Rachel turned 23 on August 26, Kate turned 32 on August 23, and Aly turned 28 on August 10.
Happy Birthday to them all!
Kate Markgraf
Aly Wagner
Rachel Buehler
Friday, August 29, 2008
August Birthday's
Happy Birthday to Rachel Buehler, Kate Markgraf, and Aly Wagner, who all had their birthday's in August.
Rachel turned 23 on August 26, Kate turned 32 on August 23, and Aly turned 28 on August 10.
Happy Birthday to them all!
Kate Markgraf
Aly Wagner
Rachel Buehler
Rachel turned 23 on August 26, Kate turned 32 on August 23, and Aly turned 28 on August 10.
Happy Birthday to them all!
Kate Markgraf
Aly Wagner
Rachel Buehler
Monday, August 25, 2008
Still Can't Believe It
I still can't believe the USA won. To tell you the truth, after I heard Brazil beat Germany 4-1 I thought the USA were doomed. Of course I still wanted USA to win, but I didn't know how they would be able to stop Marta. Of course, and thank goodness, they proved me wrong. I didn't stay up to watch the game, but the minute I woke up I raced to the computer. When I clicked on "women's soccer results" my heart was racing like crazy. As the page loaded, all I could do was pray. When I finally saw the words "USA Women win gold," I ran around the house like a crazy person. ( I did it very silently because my family was still asleep) I was so thrilled! Not only did the defense play amazingly, but they were able to capitilize on one of their few chances. I knew for sure that Hope Solo would have an amazing game, and sure enough she did. If any of you had a chance to see some of the game highlights you know what I'm talking about. She had some spectacular saves and really was the reason this team won. The defense played amazing as well. What a great tournament for this team and for Pia, their new coach. Hopefully this team will continue to grow and improve with Pia.
Now they are going home and playing in a 3 game series against Ireland. The matches will be in Phildelphia on September 13, East Rutherford, New Jersey on September 17, and Chicago on September 20.(my birthday!!)
For video clips of the team celebration and photos go to www.ussoccer.com, and www.nbcolympics.com.
here are some more pictures from the match:
Now they are going home and playing in a 3 game series against Ireland. The matches will be in Phildelphia on September 13, East Rutherford, New Jersey on September 17, and Chicago on September 20.(my birthday!!)
For video clips of the team celebration and photos go to www.ussoccer.com, and www.nbcolympics.com.
here are some more pictures from the match:
Friday, August 22, 2008
USA WINS!!!
The USA beat Brazil last night in overtime to win the gold medal! Carli Lloyd scored a great goal in the Both teams played very well and worked hard to earn that gold.
Brazil was putting pressure on the USA all night, but the stayed strong and held them off. Hope Solo played excellent and kept Brazil's top scorers, Marta and Cristiane, from scoring. Solo's best save of the night happened in the 72nd minute when when Marta go behind two defenders and dribbled the ball into the 6 yard box. Marta had an open shot, but Solo's fast reflxes kept the ball from going into the net.
Both teams fought hard, but regulation was winding down, and the game was sent into overtime. Just 6 minutes into the overtime, Carli Lloyd got the game winning goal. Lloyd got the ball from Amy Rodriguez and blasted a left footed shot past the keeper. The USA was able to hold off Brazil and win the gold.
I can't believe they won!!! I definitely had my doubts, but they proved everyone wrong. I'm so glad!! GO USA!
Natasha Kai celebrating after the win
Hope Solo and Pia Sundhage celebrating
Natasha Kai and Hope Solo on the podium
Aly Wagner, Hope Solo, and Carli Lloyd recieving their gold medals
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
On to the finals!
Last night USA beat Japan 4-2 and is heading to the gold medal match against the Brazilians. Yep, Brazil spanked Germany in a 4-1 win to get their spot in the finals.
Japan got the lead early in the 11th minute off of a corner. The USA thankfully didnot put their heads down and tied it up in the 41st minute off of a Angela Hucles goal. The goal started all the way down in the back from Hope Solo as she kicked a goal kick all the way up field. A Japanese defender was forced to make a clearance, but it landed at the feet of Heather O'Reilly. Heather took the ball down the line and played a cross into the middle. Hucles was able to slot it in for the USA's first goal.
The USA was then able to take the lead right before halftime on a goal coming from Lori Chalupny. She hit a rocket from 17 feet out to get the USA ahead before halftime.
In the second half the USA dominated and outshot Japan 13-6. USA's third goal came from Heather O'Reilly in the 70th minute. It started off of a throw in from Heather Mitts. O'Reilly recieved the ball and saw that the Japanese goalkeeper was off her line. She then hit a dipping shot that sailed over the Japanese keeper.
Just ten minutes later Angela Hucles got her second goal of the game on an assist from Heather O'Reilly.
Although the USA dominated, the Japanese never gave up and got their second goal in stoppage time.
I can't wait for the USA Brazil game. I think it is definitely going to be tough for the USA to get a win, but they can definitely do it. The good thing is that no matter what happenes the USA will still go home with a silver, which is pretty good considering tey are missing some key players.
GO USA!
Japan got the lead early in the 11th minute off of a corner. The USA thankfully didnot put their heads down and tied it up in the 41st minute off of a Angela Hucles goal. The goal started all the way down in the back from Hope Solo as she kicked a goal kick all the way up field. A Japanese defender was forced to make a clearance, but it landed at the feet of Heather O'Reilly. Heather took the ball down the line and played a cross into the middle. Hucles was able to slot it in for the USA's first goal.
The USA was then able to take the lead right before halftime on a goal coming from Lori Chalupny. She hit a rocket from 17 feet out to get the USA ahead before halftime.
In the second half the USA dominated and outshot Japan 13-6. USA's third goal came from Heather O'Reilly in the 70th minute. It started off of a throw in from Heather Mitts. O'Reilly recieved the ball and saw that the Japanese goalkeeper was off her line. She then hit a dipping shot that sailed over the Japanese keeper.
Just ten minutes later Angela Hucles got her second goal of the game on an assist from Heather O'Reilly.
Although the USA dominated, the Japanese never gave up and got their second goal in stoppage time.
I can't wait for the USA Brazil game. I think it is definitely going to be tough for the USA to get a win, but they can definitely do it. The good thing is that no matter what happenes the USA will still go home with a silver, which is pretty good considering tey are missing some key players.
GO USA!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Too Close for Comfort
Last night the USA took on Canada in the quarterfinals in a match that was 4 hours long.
The USA started off the game great. They were getting shot after shot and it seemed as if this game was going to be a blow out. In the 12th minute the USA broke through and got a goal from Angela Hucles. Amy Rodriguez went down the line and crossed the ball in near the post. Heather O'Reilly was able to get a head on it and flicked it back to Angela Hucles who put it away. The USA continued to gain momentum until they had to stop they game 21 minutes in due to lighting.
Heather O'Reilly and Lindsay Tarpley celebrate after Angela Hucles goal
The players were not allowed back on for 84 minutes and it took an extra 15 because they had to warm back up. The game resumed, but it seemed as if Canada had a good discussion in the locker room and came out with a lot of energy. In the 30th minute Canada forward Christie Sinclair got the equalizer. She took a shot and the ball went right through a full-streched Solo.
Following the goal, Canada dropped back into their defensive third playing with only one up top. They wanted to keep the USA from maintaining any possesion and tried to counter-attack whenever they had the chance. But, the USA continued to have chances as they out-shot Canada 34 to 8.
Hope Solo punches a ball out
Canada didn't have many chances, but kept the USA from scoring as regulation winded down. Just before overtime Natasha Kai was subbed in, as they hoped she would bring some energey into the game. Of course, she did.
In the 101st minute, Natasha Kai got the goal and won the game for the United States. Shannon Boxx, who earned her 100th cap in the game, played a great ball into the penalty area. Tash was able to get her head on it and score the game winning goal. It was not golden-goal overtime, so the US had to play another 29 minutes before it was over.
Tash and the team thanking the fans after the game.
Tobin Heath, Lindsay Tarpley, and Amy Rodriguez pumped up after the win.
Here are the results from the other quarterfinal games:
Germany-2 Sweeden-0
Brazil-2 Norway-1
Japan-2 China-0
The USA goes on to play Japan in the semifinals as Germany and Brazil play each other. I am actually very nervous about the USA playing Japan again. I think that they are a very good team and will give the USA some trouble. The Brazil vs. Germany game will definitely be a game to watch.
The USA plays on Monday, August 18, at 9:00pm local time, which means it would be playing at 11:00pm here. Brazil and Germany play on the same day at 6:00pm local time, which is 8:00pm here. I think we should watch the Brazil vs. Germany game at the Canton Restaurant. Go Germany!
Let's hope that the USA can beat Japan and make it to the gold medal match! I really hope that they play Germany as they haven't been playing so well in this tournament and might be easier for the USA than Brazil.
The USA started off the game great. They were getting shot after shot and it seemed as if this game was going to be a blow out. In the 12th minute the USA broke through and got a goal from Angela Hucles. Amy Rodriguez went down the line and crossed the ball in near the post. Heather O'Reilly was able to get a head on it and flicked it back to Angela Hucles who put it away. The USA continued to gain momentum until they had to stop they game 21 minutes in due to lighting.
Heather O'Reilly and Lindsay Tarpley celebrate after Angela Hucles goal
The players were not allowed back on for 84 minutes and it took an extra 15 because they had to warm back up. The game resumed, but it seemed as if Canada had a good discussion in the locker room and came out with a lot of energy. In the 30th minute Canada forward Christie Sinclair got the equalizer. She took a shot and the ball went right through a full-streched Solo.
Following the goal, Canada dropped back into their defensive third playing with only one up top. They wanted to keep the USA from maintaining any possesion and tried to counter-attack whenever they had the chance. But, the USA continued to have chances as they out-shot Canada 34 to 8.
Hope Solo punches a ball out
Canada didn't have many chances, but kept the USA from scoring as regulation winded down. Just before overtime Natasha Kai was subbed in, as they hoped she would bring some energey into the game. Of course, she did.
In the 101st minute, Natasha Kai got the goal and won the game for the United States. Shannon Boxx, who earned her 100th cap in the game, played a great ball into the penalty area. Tash was able to get her head on it and score the game winning goal. It was not golden-goal overtime, so the US had to play another 29 minutes before it was over.
Tash and the team thanking the fans after the game.
Tobin Heath, Lindsay Tarpley, and Amy Rodriguez pumped up after the win.
Here are the results from the other quarterfinal games:
Germany-2 Sweeden-0
Brazil-2 Norway-1
Japan-2 China-0
The USA goes on to play Japan in the semifinals as Germany and Brazil play each other. I am actually very nervous about the USA playing Japan again. I think that they are a very good team and will give the USA some trouble. The Brazil vs. Germany game will definitely be a game to watch.
The USA plays on Monday, August 18, at 9:00pm local time, which means it would be playing at 11:00pm here. Brazil and Germany play on the same day at 6:00pm local time, which is 8:00pm here. I think we should watch the Brazil vs. Germany game at the Canton Restaurant. Go Germany!
Let's hope that the USA can beat Japan and make it to the gold medal match! I really hope that they play Germany as they haven't been playing so well in this tournament and might be easier for the USA than Brazil.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
I Can't Believe It!
Before last nights matches, Norway was first in Group G, USA was second, and Japan was third. The only way for the USA to advance in FIRST was to beat New Zealand, and then have Norway lose to Japan. They would have also needed to score more goals then Norway did because both teams would be tied with 6 points.
Well..
They did it! USA creamed New Zealand 4-0, while Japan took on Norway and beat them 5-1!!! Arigato! This means that the USA finishes group G in first while Norway is in second. USA goes on to play Canada in the semi's while Norway takes on Brazil.
The first goal for the United States came in just the 41st second on a long strike by Heather O'Reilly. The New Zealand keeper cleared a ball into the midfield while Carli Lloyd jumped up for the header. Heather found the ball at her feet and saw that the keeper was way off her line. She took a dipping shot and sure enough, it went in!!
The second goal was from Amy Rodriquez off of a long ball that was played by Rachel Buehler. Lindsay Tarpley scored the third, while Angela Hucles scored the fourth.
It was a great night of soccer and I am so happy that this team came back from their first game loss!!
Well..
They did it! USA creamed New Zealand 4-0, while Japan took on Norway and beat them 5-1!!! Arigato! This means that the USA finishes group G in first while Norway is in second. USA goes on to play Canada in the semi's while Norway takes on Brazil.
The first goal for the United States came in just the 41st second on a long strike by Heather O'Reilly. The New Zealand keeper cleared a ball into the midfield while Carli Lloyd jumped up for the header. Heather found the ball at her feet and saw that the keeper was way off her line. She took a dipping shot and sure enough, it went in!!
The second goal was from Amy Rodriquez off of a long ball that was played by Rachel Buehler. Lindsay Tarpley scored the third, while Angela Hucles scored the fourth.
It was a great night of soccer and I am so happy that this team came back from their first game loss!!
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