Category: USWNT

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.

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 Algarve Cup Travel Roster Announced

USWNT coach Pia Sundhage has named 23 players who will travel to Portugal for a training camp prior to the Algarve Cup. 21 players will be named for the Cup roster. Notable additions to the usual regulars are Whitney Engen and Meghan Klingenberg, Both earned their first two (and only) caps last year. (Engen at the 2011 Algarve Cup, Klingenberg at China’s Four Nations Tournament).

GOALKEEPERS (3): Nicole Barnhart, Ashlyn Harris, Hope Solo

DEFENDERS (9): Rachel Buehler, Stephanie Cox, Whitney Engen, Meghan Klingenberg, Amy LePeilbet, Heather Mitts, Kelley O’Hara, Christie Rampone, Becky Sauerbrunn

MIDFIELDERS (7): Shannon Boxx, Tobin Heath, Lori Lindsey, Carli Lloyd, Heather O’Reilly, Megan Rapinoe, Amy Rodriguez

FORWARDS (4): Lauren Cheney, Sydney Leroux, Alex Morgan, Abby Wambach

Barring injuries, I expect Harris and Klingenberg to be the two players who will be left out of the final Cup roster.