Olympics: Preview Notes on the USA vs. Japan Gold Medal Match

On Thursday, at Wembley Stadium, the United States Women’s National Team will be seeking its fourth Gold Medal when it takes on reigning World Champions Japan in a rematch of the 2011 Women’s World Cup final. And, as in that 2011 match, the center referee will be Bibiana Steinhaus of Germany. Over 80,000 tickets have been sold for the match, although a sell-out is not expected due to the only remaining tickets being £125 or  $195 in U.S. dollars (WembleyStadium.com).

The Gold Medal match will be shown live on NBC Sports Network, with coverage beginning at 2:00 p.m. EDT. The kick-off is at 2:45 p.m. EDT.

CONTENTS

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).

U-20 USWNT: The USA’s Under-20 Women’s World Cup Roster

On Thurdsay, U.S. Soccer released its roster for the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan, which begins August August 19th. Besides adding goalkeeper Jami Kranich as the third ‘keeper, head coach Steve Swanson made three other changes from the squad that qualified for this tournament back in March: Becca Wann and a healthy Kelly Cobb replace Lindsey Horan, who suffered a meniscus injury in June, and Micaelle Capelle, while defender Olivia Brannon has been cut, with midfielder Taylor Schram being a last minute addition. Continue reading “U-20 USWNT: The USA’s Under-20 Women’s World Cup Roster”

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: USWNT Shots Taken and Shots Allowed Graphics (Group Stage)

Manually plotted graphics showing shots allowed and shots taken by the United States Women’s National Team in its three group matches — vs. France, vs. Colombia, and vs. North Korea — in the 2012 Summer Olympics. Continue reading “Olympics: USWNT Shots Taken and Shots Allowed Graphics (Group Stage)”