Roster set for USA-MEX friendly matches

The US women’s national soccer team will be back in action after defeating Germany 3-2 for the Algarve Cup title in Portugal on Feb. 3. Head coach Pia Sundhage has named the 24 players that will take on Mexico in two friendly matches. The first game will be on Sunday, Mar. 28 at Torero Stadium (University of San Diego) at 2pm PT and will be aired live on FSC. The second match will be on Mar. 31 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandu, Utah and will be live on ESPN2 at 7pm MT.

All 19 players that were on the Algarve Cup roster are on this roster, and are joined by some newbies, and one other very familiar name. The 3 goalkeepers are Jillian Lloyden, Hope Solo, and Nicole Barnhart.

The defenders that played in Portugal are Stephanie Cox, Amy LePeilbet, Heather Mitts, Meghan Schnur, Cat Whitehill, and San Diego’s own Rachel Buehler. They are joined by first-round WPS Draft picks Brittany Taylor, who has trained with the national team before, and Whitney Engen who gets her first call up tot he national team.

The midfield consists of  Yael Averbuch, Shannon Boxx, Lori Lindsey, Carli Lloyd, Heather O’Reilly, Megan Rapinoe, and Kristine Lilly, who will be back witht he national team since Dec. 2008 when she joined that team in the last leg of the Achieve Your Gold Tour after having her daughter.

Up top, forwards Lauren Cheney, Casey Nogueira, Amy Rodriguez, and Abby Wambach are joined by Alex Morgan and Kelley O’Hara who are both also getting the chance to get their first caps ever.

The two matches wil be the first domestic games of the year for the WNT, as well as the domestic debut of their new uniforms.

More info: http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Womens-National-Team/2010/03/Sundhage-Names-24-Players-for-Matches-against-Mexico.aspx

Get to Know: Kristine Lilly

Kristine Lilly is often referred to as the USA’s Iron Woman, and for a good reason. Not only has she played in 342 matches for the USA (the most capped player on the world) and scored 129 goals in her national team career, but she has played on both professional leagues that have existed in the US and she has done it all over the course of more than 20 years (her first international appearance was in August 3, 1987). Can you think of any other athlete who’s had a professional career of 20 years?

She has won 2 World Cups, participating in 5, and 2 Olympic gold medals, participating in 3. She was an all-star with the Boston Breakers in the WUSA (2001-2003), and she is now playing for the Boston Breakers in WPS. She was a four time NCAA champion at UNC, and helped her high school team to 3 State championships.

Kristine was the captain of the national team from 2005-2007, but took 2008 off to have her baby girl, Sydney. Later that year she came back  to the field as she was allocated to the Boston Breakers. She started all 20 matches for the Breakers, the only player on the team to do so, and led the team in minutes played with 1,800. She was voted to the All-Star team where she started and scored a goal helping the team to a 4-2 win over opponent Umea IK.

You can certainly say that Kristine is one of the world’s greatest athletes, but she’s not done yet. As she is preparing for another season with the Breakers, she took the time to answer some questions, posted below.

What was your favorite moment/experience while at UNC?

I don’t think I have one moment that was my favorite but the best part was the great friends I made there.  Plus the education I got and winning 4 national championships were also good.

Do you intend to play in the 2011 World Cup or 2012 Olympics?

I haven’t been asked back up to the national team. So really it is in the hands of the U.S. coach.

Who on the national team is the most difficult to go one-on-one with?

Back in the day Joy Fawcett was always difficult to go up against.  Now Christie Rampone, Kate Markgraf and Amy LePeilbet were all difficult.

What does it mean to you, as a player and a person, to hold the world record for international appearances representing your country?

I am just really proud to have played in so many games.  That means I worked hard to remain a starter and be healthy to participate in so many games.

Do you think anyone will ever get more caps for their country than you have for the USA?

I’m not sure about that, but records are always made to be broken.

Who is the most difficult player from another country that you’ve ever had to play against?

Hege Riise, a player from Norway. She was very good.

If you could participate on any game show, which one would it be and why?

I always wanted to be on Family Feud.

Growing up, what was your favorite TV show to watch?

Happy Days.

If you didn’t play soccer for a living, what would you be doing instead?

I’m not sure. I love to take pictures, maybe a photographer.

I’ve read on your website that you took some cooking classes with your husband. What is your best dish?

My best dish now, is probably the mac & cheese I learned how to cook, by Ellie Deaner.

Do you have a hidden talent?

I can touch my tongue to my nose.

What is the craziest, most thrilling thing you’ve ever done?

I almost hiked to the top of Kilimanjaro.  Missed the summit by about 1500 feet.  I got altitude sickness.

Has your little one shown any interest for soccer?

She can kick a ball.

What do you like to do when you’re not training?

Play with my daughter and take a long walk with my dog.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate chip ice cream

What was your first car?

Passat

You’re first appearance for the USA was in 1987, more than 20 years ago, and you’ve been playing ever since you were a little kid- pretty much your entire life. How have you been able to play at the highest level for so long?

I just worked hard.  I made sure I was always fit.  I learned how to take care of myself but I also had fun with the people I played with, which made me want to work for them and vice versa.

This one is just for laughs. Do you think Sidney and the other WNT babies (the girls) will be the future of the national team?

It would be interesting to see one day what they all decide to do with their lives.

What do you want your legacy to be?

I think I would want people to know I went out there every day and worked hard and played for my teammates and to be the best!

What are your thoughts on the next WPS season?

Hopefully we can win in Boston!

(Ed. Note: Be sure to follow Kristine on her website www.KristineLilly13.com)

Get to Know: Tiffany Weimer

Tiffany Weimer, mostly known for her skill on the ball, is easily one of the best players in Women’s Professional Soccer (and one of my favorites). She carries the individual flair that can excite a crowd, and a great ability to score goals and create dangerous plays for her team. She showed this in the first WPS game for Gold Pride back in April when she set up Eriko Arakawa’s goal to give the Pride a 1-0 lead against the Breakers. (Pride went on to win 2-1.)

As a former Nittany Lion at Penn State university, Weimer holds the NCAA record for consecutive games in which she scored a goal, scoring in 17 straight games during her senior year.  Over her four-year career, she scored a total of 91 goals, ninth all-time in Division I history, and recorded 32 assists.  Her 214 career points ranks among the top-20 all-time in college soccer.  Yeah, she’s alright.

Weimer most recently played in the Bay Area for FC Gold Pride of Women’s Professional Soccer, where she played 15 games, starting 10. She was signed as a free agent with the Boston Breakers and is excited to be playing there next season. I got to ask her a few questions, so read below and find out what she had to say!

1. Best moment(s) at Penn State?

My best moment at Penn State was scoring the winning goal in the Elite Eight game against Santa Clara my senior year. It was the last goal I ever scored on Jeffrey Field and our ticket to the 2005 College Cup.

2. What car do you drive?

I am currently driving a 2007 VW Jetta (Its’ a Wolfsburg edition, which is supposed to be better than a regular Jetta-who knows if it actually is)

3. Any tattoos?

Yes, I have a tattoo of the number eight on my right wrist. I always wanted to get the number on me somewhere and when I saw Fernando Torres’ for the first time I knew exactly what I wanted.

4. Who was one of the hardest players to play against in WPS?

I’m pretty sure Chioma Igwe was the hardest player I played against in the WPS. She is tough as nails. Word has it she takes boxing classes.

5. Player who was most fun to play with in 2009 with FC Gold Pride?

Carrie Dew is the most fun person in the world.

6. How did you acquire all your skills? Did you have to work on them to perfect them, or do you just think you’re gifted?

I think I am a little gifted… some things have just come natural- but I also spend hours with the soccer ball every day of my life so probably a good mixture of both.

7. How did you get your nickname “Ocho?” Who came up with it?

The nickname Ocho came from my family members hearing about Chad OchoCinco and jokingly calling me “Ocho”- then it just stuck. I love it.

8. You seem to really like Farmville on Facebook. How many gift requests do you get on average each day?

I usually get about 30 a day. I am really into Farmville. It has inspired me to start my own real farm. But I doubt I have the work ethic for it.

9. Will you get someone to tend your farm on Farmville during WPS season?

I’m sure I will. I have designated people to help out when I can’t make it in time to harvest. Those people know who they are.

10. Favorite book?

I recently read Helter Skelter and loved it… I couldn’t put it down. But I also loved Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. So I can’t really decide, sorry.

11. Spiderman or Batman? Or neither?

Batman- I still sleep with my Batman sleeping bag at home.

12. Name your favorite word.

Groolski.

13. What’s your favorite move to pull off on the field?

The pull back nutmeg.

14. What is you greatest accomplishment of your entire soccer career?

Going undefeated my senior year of college… the two shoot-out “loses” counted as ties… so our final record was 23-0-2.

15. What was your first soccer team’s name and colors?

My first soccer team had black uniforms and we were called the Gunners I think.

16. Describe your first WPS season in one word.

Educational.

17. Who has the smelliest shin guards (or gloves) that you know of?

Most goalkeepers’ gloves are seriously nasty. One especially who shall remain nameless.

18. What do you like to do on your down time?

Try to find more down time.

19. Name your favorite movie.

Mean Girls and Beaches

20. Have you ever gone to a bar and been carded? (You look so young!)

I get carded for everything… people still bring me kid’s menus; they think I’m too young to sit in the emergency exit aisle on a plane; going to the casino and yes of course, going into bars is always a hassle.

Get to Know: Manya Makoski

Meet Manya Makoski, a midfielder from Trumbull, CT who is now living her dream of playing professional soccer playing for the LA Sol. From Gatorade State Player of the Year in 2001 to a stellar career at Arizona State University to numerous championships with US Youth National teams, she has quietly been one of the nation’s best soccer players.

She is part of the dominant backline that helped the LA Sol to a .5 goals against average in the regular season, and helped Karina LeBlanc post 12 shutouts in the season, good for best in the league. Next year, she will be back in LA ready to start a new season, with the same goal she, along with the rest of the team, had in mind last year: to win the WPS Championship.

For now, she is back at home in Connecticut, playing in coed teams, and training on her own to become stronger, fitter, and better in time for pre-season, which starts in February.

I got to ask her 22 questions (because she is #22) so fans could get to know her off the field a little better. It is always nice to know how players are off the pitch…Enjoy!

1. What was the best moment of your ASU career?

Making it to the NCAA tourney twice, becoming an Academic All American, and being awarded the ASU Coach Bill Kajikawa Outstanding Female Graduate Award and ASU Sparky Awards Female Scholar of the Year Award

2. Who from Hollywood would you like to meet?

Gerard Butler

3. What’s in your iPod?

A little bit of everything (except country)… MJ, Lady Gaga, NKOTB, James Morrison, Britney Spears, David Guetta, Timbaland, Far East Movement, Lil Wayne, Eric Hutchinson, Pat Monahan, Justin Nozuka, Joshua Radin, Matt Wertz, Matt Nathanson, Deadmau5, Akon, Craig David, Trans Siberian Orchestra

4. Do you have a favorite holiday?

My birthday

5. Guilty pleasure?

Starbucks Chai tea lattes

6. Who was the funniest person (or people) on the team last season?
Aya was definitely the team clown

7. What was your first soccer team called and what were its colors?
The Smurfs…  Ironically we were blue and white.

8. If the goalkeeper on your team got a red card or injured after the 3 subs were made and you were still on the field, would you go in goal?

Without a doubt.  I love playing in goal.  I am actually pretty good.

9. What’s your favorite movie(s)?

The Hangover, Wedding Crashers, Old School, Aladdin

10. What do you do when you’re not training?

Watching FSC, writing, studying for my real estate class, practicing my hip hop dance moves, watching It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia

11. When you were a kid, what was the most trouble you got into?

I never got into trouble.  I was an angel.  My brothers got blamed for everything I did.

12. What nicknames have you had throughout your life?

Monz, Monster, MJ, Eminem, Mañana

13. Do you have any special memory with or of a Sol fan from last season?

All of the fans were so great.  We couldn’t have done it without them.

14. What is your favorite food to eat?

Veggie burrito or gnocchi

15. Name your all-time favorite soccer player(s).

Ashley Cole, Lampard, Drogba, Essien, Joe Cole, Deco, John Terry, Ballack, Anelka… can you tell I am a Chelsea fan??

16. Name your favorite athlete of another sport.

Lance Armstrong

17. Has there been a player that made you stop and think “Wow, I’m really playing with/against them!”

All of my teammates from the Sol and all of the players in the WPS

18. If you could appear in any TV commercial, what product would you endorse? (Mia Hamm did Pert Plus. Julie Foudy did Bud Light.)

Hair dye

19. Name one interesting fact about yourself that you wouldn’t mind fans knowing.

I’m very ambidextrous.  In almost everything.

20. Give any thoughts on the next WPS season.

I am really excited because the level of play is going to get better and better. The support we get from our fans and the media will also increase, which is what we need to keep these league alive.

21. You have won the regular season title, but lost a tough game to Sky Blue FC. Do you feel that this has sown the seeds of a coast-to-coast rivalry with this club?

Against every team we played we had grown some sort rivalry. But since we lost to Sky Blue in the final, we will want to definitely beat them.

22. Has the defeat to Sky Blue FC made you hungrier to knock this club off their perch and in what ways?

Definitely.  We wanted to win the regular season title and the championship final.  Hopefully next year we can accomplish that.

Sweet 16 round of NCAA Women’s Soccer tournament and Elite 8 predictions

The third round of the NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament was played, and it came down to eight teams still standing strong. Stanford knocked out Santa Clara on a direct free kick earned in the 38^th minute. Sophmore Teresa  Noyola scored the goal headed to the top right of the goal, which was only tipped by Bronco goalkeeper Bianca Henninger off the inside of the crossbar.

Boston defeated Wisconsin 1-0, and is in the Elite 8 for the first time in program history. Victioria DiMartino collided with a Wisconsin defender, but Brooke Knowlton picked up the loose ball and ripped a shot to the upper left corner from 22 yards out to score the lone goal in the 68^th minute.

Portland got through Virginia Tech with a rousing 4-1 win to get into the quarterfinals. Danielle Foxhoven gave Kendra Chandoke at the top of the 18. Chandhoke finished it and scored the first goal of the match in just the 4^th minute (also the first shot on goal for the Pilots). Virgina Tech scored just 2 minutes later when Julian Johnson received a pass from Robin Chidester. Johnson, with her back to the goal, turned quickly and blasted a shot to the far post past the Portland goalkeeper, Kelsey Davis. The Pilots responded with 3 more goals in the half. In the 10^th minute, Chandoke scored her second goal when a VA Tech defender tried to clear a rebound off goalkeeper Kristin Carden, but Chandoke charged her and knocked the ball into the goal. Four minutes later, Chandoke slotted a pass to Foxhoven who went 1-on-1 with Cardin. Foxhoven finished to the left post and scored her 24^th goal for the Pilots this year. Chandoke finished the scoring in the 34^th minute when she one-touched a pass from Sophie Schimdt into the goal for her 9^th goal of the season.

UCLA beat Virginia 3-0 on 2 goals from tournament-leading goal-scorer Sydney Leroux. Dea Cook scored off a corner kick taken by Lauren Barnes in the 4^th minute. Leroux scored before the first half ended in the 42^nd minute with a shot to the left corner of the goal.  She then sealed the win in the 89^th minute when a scramble in the box led to the ball bouncing to her. She got around two defenders and scored her 23^rd goal this year, tying with fellow forward Lauren Cheney.

UNC beat Maryland 1-0 in a very close game. Casey Nogueira blasted a powerful shot that curved away from Terp goalkeeper Mary Casey in the 81^st minute after the Maryland defense gave her time and space to trap and shoot the ball which was thrown in from the left side by Jessica McDonald.

Wake Forest defeated South Carolina in a last-second goal from Bess Harrington to advance to the quarter finals for the first time in program season. “I saw Jill Hutchinson sprinting to get the ball and take the corner,” Harrington said. “I could hear the clock winding down. I was just there and nobody was marking me and she put the ball in a perfect place. As soon as I saw the ball coming to me I said to myself `It’s going in, it’s going in’ and it went in.”

Notre Dame is in the quarter finals for the 6^th straight time, after beating Oregon State 1-0 in a very close game. Melissa Henderson outran a defender on the right side, then got around another at the goal line, and poked a ball across the penalty area, which Rose Augustin.

Florida State moved past Texas A&M in double overtime after the two played to a 1-1 tie. Jessica Price would get her 3 game-winning goal in the post season after she collected a pass from Tiffany McCarty and was able to get around 3 defenders and slot a low shot into the goal.

Quarterfinals schedule:

Stanford will face-off against Boston College on Friday at 7pm PT at Stanford, and has already sold out.

-Stanford

Portland will come down to play against UCLA on Saturday at 5pm PT.

-This will be a close game I think, but I’m going with UCLA on this one.

North Carolina will play Wake Forest on Friday at 2pm ET.

-UNC is a tough team to break down, and they play with a high backline. They will take this one.

Notre Dame vs Florida State on Friday at 2pm ET also.

-I’m giving the edge to Notre Dame.

NCAA Division 1 Women’s Soccer- Round 2 Results, Sweet 16 predictions

The second round of the NCAA tournament was played this weekend, with maybe 3 upsets in between, but 1 HUGE upset. Here are the results:

1. Stanford 2, BYU0
2. Oklahoma St 1 (5), Santa Clara 1 (6)
3. UCF 0, Wisconsin 1
4. Connecticut 0, Boston College 2
5. Portland 2, Washington 1
6. Dayton 1, Virginia Tech 3
7. Penn St 2, Virgina 6
8. San Diego St 0, UCLA 5
9. North Carolina 4, Georgia 0
10. Washington St 0, Maryland 1
11. Wake Forest 3, West Virginia 0
12. Rutgers 0, South Carolina 1
13. Notre Dame 6, Central Michigan 1
14. Oregon St 1, Florida 0
15. LSU 1 (2), Texas A&M 1 (4)
16. Cal 0, Florida St 3

UCF v Wisconsin: UCF was seeded 3rd and was definitely a team that could make it to the quarter finals for sure, but they ended up losing in just the second round of the NCAA tournament. Wisconsin, who had defeated Arizona State in the first round, dominated the game. With 21 seconds left in the first half, Roxanne Carlson came into the game. She sprinted down the field to catch up to a low Laurie Nosbusch pass, and slotted a shot to the near post. It was the only goal Wisconsin needed to knock out the 13th-ranked UCF Knights, and get into the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1993.

Penn St v Virginia: The biggest upset so far in the tournament. Penn State, another seeded team (4th), was leading 2-0 and they seemed to get comfortable with that lead so they sat back a little. However, Virginia came out STRONG in the second half fighting and looking for a way to win. 15 minutes into the half, Lauren Alwine collected a pass on the left side and curled a her shot to the far post past Penn St star goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. Sinead Farrelly blasted a shot from 15 yards out in the 65th minute to tie the game. Virginia started to gain momentum and in the 73rd minute, Caroline MIller took a shot to the upper right corner to give Virginia the lead. 2 minutes later, Hollenberg scored to give the Cavaliers a 4-2 lead. Penn State’ defense looked overwhelmed, and just about a minute later, Miller increased the lead for Virginia. Meghan Lenczyk sealed the win on the 80th minute, upsetting Penn State, 4th seed, and ranked 16th in the nation.

LSU v Texas A&M: The two played to a 1-1 tie, which led to 2 over time periods in which neither team could score to advance. Texas A&M took the lead in the 65th minute when Rachel Shipley took a cross to the far post where Emily Peterson connected with the ball to put it into the back of the net. 2 minutes later, Malorie Rutledge was taken down in the penalty area, and Melissa Clarke scored the following penalty kick to get 4th-seeded LSU back in the game. A round of penalty kicks was needed to define the team that would move on to the Sweet 16. Texas A&M came out victorious scoring 4 penalty kicks to LSU’s 2.

The Sweet 16 round will be played over the weekend, and here are the matches, including my picks:

• Stanford v Santa Clara: Stanford
• Wisconsin v Boston College: Boston College
• Portland v Virginia Tech: Portland
• Virginia v UCLA: UCLA
• UNC v Maryland: UNC
• Wake Forest v South Carolina: South Carolina
• Notre Dame v Oregon St: Notre Dame
• Texas A&M v Florida St: Florida State

NCAA Tournament- First Round Results and Predictions

The NCAA Division 1 women’s soccer tournament is in full swing as the first round was played, with all of the top seeds getting through to the next round with no problems. And here are the results of the 32 matches played on Friday (Stanford played on Thursday)

1. Stanford 2, Northern Arizona 0
2. BYU 2, UCSB 0
3. Oklahoma St 0 (5) , USC 0 (4)
4. MIchigan St. 0, Santa Clara 1
5. UCF 3, Milwaukee 0
6. ASU 1 (3), Wisconsin 1 (4)
7. Boston U. 0, Connecticut 1
8. Harvard 0, Boston College 1
9. Portland 4, Denver 0
10. Washington 1, Mississippi 0
11. Marquette 0 (3), Dayton 0 (4)
12. Murray St. 0, Virginia Tech 2
13. Penn St. 5, Colgate 0
14. Virgina 0 (3), St. John’s 0 (1)
15. San Diego St. 1, San Diego 0
16. Boise St. 1, UCLA 7
17. UNC 1, High Point 0
18. UNC Wilmington 0, Georgia 3
19. Washington St. 1, Villanova 0
20. Monmouth 0, Maryland 4
21. Wake Forest 2, Kennesaw 0
22. Loyola 0, West Virginia 2
23. Rutgers 2, Duke 0
24. Davidson 0, South Carolina 4
25. Notre Dame 5, IUPUI 0
26. Central Michigan 2, Purdue 0
27. Ohio St. 1, Oregon St. 3
28. Illinois St. 0, Florida 2
29. LSU 7, Ark.-Pline Bluff 0
30. Memphis 1, Texas A&M 3
31. Auburn 1, Cal 2
32. Southeastern Louisiana 1, FSU 4

One match that stands out is the one between UCLA and Boise St., in which UCLA  came from behind to win 7-1. They went down in just the 6th minute after Maureen Fitzgerald put the Lions on top, but forward Sidney Leroux scored in the 12th, and 15th minute to put her Bruins on top.  Senior forward Lauren Cheney scored in the 23th minute to finish the scoring in the first half. Leroux scored 2 minutes into the second half, and yet again in the 51st minute. Cheney had another goal 8 minutes later, and Liz Zadro scored UCLA’s 7th goal of the night 4 minutes before regulation. Leroux tied the school’s record for matches in a  single game with 4 joining Traci Arkenberg, Danesha Adams, and Lauren Cheney.

The first round is over, and just like that, there are 16 matches to be played on Sunday, November 15, with the exception of Stanford vs BYU,  which kicks off Saturday at 1pm PT.

So here are my predictions for second-round action:

• Stanford vs BYU: Stanford
• Oklahoma St vs Santa Clara: Santa Clara
• UCF vs Wisconsin: UCF
• Connecticut vs. Boston College: Boston
• Portland vs Washington: Portland
• Dayton vs Virginia Tech: Dayton
• Penn St vs Virginia: Penn St
• San Diego St vs UCLA: UCLA
• UNC vs Georgia: UNC
• Washington St vs Maryland: Maryland
• Wake Forest vs West Virginia: Wake Forest
• Rutgers vs South Carolina: South Carolina
• Notre Dame vs Central Mich: Notre Dame
• Oregon St vs Florida: Florida
• LSU vs Texas A&M: LSU
• Cal vs Florida St: Florida St

Don’t forget to check out the interactive bracket for live updates!