see link after the roster), but that page is not in a user-friendly table format, so I have collected those statistics, below. Continue reading “USWNT Rival Watch: Japan’s Algarve Cup Roster w/ Stats”

USWNT Rival Watch: Sweden’s Algarve Cup Roster

Last week, Olympics-bound Sweden announced their roster for the 2012 Algarve Cup. Veteran defender Stina Segerstrom (born in 1982, 52 caps, 3 goals) returns to the squad after tearing her achilles early last year. Also returning is veteran midfielder Therese Sjögran (born in 1977, 177 caps, 19 goals), who missed a January tournament in La Manga, Spain due to an operation on a finger.

Missing from the squad are veteran defender Sara Larsson and veteran forward Josefine Öqvist (born in 1982, ~70 caps, ~18 goals) who is on maternity leave (Swedish article). Larsson had surgery for a heel-related injury (bursitis in the heel, I think) and will be out for a few more months. Continue reading “USWNT Rival Watch: Sweden’s Algarve Cup Roster”

USWNT Rival Watch: Germany’s Algarve Cup Roster

(Edit, 22-Feb-2012: At least a few of the players, e.g. Alexandra Popp and Luisa Wensing, on the rosters have recently switched clubs. Those changes are not reflected below.)

Germany’s roster for the Algarve Cup was announced on Monday. Notably, goalkeeper Nadine Angerer, who has/had bursitis and and an inflamed tendon in her left knee, and midfielder Lira Bajramaj, who had a minor concussion, return to the squad.

The roster includes two U-20 eligible players who would be likely starters for Germany’s U-20 WNT in Japan this August: midfielder Dszenifer Marozsán and defender Luisa Wensing. Both are profiled below, along with five other players who have less than ten senior caps. Continue reading “USWNT Rival Watch: Germany’s Algarve Cup Roster”