Category: General Soccer

Olympics: The United States Takes Gold, Canada Wins Bronze

On Thursday, the United States Women’s National Team claimed its fourth Olympic Gold Medal by besting Japan 2:1 in front of eighty-thousand spectators at Wembley Stadium. Carli Lloyd scored both goals for the USA, the first in the 8th minute, and then the eventual game-winner in the 49th. Japan got one back via the foot of Yuki Ogimi in the 63rd, but was unlucky to not have an earlier chance for the equalizer when an obvious-on-replay handling foul was not called on Tobin Heath in the 27th minute. (Obligatory BigSoccer referee forum thread link.)

In the earlier Bronze Medal match, Canada claimed its first Olympic medal on a stoppage time goal by Diana Matheson against a France team that out-shot Canada 18 to 4, but only 4 of France’s shots were on goal. Continue reading “Olympics: The United States Takes Gold, Canada Wins Bronze”

Olympics: Semifinals – An Epic USA Win Amidst Poor Refereeing. And, Japan Wins, Too.

[Just a short write-up. Highlight videos linked.]

The United States Women’s National Team battled back three times after Canada, via their captain Christine Sinclair, scored three go-ahead goals to send the two squad’s Olympic semifinal match into extra time where Alex Morgan ended her miniature goal-scoring drought and headed home the ‘winner in the waning seconds of added time. Continue reading “Olympics: Semifinals – An Epic USA Win Amidst Poor Refereeing. And, Japan Wins, Too.”

Olympics: Monday’s Semifinals – Schedule (FRA/JPN, USA/CAN)

Here’s Monday’s schedule for the semifinals in the women’s soccer tournament at the London Olympics, with NBC’s “Live Extra” streaming links.

Both matches will be live on NBC Sports Network and NBC’s Olympic Soccer Channel.

12:00 p.m. – Semifinal #1 / France vs. Japan (NBCSN, Soccer)
2:45 p.m. – Semifinal #2 / United States vs. Canada (NBCSN, Soccer)

Also: NBCSN simulcast (August 6).

Under-20 Women’s World Cup: Other Available Rosters

[Updated (8-Aug-2012): Canada’s roster has been added.]

As the title says, other available rosters for the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan, including Mexico’s and Canada’s. Continue reading “Under-20 Women’s World Cup: Other Available Rosters”

U-20 WWC: Germany Wins Its Send-Off Friendly 7:0 over Sweden

In their final domestic friendly prior to the Under-20 Women’s World Cup, United States group opponent Germany defeated the U-20 WNT of Sweden 7:0. More interesting than the lopsided scoreline is the fact that team captain Ramona Petzelberger did not play at all, with Dzenifer Marozsan wearing the captain’s armband. In an earlier interview, head coach Maren Meinert stated that Sweden would be bringing its U-23 WNT, however the SvFF describes the team as a U-20, although all the players appear to be U-19 or younger (Sweden’s roster, SvFF website). Continue reading “U-20 WWC: Germany Wins Its Send-Off Friendly 7:0 over Sweden”

Olympics: Quarterfinal Matches Round-Up

A slightly belated listing of the quarterfinal results. NBCOlympics.com highlights are available for all four matches. Plus, shot plots for the United States vs. New Zealand match… Continue reading “Olympics: Quarterfinal Matches Round-Up”

Olympics: Friday’s Schedule – Quarterfinals

Friday’s Schedule, With NBC “Live Extra” Links

(all times EDT)
7:00 a.m. – Sweden vs. France (Glasgow)
9:30 a.m. – United States vs. New Zealand (Newcastle)
12:00 p.m. – Brazil vs. Japan (Cardiff)
2:30 p.m. – Great Britain vs. Canada (Coventry)

Matches will air on NBC Sports Network and NBC’s Specialty Olympic Soccer Channel.

Also: NBCSN Simulcast (August 3).

For quick previews of the quarterfinals, see the rest of this post… Continue reading “Olympics: Friday’s Schedule – Quarterfinals”

Olympics: Round-Up of Group Matches on July 31st Plus Notes

Again, the vital statistics, with group tables. Plus the knock-out stage schedule…

(note: some sources are not yet available, post will be updated) Continue reading “Olympics: Round-Up of Group Matches on July 31st Plus Notes”

Olympics: Advancement Scenarios for the Final Match Day of Group Play

[Notes: (1) For those looking for a schedule of Tuesday’s matches, see the third section. (2) Hopefully the math for these scenarios is correct, but if you see an error or would like clarification, (as always) feel free to bring that up in a comment.]

Although five teams, the United States, Great Britain, Brazil, Japan, and Sweden, have secured spots into the quarterfinals of the women’s soccer tournament at this year’s London Olympics, those teams’ placement, as well as the placements for the other quarterfinal hopefuls remains in the balance and will be settled on the final group match day, Tuesday, July 31st. Continue reading “Olympics: Advancement Scenarios for the Final Match Day of Group Play”