Tough enough

I have to admit to being a little unimpressed by the US women's win over New Zealand.

Seriously, was the small island nation supposed to provide real resistence to the U.S.? I'm actually surprised they scored.

I do think that the U.S. looked in fine form, with Carli Lloyd really coming into her own right now, but again, it's easier to look strong against weaker competition.

Frankly, though I liked how well the U20 squad did in the Pan-American games, I'm wondering if the U.S. shouldn't have sent their full team there instead. Playing Mexico, Canada and Brazil' s full team would have seemed like much tougher preparation than friendlies against the likes of New Zealand.

Finally, to note another thing, I'm not much of a fashionista, but I don't like the new gold uniforms. I can't be the only one who thinks of the Solid Gold dancers when I see those things. They're a little too shiny-gleamy, nightclub of a look for top-level athletes. Also, if the team wants to engage patriotic fans, colors more emblematic of the flag would probably be better.

Plus, while I believe this women's team is an incredibly talented group which doesn't get the attention their accomplishments merit, I think the gold shirts are a bit of an arrogant statement. I'd rather the USWNT win the World Cup first, then wear the gold shirts for a year to commemerate that accomplishment, perhaps. Wearing the shirts before the World Cup is a very in-your-face statement that probably is going to motivate opponents all the more.