The Women's National Soccer Team is the closest thing that the United States has to dominance in soccer. After multiple world cups, Olympic gold medals and a number one ranking, Nike even created a campaign around "The Greatest Team You've Never Heard Of".
Things fell apart in the semi-finals against Brazil. The defeat was embarrassing for a team that's played 50 games without a loss. Coach Ryan made a change at the last minute, replacing Hope Solo, the goalie that's been part of that streak with Briana Scury, the goalie from a World Cup and Olympic victory.
There's very little argument that this not only affected the team chemistry but also put a player that wasn't the best into, arguably, the most important position in the game. Frankly, Ryan will be luck to keep his job.
What's even more disturbing is Hope Solo's reaction:
This is inexcusable for a player to react like this at this level. Calling out another player should take place in the locker room or on the field, not on ESPN. It sends the wrong message to your teammates and to the public.
Look for Hope Solo to be replaced before the 2008 Olympic games.
I haven't watched any of the women's games this World Cup. But from what I hear about this game, the Coach should've gone with Hope. Saw a little bit of Brazil's loss to Germany this morning in the final. I felt really bad for the Brazilian women. Tough loss for them. Pitch: You game for the US Open Cup Wednesday night?
ReplyDelete