Sunday, October 21, 2007

Historic draw

I wrote before the three-game series versus Mexico that the games would probably be more useful for that squad than for the U.S. It certainly seems that the female El Tri team learned some important lessons - they managed a tie versus the U.S. for the first time in 22 matches.

Granted, the U.S. squad was greatly affected by defensive injuries, and the game was a meaningless friendly, but it doesn't bode well for the US team and their Olympic dreams that a non-World Cup team could play them even.

It's time to give Mexico credit, though, because this is a squad definitely putting in the difficult legwork to prepare themselves for the Olympics. They took their full squad to the Pan-American games (which I think the U.S. should have done - especially since it probably would have given them an early crack at Brazil - much better to take a loss there, perhaps, and learn how to avoid that in the World Cup, for example), they lined up a difficult series with the U.S., and they've managed a lead versus the U.S. in two out of three of those games. In the final one, the defense hung on for a result.

They didn't even have all their top players here - compared to the U.S. No MariGol, no teen phenom VerĂ³nica Charlyn Corral, no Iris Mora. Monica Ocampo may now be the team's top player, though. She's great on the ball, full of nifty moves.

Briana Scurry was in goal for this latest match, but a number of other U.S. players were out due to what seems like a sprained ankle epidemic.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

according to Kristine lilly's journal, "Yesterday at our practice here in Albuquerque, a reporter asked me what are these games about for you and the team. I said these games for us are about celebrating our 3rd place finish in the World Cup but also to thank our fans"

If I hear CELEBRATING 3rd place again I may be sick.

And given that goal scurry let it, if she is the best shot stopper we have we are in deep deep doodoo. Heres to hoping for a serious overhall and a heavyhanded push for removal and retirement

Anonymous said...

"but it doesn't bode well for the US team and their Olympic dreams that a non-World Cup team could play them even. "

Are you serious? If you want to start an intelligent discussion, maybe ask the question why we were playing the same team for the 3rd time in a week. But don't give it more significance than it deserves. Over 3 games, we outscored Mexico 10 to 2. We played the entire last game with only one defender on the field and patched together a back line and Mexico managed one goal.

Anonymous said...

Anon 2, you have a serious case of denial gong on.

Not to worry, with a new coach & a couple of retirements come January, all will be well.

:)

Kelly said...

"the United States struggled to string passes together. Midway through the opening 45 minutes, the Americans resorted to lobbing long balls over the top of the defense and couldn't exhibit any ball control until the closing minutes."

That seems to be an ongoing theme.

Anonymous said...

A.C.

What's this about a media conference call regarding Greg Ryan tomorrow at 4pm?

Fact or fiction? :)

C.

Anonymous said...

A.C. ... here's more, is it true?? PLEASE be TRUE!

Is Ryan in or out? Conference call set for 4pm Mon Oct 22

U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati to Address Media

CHICAGO (October 21, 2007) — U.S. Soccer will stage a media conference call Monday (October 22) at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT to address the status of U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Greg Ryan...

Stay tuned...

I'm soooo excited if it's true! lol

C.

Anonymous said...

A.C. ... Her's more!

Do you know if it's FACT OR FICTION??


US Soccer News Conference 10/22 @ 4pm

THIS EMAIL AS JUST SENT TO ME... Looks like Greg Ryan may get canned after all?


From the U.S. Soccer Communications Center – October 21, 2007



* * * CONFERENCE CALL ADVISORY * * *


U.S. SOCCER TO STAGE MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL
MONDAY AT 4 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. CT / 1 p.m. PT

U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati to Address Media


CHICAGO (October 21, 2007) — U.S. Soccer will stage a media conference call Monday (October 22) at 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT to address the status of U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Greg Ryan. Members of the media wishing to participate in the call should dial 800-335-2500 or 212-381-2970 a few minutes before 4 p.m. ET.


— U.S. Soccer Media Conference Call —


WHO: U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati
U.S. Soccer Secretary General Dan Flynn

WHAT: U.S. Soccer Media Conference Call

WHEN: Monday, October 22 at 4 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. CT / 2 p.m. MT / 1 p.m. PT

HOW: Call 1-800-335-2500 a few minutes before 4 p.m. ET on Friday.
The conference call moderator will be Jim Moorhouse


- ussoccer.com -

Anonymous said...

Steven Goff ... Soccer Insider:

Greg Ryan Announcement Monday
USSF President Sunil Gulati and Secretary General Dan Flynn will address U.S. women's national team coach Greg Ryan's status during a media teleconference at 4 p.m. (Eastern) on Monday.

From all indications, Ryan is finished after nearly three years in charge. I would be shocked if they decided to retain him. We will know for sure Monday.

Failure to reach the World Cup final, lackluster play throughout the tournament, an embarrassing loss to Brazil in the semis and that infamous goalkeeping change appear to have doomed Ryan's chances of having his contract renewed after the current deal expires Dec. 31.

The timing of his expected dismissal makes sense. The women's team just completed a three-game friendly series with Mexico, winning twice and tying once, and is not expected to play again this year. A new coach would open training camp in early 2008 and begin preparing for the Olympics in China. Among the potential candidates are Jillian Ellis, head coach of UCLA and the U.S. under-20 national team; Tony DiCicco, who guided the United States to the 1999 World Cup title; Sweden's Pia Sundhage; Santa Clara University Coach Jerry Smith; and Washington Freedom Coach Jim Gabarra.

truth said...

USSoccer better fire Ryan's sorry keister today or this long-time fan will no longer attend USWNT games.

JT Soccer said...

DiCicco, Sundhage, and Smith ... yes, yes, and yes.

Thanks for keeping us updated C.

Anonymous said...

You're welcome jt.

For various reasons, this situation really hit home for me.

I could relate on various levels from personal experience in my own past and as a Dad with teenage daughters and a coach of female teams for several years.

The treatment that Hope has had to endure under the circumstances was totally unacceptable and I hope our efforts had some impact in some way?

Time to get back to work! :)

C. = Coach