Sports Gage

Week 18 NWSL & FIFA u20 WWC Day 5

2014-08-11T11:08:00.001-04:00

Germany and China made history as they drew 5-5 in their 2014 FIFA u20 WWC Group B match

Week 18 Results

Watch All Games Live on NWSL YouTube Channel. All Games Time in ET

Wed Aug 6
BOS at FCKC (att. 1,212) Canceled at Halftime
Score: 1-2
Breakers - Heather O'Reilly [16]
Kansas - Amy Rodriguez [8], Sarah Hagen [26]

Hou at SRFC (att. 3,875)
Score: 1-4
Dash - Nina Burger [83]
Reign - Nahomi Kawasumi [31,34], Beverly Goebel [40], Kim Little [63]
Read more »

NWSL Week 17 Breakdown & Week 18 Schedule

2014-08-06T03:30:00.000-04:00

Seattle Reign win the 2014 NWSL shield with a 4-1 win against Houston

Week 17 Results

Watch All Games Live on NWSL YouTube Channel. All Games Time in ET

Wed July 30
FCKC at WAS (Att. 2,744)
Score: 1-2
Kansas - Becky Sauerbrunn [18]
Spirit - Kerstin Garefrekes [49], Christine Nairn [67]
Read more »

FIFA 2014 Under-20 Women's World Cup

2014-07-31T23:37:00.000-04:00

The 2014 Under-20 Women's World Cup will be held in Canada between August 5-24th. It will be hosted by four separate cities in four different venues. Edmonton, Moncton, Montreal and Toronto. The first three having previously been announced as three of the six host cities for the 2015 Women's World Cup.
Read more »

NWSL Week 16 Recap & CBC Streams U-20 WWC

2014-07-31T22:36:00.000-04:00

SportsGage's Match of the Week: SRFC 5-0 romp against PTFC

Week 16 Results

Watch All Games Live on NWSL YouTube Channel. All Games Time in ET

Wed July 23
PTFC at WAS (Att. 3,854)
Score: 1-1
Thorns - Alex Morgan (8')
Spirit - Jodie Taylor (68')
Read more »

NWSL Week 15 Scores, News, Injury Reports and WK 16 Schedule

2014-07-23T13:01:00.001-04:00

Christine Sinclair voted NWSL player of the week 15

Sinclair scored three goals to lead the Thorns to a 6-3 victory Sunday over the Boston Breakers

Week 15 Results

Watch All Games Live on NWSL YouTube Channel. All Games Time in ET

Thu July 17
PTFC at CRS (Att. 2,014)
Score: 1-1
Thorns - Jessica McDonald [1']
Stars - Lori Chalupny [77']
Read more »

NWSL Week 14 Scores, News and Injury Reports

2014-07-23T12:39:00.002-04:00

Vero Boquete was voted NWSL player of week 14

Boquete had two goals and two assists in the Thorns’ record-breaking 7-1 July 13th win.

Week 14 Results

Watch All Games Live on NWSL YouTube Channel. All Games Time in ET

Wed July 9
PTFC at CRS (Att. 2,101)
Score: 1-1
Thorns - Allie Long [27']
Stars - Emily Van Egmond [86']
Read more »

NWSL Week 13 Review and Week 14 Schedule

2014-07-06T22:22:00.000-04:00

Week 13 Results

Watch All Games Live on NWSL YouTube Channel. All Games Time in ET

Wed July 2

BOS at WAS (Att. 2,673)

Score: 3-3

Breakers - Heather O'Reilly (4', 7'), Jazmine Reeves (45')

Spirit - Jodie Taylor (28', 56'), Diana Matheson (91+')

NWSL Week 12

2014-06-29T23:29:00.002-04:00

WNYF midfielder Carly Lloyd scores two in 2:1 win against Breakers

Week 12 Results

Watch All Games Live on NWSL YouTube Channel. All Games Time in ET
Read more »

NWSL, WWC Qualifiers & Friendlies

2014-06-25T14:26:00.000-04:00

Portland Thorns FC forward Alex Morgan has been voted the NWSL Player of the Week by the media for Week 11

Week 11 Results

Watch All Games Live on NWSL YouTube Channel. All Games Time in ET

NWSL Week 10 Results & Week 11 Schedule

2014-06-16T14:31:00.002-04:00

Portland Thorns McDonald, Boquete & Farrelly

Week 10 Results
Watch All Replays & Highlights on NWSL YouTube Channel
Read more »

NWSL Week 9 Results & Week 10 Schedule

2014-06-14T11:46:00.001-04:00

WNYF forward Samantha Kerr voted NWSL player of week 9

SAMANTHA KERR NAMED VOTED NWSL PLAYER OF WEEK 9
Kerr scored two goals and an assist to help lead the Flash to a 5-0 victory over Portland.

Watch All Replays & Highlights on youtube.com/nwslsoccer.com

Wed June 4
WAS vs CRS 1:0 (Att. 1450)
Goals:
Spirit - Jodie Taylor (79')
Read more »

NWSL Week 8 Results & Week 9 Schedule

2014-06-07T18:42:00.005-04:00

via stoppagetimesoccer.net

KIM LITTLE VOTED ARMY NATIONAL GUARD PLAYER OF THE MONTH (MAY)

Boston Breakers forward Jazmine Reeves has been voted the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Player of the Week by the media for Week 8 of the 2014 NWSL season.
Read more »

18 to Suit Up For France, 26 Called!

2014-06-04T23:27:00.001-04:00

Newly appointed U.S Women's National Team coach has called in 26 players for her first training roaster, in preparation for their June 14 and 19 match against FIFA ranked 4th in the world, France. Ellis will name 18 players for each game that will both be played at 7:30 p.m ET at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida and Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut respectively. USSOCCER.COM will broadcast both games.
Read more »

USWNT Jill Ellis Names Tony Gustavsson as Assistant Coach

2014-05-28T03:55:00.001-04:00

New U.S Women's National coach Jill Ellis named Tony Gustavsson as the new assistant coach to the team. The Swede is no stranger to the team, having served as assistant coach to former coach and fellow Swede Pia Sundhage during the 2011 World Cup and 2012 Olympic Games.

Gustavsson, 40, returns to the U.S.A after a successful run as head coach to the Swedish club side Tyreso. Leading them to the finals of the Champions League Final in Lisbon, Portugal, where they fell to Wolfsburg of Germany, 4-3 in a highly entertaining encounter.

Commenting on his return to the U.S team Gustavsson said, “I’m really looking forward to being back with the U.S. team again,” said Gustavsson. “I have great respect for these players, their work ethic and their desire to keep progressing as individuals and as a team. I’m excited to contribute to that process through any role Jill asks of me.”

He will join the team as they face France on the 14-19th of June in Florida and Connecticut in their next international friendly as they begin preparations for the 2014 CONCACAF Qualifying Tournament of which the U.S.A will host and will be contested in October with top three finishers advancing to Canada 2015.

NWSL Week 7 Results and Week 8 Schedule

2014-05-26T16:50:00.000-04:00

Reign's midfielder celebrates her late equalizing goal against WNYF

Wed May 21
WAS 3-3 SBFC - Maureen Hendricks Field (Att. 2545) [Full Match]
Scorers: Robyn Gayle (39'), Jonelle Filigno (47'), Katy Freels (52'), Kelley O'Hara (65'), Lori Lindsey (74'), Diana Matheson (92+)

FCKC 1-1 SRFC - Verizon Wireless Field (Att. 2011) [Full Match]
Scorers: Amy Rodriguez (42'), Kim Little (46+)

PTFC 2-1 WNYF - Providence Park (Att. 10920) [Full Match]
Scorers: Allie Long 17', Jessica McDonald 49', McCall Zerboni 57'

Fri May 23
HOU 1-3 CRS - BBVA Compass Stadium (att. 4868) [Full Match]
Scorers: Vanessa DiBernardo 10', Ella Masar 51', Alyssa Mautz 54', Jen Hoy 62'

Sat May 24
PTFC 0-1 SBFC - Providence Park (Att. 13427) [Full Match]
Scorers: Kelley O'Hara 84'

Sun May 25
BOS 0-2 FCKC - Harvard Stadium (Att. 2622) [Full Match]
Scorers: Nikki Phillips 62', Amy Rodriguez 82'

SRFC 2-2 WNYF - Moda Pitch Memorial Stadium (Att. 4018) [Full Match]
Scorers: Abby Wambach 17', Jessica Fishlock 45', Carli Lloyd 62', Kim Little 92+'

Week 8 Schedule
Watch All Games Live on NWSL YouTube Channel

Mon May 26
HOU at WAS 4 pm - Maureen Hendricks Field Maryland SoccerPlex - Watch Live

Wed May 28
CRS at SBFC 7 pm - Yurcak Field - Watch Live
PTFC at BOS 7 pm - Harvard Stadium - Watch Live

Sat May 31
HOU at WNYF 7 pm - Sahlen's Stadium - Watch Live

Sun June 1
SRFC at SBFC 6 pm - Yurcak Field - Watch Live
WAS at BOS 6:30 pm - Harvard Stadium - Watch Live

NWSL Week 6 Results and Week 7 Schedule

2014-05-21T18:19:00.001-04:00

League Leader Settle Reign Remain Undefeated

NWSL Player of the Week - Jodi Taylor (Washington Spirit)

Wed 14th May
HOU 0:1 PTFC - BBVA Compass Stadium (Att. 3931)
Goal Scored: Jessica McDonald 57' (PTFC)

SRFC 3:2 FCKC - Moda Pitch at Memorial Stadium (Att. 2875)
Goals scored: Kendall Fletcher 16' (SRFC), Kim Little 20' (SRFC:PK), Lauren Holiday 44' (FCKC:PK), Erika Tymrak 61' (FCKC), Keelin Winters 76' (SRFC)

Thu 15th May
BOS 1:3 CRS - Harvard Stadium (Att. 1696)
Goals scored: Courtney Jones 19' (BOS), Lori Chalupny 44' (CRS), Michelle Wenino 52' (CRS), Jen Hoy 67' (CRS)

Sat 17th May
WAS 3:2 WNYF - Maureen Hendricks Field in Boyds, Md. (Att. 4598)
Goals scored: Jodie Taylor 11' 78' (WAS), Abby Wambach 18' (WNYF), Carli Lloyd 30' (WNYF), Kathryn Williamson 71' (WNYF:OG),

Sun 18th May
FCKC 2:2 HOU - Verizon Wireless Field in Kansas City, Mo. (Att: 1483)
Goals scored: Lauren Holiday 2' (FCKC), Jordan Jackson 20' (HOU), Erika Tymrak 36' (FCKC), Tiffany McCarty 78' (HOU)

BOS 1:4 CRS - Harvard Stadium (Att. 2123)
Goals scored: Michelle Wenino 23' (CRS), Heather O'Reilly 25' (BOS:PK), Jen Hoy 50' (CRS), Lori Chalupny 57' (CRS), Zakiya Bywaters 85' (CRS)

Week 8 Schedule

Wed 21st May
*WAS v SBFC - 7pm ET - Maureen Hendricks Field Maryland SoccerPlex
*FCKC v SRFC - 8pm ET - Verizon Wireless Field Durwood Stadium
*PTFC v WNYF - 10pm ET - Providence Park

Fri 23rd May
*HOU v CRS - 8pm ET BBVA Compass Stadium

Sat 24th May
*PTFC v SBFC - 10pm ET - Providence Park

Sun 25th May
*BOS v FCKC - 7pm ET - Harvard Stadium
*SRFC v WNYF - 7pm ET - Moda Pitch Memorial Stadium

Injury Report 20th May:

FC Kansas City
DOUBTFUL: Kassey Kallman (left groin strain), Amy LePeilbet (left knee soreness)
PROBABLE: Morgan Marlborough (right ankle sprain)

Portland Thorns FC
OUT: Alex Morgan (left ankle stress reaction), Rachel Van Hollebeke (left ankle sprain)

Seattle Reign FC
OUT: Amanda Frisbie (adductor strain), Carmelina Moscato (right foot stress reaction), Megan Rapinoe (left foot contusion)

Sky Blue FC
OUT: Haley Haagsma (left knee acl tear), Taylor Lytle (left tibia fracture and lateral meniscus tear)
PROBABLE: Christie Rampone (left toe seismioditis)

Washington Spirit
OUT: Caroline Miller (right ankle surgery), Toni Pressley (right knee pcl tear), Tiffany Weimer (left knee acl tear)

Western New York Flash
OUT: Adrianna Franch (right knee surgery)

2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup

2014-05-20T16:51:00.000-04:00

The 2014 Women's Asian Cup which serves as the qualification of the 2015 Women's World Cup began on 14th May. The 8 participating teams were split into two groups and would be vying for 5 spots to the WWC.

Each team would play the other once, with the first and second placed teams would advance to the semifinals ( 22 May) while the two third placed team would face each other in the Fifth Place play-off.

Group A results:

Group B results:

Knock-out Stage:

Fifth Place play-off - 21 May 6:15 am ET: Vietnam v Thailand

Semifinals - Japan v China PR 6:15 am ET || South Korea v Australia 9:45am ET

Third place game: 25th May 5:45 am ET

Final: 25th May 9:15 am ET - LIVE STREAMING HERE

Group highlights can be viewed on YouTube Korean Republic matches / Vietnam highlights / Other group highlights

NWSL Results & Preview of Week 6

2014-05-14T13:43:00.000-04:00

Week 4: Sydney Leroux - Player of the week

As we enter into week 6 of the 2014 season of the NWSL, we reflect on the results of the past two weeks. Seattle Reign continued their perfect form and with the 1-0 scoreline against the Portland Thorns last Saturday, the Reign are now on a record breaking 18 points. 10 clear of the nearest rival Western New York Flash.

Flashback: All matches (Full & Highlights) available on NWSL YouTube Channel

Week 4 Results

Wednesday Apr 30th
SBFC 0-2 SRFC
FCKC 1-0 CRS

Saturday May 3rd
WAS 1-2 SRFC
WNYF 1-1 PTFC
SBFC 1-0 BOS
HOU 0-4 FCKC

Week 5: Amy Rodriguez player of the week

Week 5 Results

Wednesday May 7th
WNYF 2-1 FCKC
SBFC 1-1 CRS

Saturday May 10th
PTFC 0-1 SRFC

Sunday May 11th
WNYF 2-0 SBFC
CRS 1-0 HOU
FCKC 2-1 WAS

Week 6 Preview

Wed 14th :
HOU vs PTFC - 8 pm at BBVA Compass Stadium Live
SRFC vs FCKC - 10 pm at Moda Pitch at Memorial Stadium Live

Thur 15th :
BOS vs CRS - 7 pm at Harvard Stadium Live

Sat 17th :
WAS vs WNYF - 6:30 pm at Maureen Hendricks Field Maryland SoccerPlex Live

Sun 18th :
FCKC vs HOU - 6 pm at Verizon Wireless Field Durwood Stadium Live
BOS vs CRS - 6:30 pm at Harvard Stadium Live

Injury Report:

HOU - Bianca Henninger (Questionable)
FCKC - Probable - Liz Bogus (right hamstring strain), Melissa Henderson (right ankle sprain), Erika Tymrak (low back pain)
PTFC - Probable - Sinead Farrelly (left quadriceps contusion)
Doubtful - Stephanie Cox (right ankle sprain)

Ellis Names 22 for May 8 Match in Canada

2014-05-01T16:44:00.002-04:00

Interim coach Jill Ellis has called up 22 players to the USWNT roaster to train for the May 8 match against Candad in Winnipeg, Canada. The match will be held on the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Venue Investors Group Field, it holds a capacity of over 33, 000 and has a artifical field.

Several injured players were unavailable for this match, including forward Alex Morgan, midfielder Kristie Mewis, midfielder Megan Rapinoe and defender Rachel Van Hollebeke. While Crystal Dunn makes her return to the team since being sidelined with injury, first time call up Nikki Marshall and Allie Long, both from NWSL team Portland Thorns. Long a former Under-20 and Under-23 international and had been called up under Pia Sundhage in 2010, but did not earn a cap.

With just six months to go before World Cup qualifying begins, every match against quality opponents is vital. Ellis will choose 18 to suit up for the ESPN3 & espnW.com telvisied match. Play will commence at 8 p.m ET.

U.S. Women’s National Team Roster By Position

22-player roaster for May 8 match vs Canada

GOALKEEPERS (3): Ashlyn Harris (Washington Spirit), Jill Loyden (Sky Blue FC), Hope Solo (Seattle Reign FC)

DEFENDERS (9): Stephanie Cox (Seattle Reign FC), Crystal Dunn (Washington Spirit), Whitney Engen (Tyresö), Meghan Klingenberg (Tyresö), Ali Krieger (Washington Spirit), Nikki Marshall (Portland Thorns FC), Kelley O’Hara (Sky Blue FC), Christie Rampone (Sky Blue FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (FC Kansas City)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Morgan Brian (Virginia), Lauren Holiday (FC Kansas City), Julie Johnston (Chicago Red Stars), Carli Lloyd (WNY Flash), Allie Long (Portland Thorns FC), Heather O’Reilly (Boston Breakers)

FORWARDS (4): Sydney Leroux (Seattle Reign FC), Christen Press (Tyresö), Amy Rodriguez (FC Kansas City), Abby Wambach (WNY Flash)

courtesy ussoccer.com

NWSL - Week 3 Results/Schedule

2014-05-01T15:55:00.003-04:00

Nahomi Kawasumi in action against Sky Blue FC

The Seattle Reign powered through Sky Blue FC to record their fourth win and first on the road in their second mid-week match, the Reign beat SBFC 2-0 through horrible conditions at the Yurcak Field in Piscataway, N.J.

Registering their first goals for their team, Japanese International Nahomi Kawasumi capitalized in the 24th minute off of a miss-kick from SBFC GK Jillian Loyden, while forward Beverly Goebel tapped in a pass from Naho in the 38th minute.

The Blues had a penalty saved in the 86th minute to secure SRFC third shut-out since the start of the season.

Reign FC continues their East Coast road swing on Saturday, May 3 at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Boyds, MD against the WAS; kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. (ET) with a live, high-definition webstream available at YouTube.com/NWSL.

Week 1-3 Results:

via nwslsoccer.com (click to enlargen)

Week 3-4 Standings;

Week 4 [All game times are ET]

Sat. May 3, 2014

SRFC vs WAS 6:30 pm watch live
BOS vs SBFC 7:00 pm watch live
PTFC vs WNYF 7:00 pm watch live
FCKC vs HOU 8:00 pm watch live

Wed. May 7, 2014

CRS vs SBFC 7:00 pm
FCKC vs WNYF 7:00 pm

The Reign Has Begun

2014-04-17T05:42:00.000-04:00

Match of the Week

The first week of the second season of the NWSL has begun and judging from the numbers, fan attendance was good, media coverage was much improved and the quality of play on the soccer field was phenomenal. None more so than the Seattle Reign, who now top the table after a 3-0 defeat over the Boston Breakers.

TEAM OF THE WEEK

After finishing second from the bottom of the table in the 2013 inaugural season of the NWSL, the Seattle Reign and it's head coach/general manager Laura Harvey, have assembled a team in the off season that until Sunday's game showed on paper that the Reign should be a serious threat to the championship this season.

Arguably the best performance of the week goes to the Reign. Coach Harvey's team showed a organized defense with one flaw during the entire game. Their attacking force is a powerful threat and all in all, this starts bodes very well for the unlucky team of old.

Among the usual stand-outs of Rapinoe and Fishlock were USWNT defender Stephanie Cox, Japanese midfielder Naho Kawasumi showed flashes of brilliance as a sub, but undoubtedly the star of the team was Scottish midfielder Kim Little. She scored 2 goals on her debut for the club and we look forward to her work this season.

REVIEWS:

Sunday April 13, 2014

Boston Breakers (BOS) 0-1 Seattle Reign (SRFC)
Att: 3,021
Moda Health Pitch
Watch Replay / Highlights

Boston had no answer to the hard pressing Reign team and were regulated to a couple of chances, with their best chance coming when the ball hit the bar from a half volley by Joanna Lohman off of a Heather O'Reilly cross. The Reign answered in 49th minute as Little put the Reign ahead off a PK, which they were awarded for a handball called on Courtney Jones in the box.

The Reign scored twice more in the second half, Little scored her second in the 54th minute, followed by Rapinoe's in the 77th minute. Breakers GK Alyssa Naeher was definitely their player of the game as she made seven saves.

The Breakers play on the 20th April for their home opener against the Houston Dash (Kick off 6:30 p.m ET), while the Reign stay at home to face the Washington Spirit on Wed, April 23rd. (10 p.m ET)

Vikcy Losada [WNYF] & Tori Huster [WAS]

Western New York Flash (WNYF) 3-1 Washington Spirit (WAS)
Att: 2,306
Maureen Hendricks Field
Watch Replay / Highlights

Without a Abby Wambach led front line, the WNYF's offense marshaled by their 2014 international signing Vicky Losada won their opening game against the Spirit. The Spanish international had a hand in all three goals as she scored 2 goals and assisted on the other.

The first of the two came within 15 minutes of the start, as lobbed a shot aided by the wind from 30-yards out that managed to sail over the outstretched hands of Spirit GK Ashlyn Harris. However, just 5 minutes into the second half Washington leveled the match from another wind assisted goal as midfielder Christine Narin scored from a corner kick. But the 1-1 tie didn't last long as center back Brittany Taylor finished a Losada set up.

Losada finished her impression debut showing in the 67th minute as she netted her second from a pass by fellow Spaniard Adriana Martin. The Spirit made a go of it and came close on several occasions but the Flash Australian signing, GK Lydia Williams came up big. The Spirit showed they have a lot of work to do if they are to avoid last year's record.

Abby Wambach is sidelined with a fractured orbital bone as they look to build on their win on the road Saturday to face Chicago Red Stars at Toyota Park 6 p.m ET kick off time. WAS will hope to bounce back at home as they host FCKC on Saturday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m ET

OTHER RESULTS:

Sat, April 12, 2014
[H] Houston Dash 0:1 Portland Thorns FC [Highlights]
[H] FC Kansas City 1:1 Sky Blue FC [Highlights]

April 19 - 20 NWSL Schedule

WAS vs FCKC 6:30 p.m ET Live
CRS vs WNYF 6:45 p.m ET Live
SBFC vs PTFC 7:00 p.m ET Live

BOS vs HOU 6:30 p.m ET Live

Seattle Reign (Bye Week)

Sermanni Gone. Who's In?

2014-04-12T11:28:00.000-04:00

The dismissal of USWNT head coach Tom Sermanni, was a shock not only to fans and the sports world but also to Sermanni himself. As the obvious questions circulate, not all the answers have not been forthcoming.

Rumors about a players revolt don't seem logical to me, especially when they seem to have been taken aback as well and he was by all reports well liked by the team.

The more accurate summation seems to be that Sermanni's style of coaching was not working. His very layed back matra was to different to Sermanni's predecessor Pia Sundhage, who led the team to two Olympic gold medals and a final appearance in the 2011 WWC during her four-year reign.

Coaching the number team in world requires someone who can rule this team with a firm and decisive hand. Sermanni had the right idea, as he brought in a number of talented players during in his 17 months but his tactics were still up in air.

What was shocking was the way in which the USSF handled his firing. Sermanni is to good a coach not to be snapped up quickly and with the 2015 Women's World Cup qualifiers in October fast approaches, U.S. Soccer president stated that the hunt for a new coach will not take long and should come before summer.

Next the last question is; Who will get the job? Gulati would not have made such a drastic move without having a plan in mind. Here is the obvious short list of candidates;

Randy Wladrum (left) and Tony Gustavsson(right)

Tony Gustavsson, current coach for Swedish club Tyreso. Former assistant to Sundhage has vocal support from the team last time to take-over but concerns about his lack of resume then is certainly not the case now as Tyreso is in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League and are very much tipped to win it all. With Tyreso rumored to be at the brink of bankruptcy it might just be a good possibility.

Randy Waldrum, current coach for NWSL expansion team Houston Dash. After 15 season with Notre Dame, Waldrum has made known that his dream job would be to lead the USWNT, but would he leave the newly formed Dash after just taking over? My guess...yes!

Jillian Ellis, interim head coach for the USWNT and current director of development for U.S. Soccer. After been the interim coach after Sundhage left, she is well liked and she knows this team. Could this be her trial run to take over permanently? It remains to be seem as she withdrew her name from consideration last time.

Interim coach Jillian Ellis takes over for a second time, just as she did after Sundhage left. It remains to be seen if Ellis will keep her name in the mix, as she withdrew from consideration last time.

However, USSF needs to make a decision soon because whoever the new coach is, they will have a team to get to know and a World Cup to prepare for and only a little over a year in which to to do it. After 2011 WWC performance, the American public wants to not only get there but win it all.

Gearing Up for World Cup 2015 & NWSL

2014-04-06T19:41:00.002-04:00

Game 1 (China) Line-up

With less than a week before the start of the second season of the NWSL, the U.S. WNT suit up against China PR, in one of two friendlies. The first will be played today at 5 p.m ET (4-6-14) in Colorado, while the other will take place in California on 10th April. Both game will be brought live. Game 1 on ussoccer.com and Game 2 on the NBC Sports Network.

Off the back of the recently losses in the just concluded Algarve Cup, the Americans would be keen on keeping their stellar home record alive, as their winning streak was broken during the Portugal tournament. Recording their worst performance in the tournament's 20-year history, the American's have some work to do as the world is no longer nipping at their heels but sending ferocious bites.

The NWSL will commence on the weekend of April 12 between current champions Portland Thorns and the leagues first expansion team, the Houston Dash at Houston home ground at BBVA Compass Stadium (max.7,000). With new rosters on all nine NWSL teams it should be a great season.

Most matches can be viewed on NWSL's YouTube or via individual team's websites. The one except was the Boston Breakers which charged a fee for access to their broadcasts.

UPDATE:
Sermanni chose to play a 4-3-3 formation in a winning 2-nil performance against China PR on Sunday April 6, played in Colorado in front of 14,000 plus fans and streamed on ussoccer.com Youtube channel.

Goals by Lauren Hoilday and Megan Rapinoe solidified a dominating showing by the Americans captained by Heather O'Reilly, who celebrated her 201 appearance for the national side. Watch Game (stream begins at 14:08)

Next game will be played in the Qualcomm Stadium; San Diego, California at 11 p.m ET and will be televised by NBC Sports Network. See you there!

USWNT Stopped by Sweden In 2014 Algarve Cup

2014-03-07T23:55:00.000-04:00

USWNT defender Ali Krieger and Swedish midfielder Kosovare Asllani

3-7-14, Algarve Cup: So far, the 2014 Algarve Cup is not one that the USWNT would like to remember. A 1-1 draw against world #3 Japan and 1-0 loss in their second match against their former coach, Pia Sundhage's Swedish team are not results you see from the Americans. As a result, the USWNT will not contest the finals of the 2014 Algarve Cup in Portugal.

Facing the 3rd and 6th best teams in the world have certain highlighted major flaws in the Americans playbook and with the majority of the world best players among their ranks, the question now begs to be answered as the team seems to be under-performing by their own lofty standards.

WHY?

It certainly not a question of fitness or of injuries because with one of THE deepest benches in the world, they have quality players to slot into those places. So it is a question of tactics or execution in front of goal.

Midfielder Carli Llloyd (USA) & defender Azusa Iwashimizu (JPN)

Does coach Tom Sermanni have the answer, as he drops to 16-1-4. Suffering his first loss since he took over as head coach. With today's performance many would argue that Sermanni got schooled in tactics by Pia Sundhage and her Swedish team's organized defensive line and their counter-attacking approach against a U.S side that still could not shake their poor showing spilled over from their Japan game.

The U.S had no answers to world rank #6 Sweden's tremendous defense. The Americans did dominate possession and out-shot their opponents 12-4, but failed to convert the chances that a stunch Swedish defensive did allow. Swedish goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl made several match saving attempts, including a penalty from top world scorer Abby Wambach in the first half.

Even as the U.S piled on the pressure in the second half with the introduction of the Mewis sisters, Press and Hagen. Showing more spirit, the Americans attack came in waves but Swedish GK Lindahl met each attack with punches and slaps as cross after cross came.

Player of the match Lindahl had an exceptional game, producing world class saves including a penalty shot by top world scorer Abby Wambach. Defender Nilla Fischer also had a stellar game.

Pia Sundhage and Megan Rapinoe

The Swedes, scored with the only true opportunity of the game, scoring the only goal of the match against the run of play, from a Sofia Jakobsson cross and headed by star forward Lotta Schelin in the 24th minute. As a result the Americans had their 43-game unbeaten streak broken, which all began with a 4-0 rout against the Swedes in the 3rd-place match in the 2012 Algarve Cup.

It remains to be seen if the Americans will have a chance to play for third place in the annual tournament as they face Denmark in their last game on March 10 (10:40 am EST).

The Americans second half performance did significantly improve but as they mounted attack after attack, only allowing the Swedes one chance in the half. However, Swedish GK was the unsound heroine of the match as she saved chances by all four substitutes.

On a more positive note, the Sweden match-up, did see the debut of two players, Samantha Mewis and Sarah Hagen and it was only the third time that two sisters have played together on the field for the U.S. senior team since 1997.

The American did show their famous never say die face but they just could crack the Swedish defensive line.

Game Line-ups:

USA: 1-Hope Solo; 11-Ali Krieger, 3-Christie Rampone (capt.), 4-Becky Sauerbrunn, 25-Meghan Klingenberg (5-Kelley O’Hara, 46); 9-Heather O’Reilly, 7-Morgan Brian (12-Samantha Mewis, 68), 10-Carli Lloyd, 15-Megan Rapinoe (19-Kristie Mewis, 68); 8-Amy Rodriguez (23-Christen Press, 70), 20-Abby Wambach (13-Sarah Hagen, 81)

Substitutions Not Used: 6-Whitney Engen, 14-Stephanie Cox, 16-Rachel Van Hollebeke, 17-Tobin Heath, 18-Alyssa Naeher, 21-Jill Loyden
Head coach: Tom Sermanni

SWE: 1-Hedvig Lindahl; 2-Charlotte Rohlin (3-Lisa Sembrant, 46), 5-Nilla Fischer, 18-Jessica Samuelsson, 23-Elin Rubensson; 15-Therese Sjögran (14-Hanna Folkesson, 46), 7-Lisa Dahlkvist, 17-Caroline Seger (capt.), 9-Kosovare Asllani (11-Antonia Göransson, 49), 10-Sofia Jakobsson (13-Emmelie Konradsson, 66); 8-Lotta Schelin (19-Emma Lundh, 77)

Substitutions Not Used: 4-Amanda Ilestedt, 12-Carola Soberg, 16-Lina Nilsson, 20-Emilia Appleqvist, 21-Stephanie Öhrström, 22-Olivia Schough
Head coach: Pia Sundhage

Player of the Match: Hedvig Lindahl

Soccer Feature: World Updates Jan-Feb 2014

2014-02-10T13:41:00.000-04:00

USWNT midfielder Carli Lloyd dribbles past Russian defender to score 1st of 2 goals

The USWNT began their 2014 campaign with a hard fought win against their neighboring rivals Canada and are 1 game into their double header against Russia.

The Americans who played Christine Press and Sydney Leroux at top, ran rampant against their Russian counterparts in a 7-0 victory. Goals from Christine Press (2), Sydney Leroux, Carli Lloyd (2), Heather O'Reilly and Abby Wambach, extending their unbeaten streak to 41 games (35-0-6).

The two teams will play each other again on Wed, Feb. 12 at 7:30 pm EST at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga. The game will again be shown live on ussoccer.com.

Here is a full replay of the game and some reaction.

Algarve Cup

News that the Americans will face power houses Sweden, Japan and Denmark in Group B of the 7 day tournament at the annual Algarve Cup in Portugal, to be held from March 5-12.

Group A will consist of Germany, Norway, Iceland and China PR. Group C will contain host Portugal,Austria, Russia and Northern Ireland.

In the 21st edition of the tournament, the United States will go in as defending champions having won the Cup 9 times, which is more than any other country in the tournament's history.

Format
The group winners from A and B contested the final, with the runners-up playing for third place. The Group C winner faced the better 3rd place team from Groups A and B for 5th, with the Group C runner-up facing the other third place team for 7th. Group C's third place team faced the better fourth place team of Groups A and B, while the other two 4th place teams play in the 11th place match.

Points awarded in the group stage followed the standard formula of three points for a win, one point for a draw and zero points for a loss. In the case of two teams being tied on the same amount of points in a group, their head-to-head result determined the higher place.

SCHEDULE OF MATCHES

NWSL

► After months of deals, trades, buys and two draws the 9 teams of the NWSL have almost completed their roasters.

► The Seattle Reign FC will now play their regular home season at Seattle's Memorial Stadium.

► Megan Rapinoe will join her team Seattle Reign FC in pre-season, having ended her contract with with Olympique Lyon with immediate effect.

Here is the list of the full schedule for the 2014 NWSL season.

NEWS

England's Women's Football (Soccer) captain, Casey Stoney has come out as gay. The 31-year old stated to the BBC on Monday that she finally decided to make a public declaration because of the the positive reaction to British Olympic diver Tom Daley's announcement that he is in a relationship with a man.

"I was living a lie," she said. "I've never hidden it within football circles because it is accepted.

"But to the outside world, I've never spoken about my sexuality."

Stoney who plays for Arsenal Ladies and has amassed 110 caps for her country, said she was in a "loving relationship" and wouldn't be going to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

"I won't be going to Russia or Qatar to watch a World Cup because I wouldn't be accepted there," she said.