Tag: Soccer

Photo Courtesy of BDZ Sports

NWSL Players of the Week: September 16th – 29th

The first player of the week, or double week really is Sam Kerr who plays for the Chicago Red Stars. On Saturday September 21st, Kerr tallied two goals against the Washington Spirit in an important 3-1 win for the Red Stars. The two goals were Kerr’s 17th and 18th of the season which breaks the season goal-scoring record. Kerr’s 17th goal tied her own record and then her second of the game broke it. The Australian attacker has scored five goals over her last five matches.

Embed from Getty Images

It only took Kerr nine minutes to tie her record after she chipped a delightful finish over the Spirit goalkeeper and into the far corner from a tight angle. Katlyn Johnson was credited with the assist. Kerr then broke her record in the 49th minute when Yuki Nagasato used the outside of her foot to deliver a through ball down the left side right into the path of Kerr who then cut in and fired back into the near post beating the goalkeeper easily. The 3-1 win was Chicago’s fourth in a row before they went on to make the streak five in a 2-1 win over the Utah Royals. The five-game winning streak has slingshotted the Red Stars into second place only two points back of the first place North Carolina Courage. The Red Stars have finished all of their regular season matches and have secured a second-place seeding for the postseason.

Due to the recent play of Kerr she was awarded the NWSL Player of the Month, league officials announced on Wednesday.

Embed from Getty Images

The second player of the week comes in the form of goalkeeping greatness from Aubrey Bledsoe who plays for the Washington Spirit. The Spirit goalkeeper was up to the task when she tallied seven saves against the offensive powerhouse and first placed North Carolina Courage. The Courage have been on a tear lately scoring sixteen goals in their four previous games. Bledsoe came up big, time and time again in the Spirit’s 2-1 win over the visiting North Carolina Courage on Saturday September 28th. The win gave the sixth placed Spirit a chance to still make the playoffs. Other results around the league have since ended that possibility, but the performance from Bledsoe could not be discredited. The win ended a six game winning streak for the Courage.

In the 21st minute Bledsoe was called into action when a Courage corner kick fell to Debinha on the far side. Bledsoe reacted quickly to Debinha’s shot and was able to direct the rebound out of danger.

In the 38th minute it was Lynn Williams this time that was denied by Bledsoe from close range as she did a tremendous job to close down on Williams and keep the score knotted at 0-0. Bledsoe denied Williams again in the 65th minute when she got her angles just right in order to keep the ball out of the net. Over the course of 22 games Bledsoe has been able to tally eight clean sheets. The Washington Spirit are next in action on Saturday, October 5th when they travel to Orlando to take on the Pride.

Embed from Getty Images

The last player of the week is rookie Bethany Balcer who scored in yet another game for the Seattle Reign. Balcer has now scored six goals on the season, but has been on fire lately with three goals in her last four matches. Her goal was the second of two as the Reign picked up an impressive 2-0 win against the Portland Thorns who have been out of form as of late. The victory for the Reign has secured them the last remaining postseason spot and gives them the opportunity to finish as high as third considering they win their final match and Portland loses or draws. The victory was an important one as it ensures the Reign a place in the postseason. Jodie Taylor tallied the other goal on the day.

In the 81st minute of play Balcer received a pass with her back to goal from about 14 yards away. The defender was not tight, which allowed Balcer time to turn, cut in quickly onto her left foot and rifle a low dipping shot into the right corner catching the Thorns goalkeeper out at her near post. The swiftness with which Balcer snapped the shot on frame seem to cause a late reaction from the Thorns goalkeeper and Balcer wheeled away to celebrate. Balcer will be a player to watch as the Reign move forward into their last game of the season and into the postseason. The Reign are next in action on Saturday, October 12th when they travel to Orlando to take on the Pride in their last regular season match-up.

All remaining matches can be seen on the YAHOO! Sports Network.

Photo Courtesy of Jamie Smed

NWSL Players of the Week: Sept 9th – 15th

Lynn Williams who plays for the first-placed North Carolina Courage is the first player who highlights this week’s edition of NWSL Players of the Week.

Embed from Getty Images

Williams scored four goals over two games in the past week. On Wednesday, September 11,Williams played a big role by scoring a hat-trick in a 6-0 statement win, on the road, against the second-placed Portland Thorns who have sat atop the NWSL table for much of the season. After already being up 1-0, it only took Williams 21 minutes to get on the board when she tapped home a Debinha shot turned cross. After only a minute Williams got her second in similar fashion when she used her left foot to tap home a low cross from the right wing. In both of her first two goals the close proximity gave Thorns goalkeeper Adrianna Franch no chance. Williams secured her hat-trick in the 67th minute when a Courage counter-attack set up a 3v2 advantage. Debinha drew in the defense and slipped a pass to Williams who made no mistake and fired a shot past Franch at her near post. The goal increased the lead to 5-0. On Saturday, Williams tallied one goal in another demolition job when the Courage beat the Orlando Pride 6-1. Williams grabbed her goal early in this one after she guided a Kristen Hamilton cross out of the air past the Pride goalkeeper from a few yards out. The last four goals has brought Williams total to 11 on the season. The Courage are riding a wave right now after beating their last two opponents by a combined score of 12-1. The Courage sit in first place with 40 points which is four clear of the second-place Thorns. The Courage also have a game in hand. Lynn Williams and the Courage are next in action Tuesday, September 17 when they take on the Houston Dash.

Embed from Getty Images

The next player of the week is Sofia Huerta who plays for the Houston Dash and scored two goals to propel the Orange past the fourth-placed Utah Royals. The luck was with Huerta and the Dash on this Friday the 13 as they slipped past the visiting Royals for a final score of 2-1. Huerta gave the Dash the lead in the 27 minute after an intelligent backheel pass from Kristie Mewis fooled the Royals defense and allowed Huerta to place a finish in the bottom left corner from close range. Huerta struck again in the 62 minute when Daly sent a ball into space down the right wing. Huerta used her pace and intelligence to slip in behind the Royals defense. She then controlled the pass and went for power as she fired a shot that flew past the Royals goalkeeper off the crossbar, down and into the net for 2-0. The pair of goals brings Huerta’s tally to five on the season. The second goal was vital as it proved to be the winner and give the Dash a much-needed cushion to avoid losing three straight games. The win leaves the Dash in seventh place only a point behind the Washington Spirit in sixth. The Houston Dash are next in action when they take on the North Carolina Courage on Tuesday.  

Embed from Getty Images

The third and final player of the week is Casey Short a defender who plays for the Chicago Red Stars. On Wednesday, September 11, Short scored the game winning goal for her side in dramatic fashion against the Orlando Pride. Her goal came in the fifth minute of stoppage time to give the Red Stars all three points in the competition. On top of that, the Red Stars played the remaining 30 minutes of the competition with only ten players after Katie Johnson was issued a second yellow. Short was involved in the initial attack that won the game as her first shot attempt was blocked. The ball was then redistributed to Sam Kerr on the right wing who floated a ball in which was to be the last action of the game. Short showed determination as she came from no where to rise above her marker and power a header through the Pride goalkeeper. The header which was close to Orlando Pride goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris was too powerful as it skipped off her gloves into the back of the net for the winner. The goal which was only the defender’s second of the season, but was a monumental one as it brought the third-placed Red Stars within one point of second place. The Red Stars would go on to win their next matchup against Sky Blue FC handily by a score of 3-0. That win is the third in a row for the Red Stars who now sit in second place behind the North Carolina Courage. The Chicago Red Stars are next in action against the Washington Spirit on Saturday, September 21.

NWSL coverage continues on YAHOO! Sports and ESPN2.   

Photo Courtesy of Roscoe Myrick

NWSL Players of the Week: Aug 12th – 18th

A weekly series where we break down the top performances of players in the NWSL.

The first player of the week comes from an unlikely source, the struggling New Jersey side, Sky Blue FC. It was rookie forward Paige Monaghan who scored a brace for Sky Blue to lift them over a hot Chicago Red Stars team.

Embed from Getty Images

Monaghan first impacted the game in the 71st minute when she received the ball near the end line before cutting it back and firing a rocket into the top right corner among three enclosing defenders. The goal was truly sensational, and it was the first of Monaghan’s career. There could not have been a better way to open her scoring account in the NWSL. Monaghan struck again in the dying moments of the game with a 93rd minute winner. This time, the rookie latched onto a through ball and used her left foot to beat the Red Stars keeper to her near post with well-placed curling effort. The win was only Sky Blue’s third of the season, but their second against the Red Stars.

The win for Sky Blue snapped the Red Stars five game winning streak. With the victory Sky Blue was able to pull themselves out of last place in the table. The Red Stars missed out on a crucial opportunity to propel themselves into first place and sit in second still four points back of the leaders. Sky Blue faces off next against the Houston Dash on Saturday, August 24th at 8:30 pm ET on Yahoo! Sports.

Embed from Getty Images

The second player of the week is a repeat offender in Amy Rodriguez. Rodriguez scored a 77th minute winner in a 2-1 victory over the Orlando Pride. It was the intelligent diagonal run of Rodriguez that allowed her to find a perfect pass and dispatch a calm finish over the Pride goalkeeper.

Rodriquez who plays for the Utah Royals has now scored three goals in her last three games. Rodriguez continues to prove her ability to show up in the big moments as this goal was defined as the winner. All of them have been crucial in the Royal’s recent success as they have won three straight and moved up the league table into fourth place just six points off the top spot. The goal was Rodriguez’s eight of the season. The Royals have scored eight in their last three games and only given up one over the past three games. Utah’s next match will be against the Washington Spirit today at 7:30 pm ET on Yahoo! Sports.

Embed from Getty Images

The third and final player of the week is the league leader’s Tobin Heath who plays for the Portland Thorns. Heath played a very complete game and recorded an assist on the Thorns 3-1 victory over the Washington Spirit. The assist came from Heath in the 19th minute when she swung a dangerous ball into the box off a corner which was met by the head of Emily Sonnett. The goal doubled the lead of the Thorns and gave them a comfortable cushion over the Spirit.

While Heath will not be credited with the assist on the third goal, it was her delivery again from a corner kick that caused a scramble in the box and ultimately resulted in the Thorns third and final goal.

With the assist, Heath has hit 25 career assists which is the most of any NWSL player. The victory pushes the Thorns four points clear of second place and puts them in good position to remain atop the league table. The next match for the Portland Thorns will be against the second place Chicago Red Stars on Sunday, August 25th at 3 pm ET on ESPNEWS.  

Photo Courtesy of Reign FC

NWSL Player Spotlight: Megan Oyster

The World Cup is over which leaves all the focus turned to the NWSL. The players from the UWSNT and other World Cup teams are on various clubs all throughout the league. But just because Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd or Rose Lavelle might not be playing that night or for a specific team does not mean you should not still tune in. The NWSL is flooded with talent and we have created a weekly series that looks at players in the NWSL who did not go to France this summer, but could very well turn into your new favorite player. Next up in our series is Megan Oyster.

Embed from Getty Images

When looking at top players people often turn to statistics and specifically score sheets. But that really favors the offensive players who contribute goals and assists. So what about the defenders who make bruising tackles, goal saving stops and the initial passes for goal sequences? The stat sheet does not tell their full story, but players like Megan Oyster deserve a lot of the credit for their team’s success.

She has been a part of the NWSL since 2015 when she was drafted by the Washington Spirit. She played every match for the Spirit in her first year and was named Newcomer of the Year and Defender of the Year for the club. However, after her second season Oyster was traded to the Boston Breakers. She played two seasons for the Breakers before the team folded and Oyster was selected by Reign FC in the Breakers Dispersal Draft.

Since joining the Reign, Oyster has started all but three games and only been subbed off twice. Last season the Reign, with the help of Oyster, had a league tying record of 12 clean sheets and only gave up 21 goals.

Defenders have to be precise with their tackles and clear the ball out of the defense without harming the offensive player. For the Reign, Oyster has averaged a 76.1% success rate for her tackles and only committed 28 fouls with zero yellow cards. When Oyster goes in for a tackle she ensures she is going to get the ball.

Not only does Oyster tackle efficiently she also has key clearances to keep the offense from even getting close to scoring a goal. She is instrumental on set pieces and can knock the ball out of harm with a quick touch.

The month of June meant no national team members in the NWSL with the World Cup going on. Oyster shined for the Reign and earned herself on the NWSL Team of the Month for June.

Oyster has played in all of the games this season for the Reign and has played a full 90 minutes in 13 straight matches. She is the team’s workhorse intercepting 31 passes this year with 12 blocks. Oyster is a true defender who understands her main role is to guard the goal and not attack the other team’s net. She has only scored four goals in her NWSL career, but has certainly stopped plenty of others from going in.

The Reign have been riddled with injuries this season. They currently have six players with season ending injuries and five more players listed as out for their upcoming game. Even with the injuries the Reign are in fourth place and just four points out from first place. Thanks large in part to Oyster the Reign have given up the fourth fewest goals all season, but their offense has scored the second fewest amount of goals.

Their next game happens to be against Sky Blue, the NWSL team with fewest amount of goals scored. This game will most likely not be high scoring, but Oyster and company will ensure the fans see plenty of defensive stops.

All eyes should be peeled to the match that had to be moved to Red Bull Arena, home of the MLS team, the New York Red Bulls, to accommodate all of the fans. Sky Blue is hoping for a lower bowl sellout and quite possibly their highest fan attendance in club history. The two teams will kickoff on Sunday at 1 pm ET on ESPNEWS

Photo Courtesy of Anders Henrikson

Sweden Earns Third Place Finish, Beating England 2-1

The second last day at the Women’s World Cup produced a thriller and one of the closest games of the tournament. The third place game, sometimes described as a meaningless, seemed anything but when England and Sweden stepped on the field.

England had won third place at the 2015 Women’s World Cup and were hoping to repeat as the bronze medalists. Simultaneously, Sweden had already surpassed their 2015 finish since they got beat in the round of the knockout play.

The game started quick with a Sweden corner in just the second minute of play. Nothing came of it for the Swedes, but the early chance helped spark future offense. The future was not too far off and Sweden was able to capitalize on their play in the 11th minute. The fast offensive start for Sweden can be contributed to England’s shuffling of players in the back-line. Mille Bright, a stable at center-back for the Lionesses, missed the game since she got a red card in the semifinal against the United States. An inexperienced Abbie McManus took over the starting role in her place. Also Demi Stokes was replaced at leftback by Alex Greenwood.

Sweden played a cross into the box, but none of their players were close to the ball. England’s Greenwood did well to intercept the cross, but did poorly to clear the ball a few feet to Kosovare Asllani just a few feet away. Asllani did not hesitate with the opportunity, sending a one touch shot into the right corner for a goal.

Sweden would ride their momentum and double their lead 11 minutes later. Stina Blackstenius of Sweden was on the left side of the pitch, she laid a short pass off to Sofia Jakobsson running into the box. Jakobsson was given a few feet of space by England’s defense so she dribbled into the box. The space allowed her to setup her shot perfectly and place a beautifully bended ball past the goalkeeper.

The game looked one-sided and seemed like England was still mourning the loss to the United States in their previous match. Their disappointing first 25 minutes of play was immediately followed with 30 minutes of inspiring soccer to finish the half.

Jill Scott was fed a ball at the center line and two Swedish defenders stepped in for a tackle. This allowed her teammate Fran Kirby to become free running in the attacking half. Scott played a well hit through ball sending Kirby down the right side of the field. Kirby cut the ball back inside and snuck a shot in to the left side of the net with Sweden’s goalkeeper not even diving to stop it.

England was now the team on attack and looked they would tie Sweden any minute. The Lionesses were even able to find he equalizing goal, but VAR weaseled its way into the match and ruled the goal was no good because of a handball by Ellen White. The call seemed a bit harsh and inconclusive from t he video, but the referee had made her decision and the score was 2-1 in favor of Sweden.

The score would hold at halftime, but when the second half started it felt like England had it in them to fins another goal and at least send the game to extra time. Yet the Lionesses could not put the ball in the back of the net no matter how many chances they had. England who looked so good throughout the tournament would leave it finishing worse than 2015. Devastation for their loss was shown by the team after the game.

Embed from Getty Images

The win for Sweden was their third win over teams ranked in the top five. If they had played their usual starters against the United States in group play that number could be six wins. Sweden was immensely proud of their play and being able to walk away with the bronze medals displayed on their chests.

Embed from Getty Images

The third place game was everything fans hoped for leaving them even more excited for the final tomorrow. The final will take place between the United States and Netherlands at 11 am ET on FOX.

Photo Courtesy of Ailura

Netherlands Win 1-0 to Advance to First Ever Women’s World Cup Final

Many people predicted the United States and England in the first semifinal but not many saw Sweden and the Netherlands making up the other. The Netherlands had been deemed a dark-horse and Sweden had to knockoff two top five teams to get here. Regardless of predictions both of these teams proved they are two of the best in the world and deserve to make it this far.

While the first semifinal had a blistering start with three goals in the first 32 minutes, today’s game would be much slower. But before the game started there were changes in the lineup on both sides. For Holland, star forward, Shanice van de Sanden, who has had a lackluster World Cup started the game on the bench for the first time. Lineth Beerensteyn replaced her on the front line.

Sweden had to make a change to their usual starting 11 since Fridolina Rolfö had to sit out for having two yellows in consecutive games. A last minute change was Nathalie Bjorn having to miss the game due to an illness.

None of the changes for either team added much in terms of offense. There were limited opportunities on both sides. Many chances in the first half were redirected or blocked by bodies in front of goal.

Not scoring a goal in the first half is nothing new to the Dutch. Up until this game six of their eight goals had taken place in the second half. When the second half started the Netherlands were without one of their other star forwards, Lieke Martens. She had been dealing with a toe injury for most of the tournament and admitted to playing with constant pain. Martens had not missed a minute yet because of the injury, but now she had to go to the bench due to the pain.

The story of the second half was finger tips and goalposts. Both teams had their best chances of the game after halftime and were inches away from scoring goals.

The first was for Sweden in the 56th minute. Sweden had a corner kick played well into the box, but Sari van Veenendaal, Holland’s golakeeper, punched the ball away. The ball bounced around in the box and finally went out to Nilla Fischer. She rocketed the ball so van Veenendaal had to dive to her right, but all she could get on the ball were tips of her fingers. Her touch was just enough to redirect the ball into the side post. The ball was eventually cleared out.

Seven minutes later the Netherlands would have their own chance from a corner kick. The ball was sent in to Vivianne Miedema all alone at the back of the box. She headed the ball to the far side but Hedvig Lindahl, Sweden’s goalkeeper, had just enough reach to tip the ball up into the crossbar. The play was then ruled offside after another shot on goal.

A few other chances came for both teams but no goals came to fruition. So the game headed to extra time, the first time in Women’s World Cup history for a semifinal to go to extra time.

No one could score in the first 90 minutes, but it would take just nine minutes into stoppage time for the 0-0 tie to be broken. Many figured the goal would come from a set piece since the Netherlands had scored six of their goals in the tournament from set pieces and on the other side Sweden ended the game with 12 corner kicks. And surely the goal would come from a star from one of the teams. Not a set piece and not a goal from a star.

Instead the goal came from the run of play and a beautiful buildup from the Netherlands. Daniëlle van de Donk had the ball just past the halfway line. She played the ball to Miedema who redirected the ball to on-running Jackie Groenen at the top of the box. Groenen sent a one touch ball to the left corner of the goal out of reach of the fingertips on Lindahl. The shot was the first one all tournament from Groenen.

The Dutch would hold off Sweden the rest of the match and win the game 1-0. In just their second appearance at a Women’s World Cup the Netherlands are in the finals for the first time.

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

The United States are the obvious favorites to win the finals since they are the defending champions and are currently the number one ranked team in the world. Holland also has the added of challenge with one less day of rest and having played 30 more minutes than the USA. When the Netherlands coach, name, was asked about facing the United States she said, “Obviously it’s amazing to be playing in the finals. It’s going to be so difficult but it’s one match. Anything can happen and it’s going to be a really complicated match and we’re prepared for that.” The Netherlands do not have to play the USA in a series or beat them multiple times, they just need one game where they play their best and possibly catch the USA on an off night.

The third place game between England and Sweden will take place on July 6 at 11 am ET on FOX. The finals game between the United States and the Netherlands will be held on July 7 at 11 am ET on FOX.

Photo Courtesy of Jamie Schmed

USA Goes to Their Third World Cup Final in a Row

Before the game even kicked off this match made headlines. Megan Rapinoe who has scored five goals in the World Cup for the United States and four goals over the past two games was not in the starting lineup. This was a baffling decision and one that was only verified after the game as a decision because of an injury to Rapinoe’s hamstring.

England had some starting lineup news as well with their goalkeeper Karen Bardsley out with an injury. Her replacement, Carly Telford, does have experience in the World Cup since she started in their group stage game against Argentina.

Once the game did begin the United States had another signature quick start. Every game at this World Cup they have scored in the first 15 minutes and today’s match was no different.

Kelley O’Hara received a well played through ball on the far right side near the end line. She cross a ball into the box with just one touch and found Christen Press running unmarked into the box. Press was the player who replaced Rapinoe in the starting 11. She removed all doubt that she was qualified to start when she took that cross and headed it right into goal just ten minutes into the game.

After the goal, England was on their own mission to find the equalizer. The Lionesses would knock on the door many times to try and get that goal. Luckily for them they would not have to wait long.

Beth Mead had some space on the left side of the pitch. She took a few touches and then played a line drive cross to Ellen White right at the six-yard box. White just had to get her foot on the end of the cross to redirect the ball to the goalpost and into the net. 19 minutes into the match and already a 1-1 scoreline.

Rose Lavelle played spectacular for the United States. She took players on, took shots from all over that nearly resulted in goals and even had a nice nutmeg on the day. Her play on the field undoubtedly opened up space for the whole US team. It felt like the US would find another goal before the first half ended and when the USA needs a goal who do they look to? Alex Morgan.

Morgan had not scored a goal since the opening match when she had five goals. But in big moments big players step up. Lindsey Horan played a ball in perfectly to Morgan who jumped up and nodded the ball into the goal. Morgan turned 30 years old today, but the numbers that matter more to her are 2-1, the lead for the UWSNT.

After a whirlwind start with three goals in just 31 minutes, the game would settle down and stay 2-1 going into halftime.

Both teams would have chances in the second half, but nothing too substantial in the early minutes. England did have what seemed like another tying goal in the 67th minute, but thanks to everyone’s favorite three letter acronym, VAR, the goal was ruled off by a very tight offside call.

But just 12 minutes later VAR would have a substantial call go England’s way. A ball was crossed into the box right to White who just had to tap the ball in for a goal. Initially, it looked like she just whiffed at the ball, but upon further review there was small contact by US defender, Becky Sauerbrunn, and a penalty was awarded.

Nikita Parris had been taking the penalties for England but she is only 1/3 with penalties at the World Cup. So captain Steph Houghton stepped up to take it. With all of the delays there were less than ten minutes left to play and it seemed like England would score and this game would head to extra time.

The United States’ goalkeeper, Alyssa Naeher, had been criticized all tournament and deemed the weak link of the USA’s defense. Up until this game started she had only had four saves all tournament.

Houghton tried to place the ball into the lower left side of the goal, but she did not hit the ball with enough pace and Naeher guessed the right way. She easily blocked the shot and gathered the ball. Her teammates swarmed her with hugs, but she stayed focused and urged them to carry on with the game. The naysayers can be put to rest about Naeher. The USA have themselves a goalkeeper who can step up in big moments.

With seven minutes of regular time left and then eventually seven minutes of stoppage time, England had time to find a goal. But they struggled with time management. Fouling constantly and taking ill advised shots that limited their offensive opportunities. The most costly foul would come from Millie Bright who committed a cleats up foul on Morgan. The foul warranted a yellow card, the second for Bright in the game. Now the Lionesses would be chasing the USA with one less player on the field.

England would not be able to gather themselves enough to find a tying goal and the USA would go onto win 2-1. This is the third straight WWC Finals appearance for the USA and fifth overall. They are trying to get their fourth World Cup title. The loss for England is their second straight loss in the semifinals and the second straight semifinals they have lost 2-1. England will now play for third place.

After the match Phil Neville did speak about the game being disappointing since winning the World Cup was their goal and he continued to echo his belief that winning is everything. “It’s about winning. I can’t say to my players at the end that’s unlucky because they don’t want to wear that because they wanted to win… And that tells me that we are closer than we’ve ever been because maybe in the past we’ve probably accepted semifinal yes we’re happy we’re going on and we’ll get lots of supporters. But my players don’t want to wear that anymore they’re sick of it and so am I. We came here to win and we didn’t do that. And that’s sport for you.“

Embed from Getty Images

The disappointment and devastation of losing in the semifinals will be a lot for the players to get over. However, England will have to gather themselves and prepare for the third place match and hang their heads proudly also knowing they have qualified for the Olympics next year and strive for that title in 2020.

The United States are moving on to defend their World Cup Title. Many believe they would not have been able to get to the Final if not for the play of Naeher and her penalty save late in the game. Morgan said “Alyssa Naeher came up huge for them with the save” and head coach Jill Ellis added, “She (Naeher) shone tonight, I mean she was the brightest… I give her full credit. People are just starting to see glimpses of what I see everyday in training in terms of her capabilities.” and then ended it with, “Hell of a save for sure.”

The USA may very well need her to step up again in their last match. The USA will have to wait to find out who their opponent for the final will be. The Netherlands and Sweden will face-off in their semifinal tomorrow at 3 pm ET on FS1.

Phot Courtesy of Blondinrikard

Four Unique Teams Prepare for a Shot at World Cup Glory

If there is one thing that is apparent about the four teams remaining in the Women’s World Cup it is how different they all are. Each have arrived in France poised for World Cup glory, but each have achieved success through such different avenues.

The Lionesses of England have motored their way into the semifinals by way of a defense that refuses to concede. The back-line led by thirty-one-year-old Stephanie Houghton has conceded only one goal since the start of the competition. In addition, Lucy Bronze at right-back is arguably one of the best in the World.

The Netherlands have earned their spot in the semifinals through an attacking line that is hard to keep off the score sheet. The attack of the Orange is led by 2017 FIFA Player of the Year Lieke Martens and complimented by fellow teammates Vivianne Miedema and Shanice Van de Sanden.

The United States are no strangers to the pressure as they have willed themselves to yet another semifinal. The United States have made it to their second consecutive semifinal by putting together complete performances in each game both defensively and offensively. As 2015 champions the US know what it takes to lift the cup and have used their experience wisely throughout the competition to find themselves two wins away from a repeat. The US is lead by prolific goal scorer Megan Rapinoe who continues to deliver for the Stars and Stripes in the big moment.

Last, but not least Sweden has quietly crept into the final four by showing composure and resiliency in the face of trouble. After a 2-0 loss at the hands of the US in the final group game they responded calmly by dispatching the Canadians 1-0. The Swedes again remained calm after going down one to Germany and responded with two unanswered to find themselves in the semifinals. The Swedes are led by a stout defense and tactical versatility as they hope to win their first ever World Cup.

Predictions

England v. United States

Embed from Getty Images

You’re not going to want to miss this match. Circle it on your calendar, set reminders on your phone, or stream it in the office. This matchup which appears as the more exciting of the two has all the ingredients for an unforgettable ninety minutes. The last time these two faced off was earlier this year in the SheBelieves Cup where they played to an exciting 2-2 draw. It will be a battle of the stingy defense of England versus the offensive firepower of the US. With the likes of Stephanie Houghton and Lucy Bronze in the back it will be difficult for the United States to break through. Even more so the United States has seemed a bit stale on attack at times. If the England defense can keep the Red, White, and Blue off the score sheet I think the match will go the way of the Lionesses. While England are a defensively strong team, they are no slouch on offense either. With the likes of Fran Kirby, Nikita Paris, and the impressive Ellen White the US will have their hands full. The US bolsters a high amount of talent that could also very well cause problems for the English with such a variety of players that can attack and score. This game is very evenly matched and that is what makes it such an exciting competition. The United States looking to make it two World Cup titles in a row while the young English side looking to one-up last competition’s performance by booking a spot in the final. Whoever scores the first goal in this one might very well be the one to find themselves in Lyon for the finale. I think that the hunger and defensive organization of the Lionesses proves to be the difference, I’ll take England to advance to the final in a 1-0 win.

Embed from Getty Images

Netherlands v. Sweden

Embed from Getty Images

This matchup is definitely an interesting one as well and one that you won’t want to miss. This matchup pits the young striker heavy Dutch side against an experienced more well-rounded Swedish team. It will be interesting to see how the Swedish side which also possess a very strong defense led by Nilla Fischer matches up against a pacey Dutch team with various attacking options. Fishcer and the Swedes will have their hands full with the likes of Lieke Martens, Shanice Van de Sanden and Vivianne Miedema. The Swedish side which is well known for its tactical malleability will likely have a well devised game plan to slow the dangerous Dutch attack. The question is will it be enough to slow down such a driven group of women like the Netherlands? The young Netherlands side are looking to continue their run after winning the European Championship in 2017. While the Swedish team is looking to win the World Cup for the first time. The Swedes must focus on their game plan and staying disciplined, even if the Dutch strike first the Swedes must continue to exhibit the kind of composure that saw them past Germany. I believe that if the Swedes can hold the Orange attack to a goal or less they have the offensive power to see off the Dutch and send their exuberant fans packing. However, I am going to choose the Dutch to win this one in stunning fashion. The fans, the hunger, and the sheer talent will all contribute to the success of the Dutch and I expect to see them in the finale. I’ll take the Orange over Sweden 2-0.

Embed from Getty Images

The World Cup’s next fixtures are England v. United States July 2nd, 3pm ET on FOX, and Netherlands v. Sweden July 3rd, 3pm ET on FS1.

Photo Courtesy of Anders Henrikson

Sweden Upsets Germany for Last Spot in the Semifinals

Sweden vs Germany was a rematch of a quarterfinal in the World Cup in 2015. Germany was victorious then, but this time it was Sweden who would advance today.

The last eleven times Germany and Sweden had faced off at a major tournament Germany had won 10 of the games and then tied in the other game. Germany defeated Sweden to win the gold medal at the Olympics in 2016. To say Sweden had a point to prove with this match is an understatement.

The game started out back and forth with both offenses testing their luck with the opposing defenses. But the pressure proved to be too much and the game opened up quickly.

A turnover by Sweden in their defensive half occurred when Sara Däbritz intercepted a poor pass. Däbritz immediately turned and dribbled toward goal. She played a through ball in the box to Lina Magull who initially had a bad touch but recovered quickly with a half volley. A spectacular finish that may end up being the goal of the tournament.

Sweden would not hang their heads and sulk about going down 1-0. Instead Sweden would answer back with a goal of their own just six minutes later, the first goal Germany has conceded all tournament.

Swedish defender, Linda Sembrant, won a loose ball in her defensive half and sent a one touch long pass over the heads of the German defense. The ball would bounce to Sofia Jakobsson who tapped the ball into the box and shot a low ball into the left side of the net.

The 1-1 tie would stand going into halftime. The second half would start with a notable German substitute, Dzsenifer Marozsán. She is the star for Germany but had not played since injuring her toe in Germany’s first game of the tournament. Marozsán entering the game was to help Germany’s offense, but it was perhaps their defense that could use the help.

Sweden was on the attack in the 48th minute and played the ball out wide to Jackobsson. She created some space from her defender and sent a ball into the box that got headed towards the goal by Fridolina Rolfö. Her shot was saved but the rebound went out to Stina Blackstenius who hammered the ball into the top of the net from close range.

Germany who had never been scored on at this World Cup had now been scored on twice and was losing for the first time. The first real test of adversity and the question of could Germany weather the storm and advance?

Germany had numerous chances to score and find an equalizer. They had multiple shots inside the box, but they would go wide or easily saved. Sweden would prove to be too much for Germany and beat their rival 2-1. After the match, Sweden was obviously ecstatic with the win and they were met with images of a disappointed Germany.

Embed from Getty Images

Three of the four semifinalists are European teams in the Netherlands, England and Sweden. Since UEFA, Europes’s soccer federation, uses the World Cup as the qualifier for the Olympics and only three teams qualify for Europe, all three semifinalists are going to the Olympics in 2020. This does mean that the second and fourth ranked teams in the world will not be at the Olympics with Germany and France, respectively. Also means Germany will not be able to defend their 2016 gold medal.

The victory was Sweden’s second win over a top five team at the World Cup since they had defeated Canada (ranked fifth) in the previous game 1-0. When Sweden’s head coach, Peter Gerhardsson, was asked if he thought it was a surprise that they won today, he somewhat dodged the question with, “We knew we had a chance and knew we had to play our best game of the tournament to beat Germany.” And then when he was asked about the upcoming game against the Netherlands he mainly talked about scouting them and then adjusting his lineup mainly based on his own team’s injuries and players suspended for yellow cards. While everyone else seems to be worried about the high caliber of their own opponents Sweden chooses to focus on themselves. No matter how they look at the match it is without a doubt they will need to have another great game to beat Holland.

The semifinals are set and will have the first game be between England and the United States on July 2nd at 3:00 pm ET on FOX and the Netherlands playing Sweden on July 3rd at 3:00 pm ET on FS1.

Photo Courtesy of Ailura

Holland Advances to Their First Semifinals in Women’s World Cup History

Entering the game the Netherlands were the heavy favorites over Italy. The Italians were deemed the Cinderella team of the tournament and were thought to be outmatched by Holland.

Neither Italy or the Netherlands have played in a quarterfinal at a Women’s World Cup so nerves were expected from both sides. But if the nerves were not enough they also had to try and play through the heat wave that is passing through France. Their game was set to kickoff at 3 pm local time when the heat is in its prime. The Netherlands said they tried to ask FIFA to move the game back to try and play at cooler temperatures. It was to no avail and the teams would have to manage the game with the fatigue the heat causes.

The Netherlands controlled the tempo for the majority of the game. They had multiple scoring chances, but were not clinical in the final third and Italy’s goalkeeper, Laura Giuliani, was not tested. Italy had their chances in the first half even though they came few and far between. But again no real test for the Netherlands goalkeeper, Sari van Veenendaal. No real chances mean no goals and a 0-0 tie at halftime.

The much needed rest and the recovery from the halftime break gave the Netherlands a surge of tempo in the second half. They had many different attacks in the early minutes of the half but once again just could not get anything in the back of the net. The Netherlands were even given free kick opportunities deep in their offensive half, but no goals to count for.

The constant pressure for the Netherlands would pay off as the game went on and so would their free kicks. The Netherlands were awarded a free kick on the left side of their attacking half. Free kick specialist, Sherida Spitse, stepped up to take the kick and played a beautifully weighted ball to Vivianne Miedema who effortlessly headed the ball into the goal.

The 1-0 lead ignited the Netherlands even more and just ten minutes after their first goal they added another in similar fashion.

Spitse once again stepped up to take a free kick in the offensive half, this time on the right side. She sent a driven ball into the box and Stefanie van der Gragt shot up out of the crowd of players and headed the ball above the outstretched goalkeeper.

Only ten minutes left to play and down 2-0 Italy could feel their historic run coming to an end. They would play the remaining minutes with the same pride and passion they have the entire tournament, but when the final whistle blew the Italians were eliminated. Hopefully this is not the last we see of the Italians and we do not have to wait another 20 years to see them at the Women’s World Cup.

The Dutch have used this World Cup to make a statement that they may be newer to the spotlight, but they are a team that will remain at the top. Earlier this week Lieke Martins, forward for the Netherlands, told FIFa that what their goal as a team was and it was that ‘We want to make history’ and they did just that. They will have to wait until the game between Sweden and Germany which starts at 12:30 pm ET on FS1. After the match Miedema said that she does not care who their next opponent is saying, “We’ll see tonight if it’s going to be Sweden or Germany, but I don’t care they’re both really good and we know that we can beat them.”