tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44107934486706999622024-03-19T06:11:09.905-07:00Bench WarmerAlyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-38573107155219547122011-10-28T10:37:00.000-07:002011-10-28T10:37:13.042-07:00Canadian Women Win Gold at the Pan Am Games<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A redemption gold medal win for the Canadian women’s soccer team in an exciting match against the third ranked Brazilians at the Pan American Games held in Guadalajara, Mexico.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brazil scored four minutes into the first half with a long ranged shot from Debora. It was Captain Christine Sinclair whose header equalized for Canada late in the game. Nothing was resolved after two 15-minute extra-time halves and the match would be decided in a penalty kick shootout. Canada scored three-straight kicks before Karina LeBlanc stopped Grazielle on Brazil’s third attempt. Both sides traded goals before Candace Chapman hit the post on the fifth kick. LeBlanc then made her second save - this one on Debora - to give Canada the gold.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last summer at the Women’s World Cup in Germany the Canadian women unexpectedly finished last in the tournament. This win would serve as a confidence booster heading into CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying tournament held on home soil in Vancouver at BC Place from January 19-29.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Tournament schedule:</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><u>Group Phase</u></strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><strong>Thursday 19 January</strong><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">17.00 Costa Rica v Cuba<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>19.30 Canada v Haiti<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Friday 20 January</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>17.00 Mexico v Guatemala</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>19.30 Dominican Rep v USA</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Saturday 21 January</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>17.00 Haiti v Costa Rica</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>19.30 Canada v Cuba</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Sunday 22 January</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>14.00 Mexico v Dominican Republic</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>16.30 USA v Guatemala</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Monday 23 January</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>17.00 Cuba v Haiti</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>19.30 Canada v Costa Rica</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Tuesday 24 January</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>17.00 Guatemala v Dominican Republic</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>19.30 USA v Mexico </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><u>Semi-finals</u></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friday 27 January</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>17.00 Semi-final #1</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>20.00 Semi-final #2</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><u>Final</u></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sunday 29 January</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>17.00 Winner Semi-final #1 v Winner Semi-final #2</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">*Only two teams will advance to London 2012. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-43704488702643617862011-08-31T19:12:00.000-07:002011-09-02T21:46:46.946-07:00John Herdman new coach of the women's teamLate July, after the Canadian women's national team performed poorly at the World Cup, Italian native, Carolina Morace stepped down as head coach.<br />
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</div><div>CSA hoped to find someone with international experience.<br />
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Late Wednesday evening, news broke that former New Zealand women's national team coach and technical director, John Herdman would be Morace's successor. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Herdman's salary has yet to be disclosed but it is rumoured to be close to what Morace received. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Herdman was head coach and technical director of the New Zealand women's national team since 2007. Until the World Cup. New Zealand had never earned a point nor scored a single goal. In Germany they drew 2:2 against Mexico and scored another goal against England. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Herdman will act has technical director in Canada aswell. </div><div><br />
</div><div>The announcement will become official tomorrow at 1pm ET. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Continue to follow Bench Warmer and <a href="http://www.canadiansoccernews.com/content.php">Canadian Soccer News</a> for the latest info on this new development. </div>Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-87733273615618960512011-08-01T12:30:00.000-07:002011-08-02T23:02:06.863-07:00New signings<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Leading up to the World Cup, all but four players decided to step away from club team commitments to focus on preparing for Germany. With th<strike>e</strike> World Cup over seven national team players took it in their own hands to find somewhere to continue to develop their game. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.piteaif.se/dam/2011/07/landslagsspelare-forstarker-pitea/">Melissa Tancredi and Carmelina Moscato will be joining Steph Labbe at Pitea IF</a>. World Cup starting 'keeper, Erin McLeod and veteran defender Emily Zurrer will also be playing in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sweden</st1:place></st1:country-region> with Dalsjöfors. Labbe has already returned to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Sweden</st1:country-region> while Tancredi, Moscato, Zurrer and McLeod will head to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sweden</st1:place></st1:country-region> in September.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">W-League's Vancouver Whitecaps snagged midfielder, Kaylyn Kyle right before the playoffs. Although only playing in three games, Kyle made an immediate impact scoring 2 goals in 3 games. Vancouver finished their season third in the league.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Candace Chapman and Christine Sinclair continue to play for Western New York Flash in the WPS. In their return to regular season play, they were greeted by a sold out crowd </span><span class="Apple-style-span">(15,404) </span><span style="color: black;">-</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> a WPS record. Sinclair score two goals and assisted one as WNY defeated magicJack. Last Sunday the Flash faced the Boston Breakers and made a come-from-behind draw.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">After being traded from WNY a quarter way through the 2011 season, Kelly Parker rejoins the <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:place></st1:city> Beat who are currently at the bottom of the table with 7 points.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Sophie Schmidt finally gets to play for magicJack based in <st1:city w:st="on">West Palm Beach,</st1:city> <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Florida</st1:place></st1:state>. Unfortunately her first game didn't go as well as they lost 3-1 to WNY Flash.</span><span style="color: black;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Veteran goalkeeper, Karina LeBlanc also signed with magicJack. Karina previously played in the WPS for LA Sol and Philadelphia Independence. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Continue to visit Bench Warmer for more Canadians abroad info.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-75009789209117483882011-07-26T07:21:00.000-07:002011-07-26T11:23:47.892-07:00Carolina Morace resigns as head coach of the women's team<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The happy marriage gone sour between Carolina Morace and the CSA has ended in an unexpected divorce. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Wednesday afternoon during the CSA's formal debriefing, Morace announced she'll no longer coach the women's program. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"We planned the debrief and we were surprised by [Morace's decision] but in saying that we are prepared as an organization to move forward in our search for a new coach," Peter Montopoli, the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">CSA's general secretary</span> <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/story/2011/07/22/sp-morace.html">CBCSports.ca</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">She informed her players via email right after she told the CSA her decision.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"I'm extremely disappointed. I have nothing bad to say about her," stated veteran defender Emily Zurrer. "She was an amazing coach and she brought us to a whole new level tactically and technically. Although we didn't show it at the World Cup, we really have improved enormously since she took over."</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
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Just weeks before the World Cup began, everything was smooth sailing between Morace and the CSA. They both came to an agreement (details disclosed) and Morace would remain with the program until after the Olympics in 2012. The players even settled their differences with the CSA by negotiating terms for a set compensation - something the women's program has never had.<br />
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Leading up to the World Cup, Canada was on a high. They won 2 Cyprus Cup titles, CONCACAF Gold Cup and the Four Nations Tournament in Sao Paulo, Brazil. They also placed 6th in the world rankings - the programs' highest ever ranking. The "dark horse" is what people called them going into Germany.<br />
<br />
Then Germany happened.<br />
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Canada's run at the World Cup can only be described as disastrous. They unexpectedly left Germany with 3 shots on goal, 1 goal and 0 points - finishing dead last in the tournament. After the loss against France, ultimately eliminating them from the World Cup, the debate, the tough questions immediately arose.<br />
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Should Morace be fired? Was it worth it to invest so much time and finances on the women's program? Who's to blame?<br />
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Well, not that Carolina is gone, those questions are basically irrelevant. It's time to move on from Morace and what happened in Germany and look onward to the future of this program.<br />
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What should be asked now is What does this country need to do to ensure a brighter future in the sport? Who will replace Morace? How does a struggling team move forward? Will they have enough time to prepare for Olympic qualifiers? The debate resumes. <br />
<br />
What ever the answers are, the CSA needs to move quick. The Olympic qualifying tournament runs from <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">January 19-29 in Vancouver. Should Canada fail to qualify it will only serve as yet another set back for soccer in Canada. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"She was our leader and we trusted and respected her. She made us a better team. We have to thank her for that but now we have to [move forward] and hopefully we'll get a new coach that will be able to do what she did for us and bring us to an even higher level," Zurrer stated.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The CSA hopes to find a new full time coach with international experience by fall 2011. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">All quotes courtesy of <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/story/2011/07/22/sp-morace.html">John Molinaro</a> from CBC</span>Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-62204551790447990612011-07-08T12:16:00.001-07:002011-07-08T12:28:05.715-07:00What went wrong?<div class="MsoNormal">Canadian soccer fans had high hopes for the women’s national team. The women themselves had high hopes for going far in the World Cup. Team <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region> beamed with confidence going into <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region> and rightly so. They won four of their last five tournaments before the World Cup and they climbed to 6<sup>th</sup> in the world – their highest ranking ever. It was clear that this team was the best women’s team <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> has ever put together. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Then they arrived in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">They lost to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region> 2:1, which was expected. What wasn’t expected was a 4:0 blowout defeat from the French team – ultimately eliminating Team <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> from the tournament. What no one could have expected was losing their last group match to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Nigeria</st1:country-region>, exiting <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region> with 3 shots on goal, 1 goal and 0 points – the programs' worse ever showing at a World Cup.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For a team who was projected by the media, star players, and fans across the country as the “dark horse” of the World Cup they didn’t even earn a single point, one has to ask: what went wrong?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It’s hard to put a finger on one specific thing. There are a lot of reasons that lead to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region></st1:place>’s disappointing showing.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Firstly I don’t think training in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city> was the best idea. While I think it’s a great to have a team spend as much time together leading up to major tournament, being together did them more bad than good. Athletes need balance in their life. Training while having some home time, a familiar place to look is key. Going into <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region>, I think he women were mentally, emotionally drained. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">However, it was the best situation given the circumstance. A team that’s going through a technical transition needs to test their progress in matches. Should <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region> have trained in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region> they wouldn’t have had the opportunity to play as much friendlies as they did training in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Rome</st1:city></st1:place>. How can we change that so Team Canada can train in Canada while playing in preparation matches? More money? More support from the CSA? I don't have the answer for you but it's something that needs to be fixed. Quick. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Secondly, plain and simple, they underperformed. Yes, I understand that’s the easy answer and essentially making an excuse for other teams being technically better than they are. But if you’ve followed this team in the two years prior to the World Cup, probably more evident in the past eight months, you’d know <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> has the ability to compete with the best in the world. When they got to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region>, the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region></st1:place> we knew didn’t show up. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When things didn’t go their way and they got scored on, they panicked and as a result they resorted to old habits, playing Even Pellerud’s long ball system and forgetting everything Morace’s taught them in the past two years. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Maybe it was the pressure, the high expectations they put on themselves. But I think it’s the way these women have been developed as youth players. In <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> we teach kids to punt and chase the ball then when they graduate to the higher ranks, coaches teach them to play a passing game, the possession style of play. It should be the other way. Teach kids early on how to dribble, use both feet, pass, and find space so when they get older they’ll be more comfortable on the ball. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">However I do believe with more time and Carolina Morace leading the way these women can become more comfortable with the technical, possession game. It takes time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For the future, <a href="http://www.canadiansportforlife.ca/resources/canadian-soccer-association-ltad">long-term player development</a> needs to be applied now so down the road we can avoid situations <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> was faced in at the 2011 Women’s World Cup. </div>Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-8866832072302203902011-07-06T05:06:00.000-07:002011-07-07T05:46:20.634-07:00Carolina Morace: not the problemWell in the bigger picture, she's not the one to blame.<br />
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When Canada lost to France on Thursday, ultimately eliminating them from the Women's World Cup, naturally finger pointing began and Canadian soccer supporters engaged in the blame game.<br />
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Much of the blame went to Italian head coach, Carolina Morace and rightly so. She's the leader of this team. The one who decides everything this team does and how they play directly reflects how she runs this program. The players, however, have a responsibility too. They must take what Carolina has taught them and bring it to every match.<br />
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That didn't happen.<br />
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Instead, Canada got out-played and out-classed by their opponents. They panicked and resorted to old habits, playing a one dimensional style of play, the long ball system, that may have worked for them in the past but the women's game is quickly moving forward, leaving Canada a step behind.<br />
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Sacking Morace isn't the right way to go about fixing soccer in Canada. This program needs Carolina. Have we all forgotten what she's brought to this team? Aside from all the controversy, (which for the most part wa<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">s a good thing) Morace has turned this pool of players from athletes into soccer players. Since her arrival in 2009, Carolina has completely revamped the women's team. She'es changed everything from the coaching staff, to the way they eat, think and play - and for the most part it's worked. She's helped them win their third Cyprus Cup in four years, win their first CONCACAF Gold Cup title ever, tied Brazil twice in one week eventually winning the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Torneio Internacional Cidade de São Paulo and reaching 6th in the world - the program's highest ever ranking. By looking at the team's accomplishments since Carolina Morace arrived in Canada, it's clear she is not the problem.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">The problem is how these players have been developed growing up playing in Canada. As Joson de Vos brilliantly pointed out in his <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/24thminute/status/88472053778362369">blog</a>, the players simply aren't used to a possession style of play. It doesn't come naturally to them like it does for France or Japan. But I won't be quick to dismiss these players and their ability to learn and perfect the new style that's flourishing in women's soccer. Carolina has brought them this far in just two years - imagine what she can do with more time. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Carolina criticized the CSA saying Canada needs a domestic league in which she can have a deeper selection of players and keep an eye on her teams progress. Although that would solve a lot of problems, I don't see that happening any time soon. There's not even a men's domestic league in Canada and with the WPS struggling to survive there's no way a league will succeed in Canada - yet. For now Canada will have to get creative in their development. Players will have to take advantage of NCAA scouting opportunities, try to get noticed and player overseas once their collegiate years are over.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/24thminute/status/88472053778362369">As Duane Rollins put it</a> - Canada's failure is a blessing in disguise.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Despite the </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">disappointment of Canada's under-performance at the World Cup, this could be the very thing that helps grow the sport in Canada. Weird, I know, but let me explain.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> In the past we may have ignored and accepted Canada's failure because the women's program has been somewhat successful but now with Canada's worst ever </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">performance</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> at a World Cup, this is a wake up call. Things need to change and it needs to start at the grassroots level. Teach our young players to control the ball, become comfortable with the ball on both feet instead of relying on their athleticism and size. Teach the them fundamentals first and then win instead of promoting winning and failing to teach then the basics of the game. It's clear the way soccer in Canada has been developing, for years now</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> won't work anymore. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">In order for Canada to have a fighting chance in competing with the best teams in the world in both the men's and women's we need to apply this now. The world is rapidly moving onward and Canada's being left behind.</span></span>Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-15047198860237801242011-07-04T19:16:00.000-07:002011-07-07T22:13:14.880-07:00Playing for pride<div class="MsoNormal">There may have been critics stating <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region> shouldn’t be over hyped and probably won’t make it far in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region> but no one predicted <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> would be victim of the first blowout of the World Cup, the first team eliminated. No one. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region> put themselves on a pedestal, confidently predicting they’d make a deep run in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region></st1:place>. They put their lives on hold, leaving family and friends behind, stepping away from their club teams to live in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Rome</st1:place></st1:city> and focus on preparations for the big dance.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">No one expected them to win their opening match against the two time reigning World Cup champions, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region> but they kept the score tight. With their passion, determination, heart and Christine Sinclair’s heroics, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> only lost to the host nation 2:1.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Against <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">France</st1:place></st1:country-region>, they showed none of their signature characteristics. <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region> came out flat-footed and once French striker, Gaetane Thiney scored the opening goal <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> panicked and never recovered. They failed to play as a unit and as a result, they resorted to old habits playing a one dimensional, long-ball system rather than the possession style of play Carolina Morace has instilled in them since she arrived in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Harsh, but in short, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> choked.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To say <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region> had an off day seems like the easy answer as to what went down in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bochum</st1:place></st1:city>. All credit to France who playing a near perfect match but one can’t help but wonder if <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> had played to their full potential, the match would have been different than a 4:0 defeat. Unfortunately the World Cup doesn’t accept “ifs, ands or buts.” <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Canada</st1:place></st1:country-region> needed to perform and win but didn’t show up. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now the team must forget about Thursday’s match (for now at least). They must wash the awful taste from their mouths and focus on leaving <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region></st1:place> with something to hold on to. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">27<sup>th</sup> ranked <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Nigeria</st1:country-region></st1:place> won’t be an easy task, by any means. The African team is very physical. Their athleticism has always been apparent and their defending has been very effective in this tournament thus far – holding off <st1:country-region w:st="on">France</st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Germany</st1:place></st1:country-region> to a one goal game. If <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region> wants to leave <st1:country-region w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region> on a good note, have a little bit of confidence heading into Olympic qualifiers in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:place></st1:city>, they can’t hold anything back and leave everything on the pitch. Win this game and prove not only to the world but most importantly themselves they can do more than what they’ve performed so far. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Canada takes on Nigeria in their final group match on Tuesday July 5th at 2:30pm EST on CBC. Streamed live on cbcsports.ca. Replay will be at 7pm local also on CBC. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Possible starting XI: <o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>LeBlanc <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"> Nault, Zurrer, Champan, Wilkinson</div><div class="MsoNormal"> Schmidt, Matheson, Kyle </div><div class="MsoNormal"> Sinclair, Tancredi, Filigno </div>Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-5306223166893839402011-06-29T16:32:00.000-07:002011-07-06T05:25:04.065-07:00Mark my words: Christine Sinclair will play against France<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">In Canada's first game of the Women's World Cup, Captain Christine Sinclair suffered a broken nose when German defender Babett Peter elbowed her in the face early in the second half. She quickly went down and was taken off the pitch. Her nose was crooked and she was in pain but that didn't stop her from playing. She went back on a scored the first goal Germany's conceded since 2003 World Cup. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Tuesday, Sinclair didn't train with her team because she struggled with pain while running. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday, reports indicated Sinclair may be in </span>jeopardy to play in tomorrow's match.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Reading <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/fifawomensworldcup2011/blog/2011/06/christine-sinclair-will-she-or-wont-she.html">Anjali Nayar's blog</a>, Morace's stressed Sincy's absence would be a huge blow to the team. She said Christine trained with the team today but it was slow and light, very different from the pace and intensity of play tomorrow. She also said the French coach, Bruno Bini, should use her team's loss as an advantage. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Melissa Tancredi who's also had her fare share of broken noses, <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/fifawomensworldcup2011/video/topstories/">spoke out</a> on the situation saying it doesn't look like Sinclair will start .</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Doctor's say there's a 40% chance she won't play on Thursday. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Sports/1221284063/ID=2031990823">Christine herself commented</a> saying it's up to the doctors and if they say she can't play, she won't.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">If you doubted Sinclair would be in the starting line up for one second, I'm sorry to have to break it to you but you've been punked.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The match against France <i>will </i>determine who moves on to the second round and who's leaving Germany early. There is no chance in hell, Christine Sinclair, Captain Clutch, the new Chuck Norris, what ever you want to call her, will miss Canada's most important game of this World Cup thus far. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Carolina Morace is smart, I think most people have determined this already and she'll use any advantage she can get - even if that means she has to fabricate a story herself. I strongly believe this is just a rumour stirred up to throw France off their game.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">According to French veteran, Sonia Bompastor it won't affect their game plan at all.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"Imagine if we always adapted our tactics to whether a player was injured or not," said Bompastor. "No, we have our game and we play the way we play." -Anjali reported.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The only concern about Christine playing tomorrow is her quality of play. She'll most likely wear a <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/fifawomensworldcup2011/blog/2011/06/christine-sinclair-will-she-or-wont-she.html">nose protector mask</a> (which will be red), will this limit Christine's vision? Probably not. Sinclair is a world class footballer and as we all witnessed Sunday, she has a high pain tolerance. Proven with real facts tweeted with the hashtag #ChristineSinclair (I highly recommend you get twitter to follow along with the phenomenon), playing with a mask will probably improve her performance. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">When will we officially find out if Christine will play? Probably not till an hour before match time. Luckily those who live in North America, it will be in the morning. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The big game will be live on CBC and cbcsports.ca. Coverage begins at 11:30am EST. If you're at work (only acceptable excuse) the replay will be at 7pm EST on Rogers Sportsnet. </span></div>Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-15541027487218879022011-06-26T21:06:00.000-07:002011-06-26T21:06:08.056-07:00Day 1 of the 2011 FIFA Women's World CupDay 1 of the 2011 Women's World Cup comes to an end. 4 goals, 2 expected wins and 1 broken nose.<br />
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Group A action got underway today in the 6th Women's World Cup. France faced Nigeria in the first match. Nigeria wasn't expected to come out with three points but they also weren't expected to hold a tight game against the European side. The Nigerians took full advantage of their speed which proved to be deadly against a gassed French team. Nigeria played a high back line, allowing them to attack, putting their athleticism to good use and pressuring France. 25 minutes in, Desire Oparanozie had a breakaway opportunity but shot it wide. It wasn't till the 57th minute where second half sub Marie-Laure Delie was in the right spot at the right time, scoring her 22nd goal in 21 appearances.<br />
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Should Nigeria continue their high pressure they could give Canada and Germany a run for their money. With Germany and Canada in their path, France could see an early exit if their fitness continue to be an issue.<br />
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The second match of the day was the feature match in front on 73,680 people: Canada vs Germany. Right from the get go drama filled Olympic Stadium in Berlin. Just 6 minutes after kick off, Christine Sinclair had a golden opportunity to put the Canadians up 1-0 but shot it high. Four minutes later Kersten Garefrekes climbed over Marie-Eve Nault, heading the ball past Erin McLeod. Just before half time Okoyino Da Mbabi slipped passed the unorganized Canadian defence and tucked away Germany's second goal.<br />
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Early in the second half, Christine Sinclair made her way down the final third where Babett Peter, defending the ball, slamed her elbow into the Canadian captain's nose. She was visibily hurt and taken off the pitch. Tears were streaming down her face, blood dripping out her nose. It was clear she had broken her nose. However there was no way she was leaving the game, forcing Morace to use her third and final sub. No, with her grit and passion, Christine Sinclair continued playing..<br />
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Canada held most of the possession, Germany had more chances - ringing two off the cross bar and a open net miss.<br />
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With eight minutes left, Sinclair got clipped, earning a free kick 25 yards out. Sincy stepped up to take the kick and curled a perfectly placed ball into the top right corner, ending Nadine Angerer's record of not conceding a goal in a World Cup match since 2003.<br />
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The final whitsle blew and the score ended in a respectable 2-1 loss for Canada.<br />
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If there's ever such a thing called a 'good loss" this would be it. Though shaky at times, Canada held their own and put up a good fight against the best women's football team in the world. They held most of the possession, produced some good chances and did not seem intimidated by the pro-German crowd. I liked the creative set pieces our ladies displayed, particularly the on towards the end of the match where Rhian Wilkinson played it short to Jonelle Filigno who then gave a square ball to Sinclair. Christine played a controlled ground ball to Candace Chapman about 40 yards out, crossed it to Emily Zurrer who's first touch was poor and trickled wide. It's nice to see Morace has some tricks up her sleeve.Credit also has to go to Erin McLeod who kept her composure and made some key saves for Canada. Nice to see her back in between the pipes on a big stage.<br />
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Although there were some good things that came out of this loss, Canada still needs to work on a few things. O'm no expert I'll be the first one to say it buy many times throughout the match our backline were unorganized. At times we just stood there a watched the ball. Our backline is usually rock solid. Should they see anything past Group A they'll need to clean that up and play to our potential.<br />
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Next up is the crucial game versus France on June 30th at 12pm ET. Will be live on CBC and cbcsports.ca.Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-23601913385749527912011-06-16T10:32:00.001-07:002011-06-16T11:43:03.855-07:00Canadian Women's World Cup Roster<div class="MsoNormal"><b>Goalkeepers:</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Karina LeBlanc | Unattached</div><div class="MsoNormal">Erin McLeod | Vancouver Whitecaps FC</div><div class="MsoNormal">Steph Labbe | Pitea IF, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sweden</st1:place></st1:country-region></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Defenders:</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Emily Zurrer | <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:place></st1:city> Whitecaps FC</div><div class="MsoNormal">Candace Chapman | Western New York <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Flash</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">USA</st1:country-region></st1:place></div><div class="MsoNormal">Rhian Wilkinson | <st1:city w:st="on">Lillestrom</st1:city> <st1:state w:st="on">SK</st1:state> <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Kvinner</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Norway</st1:country-region></st1:place></div><div class="MsoNormal">Marie-Eve Nault | <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ottawa</st1:place></st1:city> Fury</div><div class="MsoNormal">Robyn Gayle | <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:place></st1:city> Whitecaps FC</div><div class="MsoNormal">Chelsea Stewart/M | <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:place></st1:city> Whitecaps FC</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Midfielders:</b><br />
Kaylyn Kyle | <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:place></st1:city> Whitecaps FC</div><div class="MsoNormal">Diana Matheson | <st1:city w:st="on">Lillestrom</st1:city> <st1:state w:st="on">SK</st1:state> <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Kvinner</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Norway</st1:country-region></st1:place></div><div class="MsoNormal">Carmelina Moscato | Unattached</div><div class="MsoNormal">Kelly Parker | <st1:city w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:city> <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Beat</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">USA</st1:country-region></st1:place></div><div class="MsoNormal">Sophie Schmidt | <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:place></st1:city> Whitecaps FC</div><div class="MsoNormal">Desiree Scott | <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:place></st1:city> Whitecaps FC</div><div class="MsoNormal">Brittany Timko/F | Unattached </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Forwards: </b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Christine Sinclair (c) | Western New York <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Flash</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">USA</st1:country-region></st1:place></div><div class="MsoNormal">Melissa Tancredi | | <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:place></st1:city> Whitecaps FC </div><div class="MsoNormal">Jonelle Filigno | <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Rutgers University</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">USA</st1:country-region></st1:place></div><div class="MsoNormal">Christina Julien | <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Ottawa</st1:place></st1:city> Fury</div><div class="MsoNormal">Jodi-Ann Robinson | <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vancouver</st1:place></st1:city> Whitecaps FC</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Alternates:</b> GK: Rachelle Beanlands D: Melanie Booth F: Chelsea Buckland F: Brooke McCalla</div></div>Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-7591703144408848002011-06-10T09:01:00.000-07:002011-06-10T11:19:53.702-07:00CSA reaches compensation agreement with Canadian women<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">A day after Morace announced she'll be remaining as head coach of the women's program the players and the CSA have reached an agreement over the compensation issue. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“The Canadian Soccer Association is pleased that we have reached a resolution and we look forward to supporting the Women’s National Team at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011™ as well as the 2012 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualification Tournament in Vancouver and the 2012 London Olympic Games,” stated Canadian Soccer Association General Secretary, Peter Montopoli.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Not other details were released on what sort of pay the players will receive. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The players first made this issue public in February 2011 when they unanimously voted to boycott any future games. They later lifted their boycott after seeing progress being made when CSA officials came to meet with Morace in Rome.</span></span><br />
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</span></span>Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-81485716975828613432011-06-09T12:25:00.000-07:002011-06-09T18:02:18.513-07:00Morace to remain head coach of the national team through London Olympics<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ealier today it was announced that head coach of the women's team, Carolina Morace will stay with the national team until at least post London Olympics 2012. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">“Carolina Morace has agreed to remain in her role as head coach of Canada’s Women’s National Team through to the 2012 London Olympic Games. Morace will also continue in her role as the head coach of the Women’s U-20 National Team.” the Canadian Press reported earlier today. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Morace has been in a dispute with the CSA over compensation involving her players and control of the program overall. In February, Morace handed in a resignation letter stating she would step down as head coach following the Women's World Cup which starts June 26th. In support of her decision, her players unanimously voted on a boycott threatening to forfeit international games. The women then lifted their boycott after they saw progress being made when CSA officials flew to Rome to meet with Morace. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Carolina made her decision because she's pleased with the level of commitment and resources from the CSA. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"Now we are on the same page. Now we can compete with the best teams in the world" Morace said on a conference call. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">After learning Carolina's decision to honour her contract, CSA's general secretary Peter Montopoli said the agreement between both parties is "evidence that the CSA is deeply commited to the women's program:"</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Since taking post as head coach of the women's program Carolina has lead her team to two Cyprus Cup championships ('09 &'11) and a CONCACAF Gold Cup championship. She's turned Even Pellerud's previous long ball system into a more technical, fitness oriented and direct style of play. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"We are of course so grateful for everything she has done for our program. She has completely turned it around and brought a whole new meaning to Canadian women's soccer." Steph Labbe said. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Defender Emily Zurrer went on to tell me "She has completely changed the way we view and play the game, making us faster, stronger and smarter on the pitch. the future of female soccer in Canada is extremely bright and we are proud and excited to have her as our leader until at least 2012." </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Along with the championships Canada has won under her leadership, Canada has risen to 6th place in FIFA's world ranking - the highest ever ranking for the country. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"I know we will continue on a successful path with her leading the way." Labbe continued. </span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: small; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">When asked whether 2015 is in the cards, Morace responded "there's nothing that closes the door for us to be together in 2015."</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The CSA is still in negotiations with the players with the compensation issue. After retaining legal counsel the players threatened to file a suit for binding arbitration with the Sports Dispute Resolution Center of Canada. The matter hasn't reached that extreme yet and Montopoli hopes to find a common ground before the World Cup begins. </span></span></span><br />
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</span></span>Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-81954973355765833572011-06-07T15:24:00.000-07:002011-06-07T15:32:30.074-07:00Canada pull off late goal win against Hungary<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In front of 150 spectators in Telki, Budapest, Canada faced Hungary in one of their final preparation matches before the Women's World Cup. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The first half was evenly matched. In the second half, however, Canada took command of the game. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">It wasn't until in 87th minute where midfielder Diana Matheson scored the game winner for Canada. Carmelina Moscato cleared the ball from the 18 yard box down the left flank where Jodi-Ann Robinson gathered the bounce and played a square ball to Chelsea Buckland who then played it to Jonelle Filigno. Jonelle turned towards goal and fed the ball to Diana Matheson who took a few controlling touches then took a low shot past the right side of Hungarian 'keeper </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Réka Szőcs. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Although Canada secured the win I can't help but to be slightly worried about Canada's scoring ability of late. Hungary is ranked 30th in the world. Even though rankings have little affect on a team's performance, Canada is a much stronger team than the Hungarians. Even in the Swiss series (1-1 D; 2-1 W) and the match versus Holland (2-0 W), Canada should have scored many more goals. Having a great performance and creating numerous opportunities is good but not good enough especially against teams like Germany. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Canada did play somewhat of a "B" team with Christine Sinclair, Candace Chapman (still out with an injury) Emily Zurrer, Marie-Eve Nault, and the likes missing from the starting line-up but that's no excuse. Canada has a deep bench and scoring shouldn't be a problem, especially against weaker teams. They've proven they don't have to rely on Sinclair to score goals now they just need to exercise it. Let's just hope they're saving all the goal scoring for the World Cup. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">On another note: Brittany Timko earned her 100th cap for Canada. She is one of 7 players to reach this milestone. Brittany has been playing for Canada for 9 years now. She made her first appearance for her country in 2002 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">against Japan at the Tournoi international in Limoges, France. The 25-year-old hopes to make her third World Cup roster. Brittany also served as captain for this match.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Jodi-Ann Robinson also reached a milestone today earning her 50th cap for Canada when she replaced Christina Julien in the 58th minute. Coincidentally Jodi-Ann is the all-time leader for appearances as a substitute. She broke Andrea Neil's record on May 15th with now 35 appearances off the bench. Robinson made her first appearance for Canada when she was 16 back in 2005 in a friendly versus Germany. Should Jodi-Ann be named to the final roster it will mark the second time she'll participate in a Women's World Cup.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Congratulation to both women on an incredible achievement. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Canada starting XI:</b> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> LeBlanc</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Booth (Zurrer 46'), Moscato, Gayle, Wilkinson</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Kyle (Stewart 46'), Matheson, Schmidt (Buckland 81') </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Julien (Robinson 58'), Filigno, Timko (Scott 64')</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Canada's bench:</b> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">GK: Rachelle Beanlands, Erin McLeod, Stephanie Labbe</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">D: Candace Chapman, Marie-Eve Nault, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">M: Kelly Parker, Nicole Setterlund, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">F: Christine Sinclair, Melissa Tancredi, Brooke McCalla, Amelia Pietrangelo, </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Hungary startin XI:</b> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Szőcs </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;"> Szabó, Gál, Szeitl, Megyeri (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;">Dóra Papp 64')</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;"> Jakabfi (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;">Gáspár 64')</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;">, Smuczer, Rácz (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;">Szórádi 89'),</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;"> Jakab (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;">Benkő</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;"> 74')</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;"> Pádár, Méry (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;">Katalin Fogl 76') </span></span><br />
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There are 27 players in camp. Only 21 will make the Women's World Cup Roster. 18 days till kick off.Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-33738940945978305382011-05-28T17:01:00.000-07:002011-05-29T09:59:51.639-07:00Canada defeat Holland<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In Roma, Italy at Mancini Park, the Canadian women continue to prepare for the Women's World Cup which kicks off in 27 days. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In a closed international friendly, Canada took on Netherlands. Despite not having captain Christine Sinclair in the line-up due to club commitments, the women defeated the Holland 2-0. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“They were constantly on the move and put a lot of pressure on the ball,” Dutch coach Roger Reijner was quoted at KNVB.nl. “We did not adequately answer. It was a deserved victory for Canada. ”</span></span><br />
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22 year old forward, Jodi-Ann Robinson scored at the 55 minute mark. In the 61st minute she was then subbed off for Christina Julien.<br />
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Just 8 minutes later, Julien scored the second goal for the red and white.<br />
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Morace benched many of her regular starters giving time for other players to show what they have before the coaching staff decide their final roster<br />
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Some notable changes were on the back line. Rhian Wilkinson was replaced by Melanie Booth on right back. This was Mel's first match since March 7th, 2011 at the Cyprus Cup vs England.<br />
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Also Carmelina Moscato, normally a mildfielder, was moved to center back. Usually Candace Chapman plays that position but she's in Buffalo with the her WPS club Western New York Flash.<br />
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<b>Canada's starting X1: </b><br />
Erin McLeod <br />
Melanie Booth, Carmelina Moscato, Emily Zurrer, Marie-Eve Nault<br />
Diana Matheson, Brittany Timko, Sophie Schmidt<br />
Jodi-Ann Robinson, Desiree Scott, Jonelle Filigno<br />
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Morace made one change--substituting Robinson for Julien (61')<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Canada previously faced Holland March 3rd, 2011 in the Cyprus Cup final and won 2-1. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This will be the last scheduled preparation game Canada has lined up before they face Germany in the opening match of the Women's World Cup. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>In other news:</b></span><br />
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<ul><li>Kelly Parker of the Western New York Flash was traded to the Atlanta Beat for Atlanta's third pick in the 1st round of the 2012 WPS Draft and the first pick of the second round. WNY Flash player Julianne Sitch was also part of the trade.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Candace Chapman was listed as injured on the WPS website. No word as to how serious the injury is. She is a vital member of Canada's back line. She also has a lot of international experience and is a leader on the team. Huge blow to Canada if she's not healthy in time for the world cup.</li>
</ul>Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-73898702709737504092011-05-23T22:36:00.000-07:002011-05-29T10:05:40.398-07:00Western New York Flash remain unbeatenOn a day where the score could have easily been blown out, magicJack had a tough time putting one in the back of the net thanks to the crossbar and some outstanding goalkeeping by Ashlyn Harris.<br />
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In front of 8,076 fans at Sahlen's Stadium in Rochester, the #1 and #2 teams in the Women's Professional Soccer League kick off for the first time in their club history.<br />
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Western New York didn't take long to get on the scoreborad. Just 77 seconds in Kandance Wilson carried the ball up the right flank and played a through ball to Marta who cut past Becky Sauerbrunn then shot it right into a sliding Hope Solo. The rebound fell right to Christine Sinclair who's volley hit off the woodwork but birthday girl Becky Edwards was there to finish it off.<br />
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The Flash kept pouring on the pressure but could not capitalize. A swing in momentum gave Shannon Boxx a scoring chance outside the 18 but ricocheted off the corssbar, something that seemed all too familiar to magicJack that evening. <br />
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Just before the first half ended captain Caroline Seger put her side up 2-0 in the 42nd minute. Sinclair played a long ball to Seges who ran down the center of the field, turned like she was going to play it wide but snuck it through the legs of magicJack defender Meghan Schnur and went in far post past Hope Solo.<br />
“That was my fault,” Solo said. “I thought Schnur was going to get the tackle in. I took the opportunity to check my back post to check my angle and I came back and the shot comes. So it was just bad timing on my part.”<br />
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In the 83rd minute WNY almost gifted magicJack their first goal after a misclear gave Ella Masar an opportunity near the penalty spot but her shot bounced off the crossbar. A tough night for Masar as she had countless opportunities but could not put one in the back of the net. <br />
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Just three minutes later, Seger would get her second goal of the game. Marta drew a penalty when Tina Ellerton took her down in the box. Rattled by the tackle, Seger stepped up to the plate burying it in the lower right corner.<br />
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Western New York Flash improved their record to 5-0-1 and magicJack remain second in the league with a 3-1-0 record. Their next match-up will be June 20th at Sahlen's Stadium<br />
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<b>Canadian players: </b><br />
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<b>Kelly Parker:</b> After progressively improving throughout the course of the season, Parker sat on the bench for the full 90, given a break after coming in late Friday afternoon from Rome.<br />
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<b>Candace Chapman:</b> Much like every game, Candace was a part of the starting XI. Playing in a center back position, Chpaman used her athleticism and speed to cut off Masar and Wambach's physical presence. She made some huge defensive plays byt running down players and blocking shots.<br />
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<b>Christine Sinclair:</b> Although a striking force up front, Sinclair could not seem to keep the ball under the bar. Early in the first half, Christine had a breakaway chance but casually shot it for an easy Solo save. Christine seemed a little gased from all the traveling and didn't have her usual jump. Even on her worse day Sinclair still managed to assist the first two goals.<br />
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The three Canadians will remain with WNY Flash until the beginning of June where then they will return to Carolina Morace's squad for final World Cup preparations.Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-53383046812573116122011-05-18T11:31:00.000-07:002011-05-18T22:09:49.201-07:00Canada defeats Switzerland<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After playing below par three days ago, Canada bounces back to get the win versus Switzerland today. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The game started off poorly for Canada as Switzerland's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Ana Maria Crnogorcevic puts her side up 1 nil eight minutes in. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;">Ramona Bachmann played the ball to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;">Lara Dickenmann who took it down the left flank then crossed it to Crnogorcevic who knocked it in on a first touch. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">In the 31st minute, Swiss captain Caroline </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;">Abbé</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"> scored on her own net to give Canada the equalizer. Kaylyn Kyle gave the ball to Christine Sinclair who hit the ball across the face of the net and bounced off </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;">Abbé</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: normal;">"Matheson was taken down, so maybe they were thinking a penalty was going to be called," said Sinclair. "I just crossed it and it went off (Abbé)".</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Going into the second half, Kaylyn Kyle was subbed out for Kelly Parker, making her first appearance for Canada </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">after injuring her foot in training. Last time she played for the red and white was </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">September 15th, 2010. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Soon after, Canada took the lead on a great team effort. Schmidt gained possession then passed it wide to Marie-Eve Nault who then played it to Diana Matheson. Diana dibbled down the center of the pitch giving it to Sinclair who received the ball with her back facing the goal. Sinclair quickly played a through ball to Parker who cut towards the goal and played a square ball to Christina Julien for the easy tap in. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">In the 62nd minute Desiree Scott came in for Julien. A minute after, midfielder Marie-Eve Nault is replaced by Chelsea Stewart.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">More subs for Canada as Brittany Timko makes her way on the pitch for Jonelle Filigno(68') up front and Robyn Gayle comes in for Rhian Wilkinson(72') on the backline. Both Rhian and Britt made their 98th appearance for Canada this evening. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Finally, Carolina Morace used her sixth and final sub replacing Sophie Schmidt with Carmelina Moscato in the 81st minute. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Canada created some more opportunities before the final whistle but could not capitalize. In the 84th minute, Emily Zurrer's goal was called back because she was offside. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: normal;">"We could have easily scored five goals," said Sinclair of the team's performance. "We're definitely showing signs of improvement which is all we're looking for heading into the FIFA Women's World Cup."</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">With the win, Canada improves their 2011 record to 7-1-2. Canada is expected to play in a few more friendlies leading up to the World Cup. Stay tuned for more details. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">SUI starting XI: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"> Marisa Brunner</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: normal;"> Selina Kuster, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;">Rahel Graf, Caroline Abbé, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;">Sandra Betschart</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Lara Dickenmann, Jehona Mehmeti, Marina Keller</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Ramona Bachmann, Ana Maria Crnogorcevic, Martina Moser</span></span><br />
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</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Subs: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;">Isabelle Meyer for Betschart (57'), </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;">Lara Keller for Bachmann (67'), </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;">Vanessa Bernauer for Mehmeti (72'), </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse;">Vanessa Pittet for Keller (79'). </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">CAN starting XI:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"> Karina LeBlanc</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"> Marie-Eve Nault, Emily Zurrer, Cance Chapman, Rhian Wilkinson</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"> Sophie Schmidt, Diana Matheson, Jonelle Filigno, Kaylyn Kyle</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"> Christina Julien, ChristineSinclair</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">In other news: Canada will host CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Vancouver B.C is the lucky city to host all games at the newly built BC Place. The tournament will run from January 19-29, 2012. Canada and seven continental opponents will compete for two berths to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England. </span>Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-881379188866626482011-05-15T22:02:00.000-07:002011-05-16T23:29:12.486-07:00Canada draws vs SwitzerlandSunday May 15th, Canada played in a closed international friendly against Switzerland in Roma, Italy.<br />
<br />
On paper, Canada would be the obvious favourite heading into this match. Canada kept the majority of the possession but the Swiss were prepared and were able to hold off the Canadians and limit their chances offensively.<br />
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29 minutes in, Canada's Sophie Shmidt hit the cross bar.<br />
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In the 38th minute, Caroline Abbe scored for Switzerland.<br />
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Kaylyn Kyle equalized for Canada in the 66th minute, snagging her firs full international goal.<br />
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Canada had an opportunity to take the lead in the 77th minute, but Desiree Scott's shot hit the cross bar.<br />
<br />
Also, congratulations to Chelsea Buckland on making her first appearance for Canada.<br />
<br />
The two nations will square off again on May 18th<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> in <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Niederhasli 6:00pm local. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Canada is expected to play in another World Cup tune-up against Holland at the end of the month. Stay tuned for more details. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">40 days until the Women's World Cup kicks off. </span>Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-464645165417540362011-05-10T20:28:00.000-07:002011-05-11T08:33:43.340-07:00Update: May 10th 2011Back to camp:<br />
<div><ul><li>After a 10 day break, the women are back in Rome for final WWC preparations</li>
<li>After suffering a foot injury, Kelly Parker is back with the team in hopes she'll make the cut.</li>
<li>WNY Flash teammates Candace Chapman and Christine Sinclair will also be in Rome for a week. They'll head back to WNY until the beginning of June then return with the national team for final prep before June 26th. </li>
</ul></div><div><br />
</div><div>Unfortunate turn of events:</div><div><ul><li>Early May, Steph Labbe injured the posterior cruciate ligament in her right knee.</li>
<li>Surgery is not needed just three months or less rehab</li>
<li>By her tweets you can tell she's staying positive and still looking to get back to training with Canada. </li>
<li>It has not been officially announced what Steph's status is. She had an MRI and will meet with doctors Tuesday night for the prognosis</li>
<li>Pitea currently has two back-up 'keepers, Hanny Wikstrom and Anna Carlsson but the club continues to hunt for a new goalkeeper. </li>
<li>The Club won't be able to sign a new player until a transfer window opens in August. </li>
</ul><div>New face at camp:</div></div><div><ul><li>Due to Labbe's injury, Morace was forced to call up a new 'keeper to Rome.</li>
<li>Teenager Rachelle Beansland got the nod to train with Canada's finest.</li>
<li>Beansland attended this past winter's national U-18 camp in Brazil and backstopped the Ottawa Furry U-17 girls to the 2010 Super Y-League Championship. </li>
<li>Congrats on the opportunity, Rachelle. </li>
</ul></div><div>WPS:</div><div><ul><li>Last weekend WNY Flash defeated Sky Blue FC 3-1</li>
<li>Parker and Candace both got the start.</li>
<li>Sinclair was in Montreal receiving her green card. </li>
</ul></div>Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-62023602352913422282011-05-02T15:33:00.000-07:002011-05-02T21:56:42.358-07:00Labbe suffers knee injury vs KristianstadPitea IF faced former head coach Elizabeth Gunnarsdottir and the Kristianstad DFF on Sunday May, 1st.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately for PIF, in the 25th minute, Stephanie Labbe injured her knee in a collision with a Kristianstad player. Unsure how serious the injury is. Labbe tweeted today "knee is stable but hard to tell for sure with the swelling... icing it lots till doc again tomorrow..."<br />
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There are 54 days left until Canada takes on Germany, a little less until Morace announces her World Cup roster so still some time left for her knee to heal.<br />
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The show must go on.<br />
<br />
It's hard for any 'keeper to come in cold for an injured teammate. Imagine doing that at 16 years of age. That's what Hanna Vicstrom was faced with when she stepped in for Labbe.<br />
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Seven minutes before full time, June Pedersen put Pitea on the score board.<br />
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The last minute effort was a little too late as PIF fell short to Kristianstad. Margret Lara got the hat trick for her side.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for Labbe updates.Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-49631568763282713142011-05-02T09:04:00.000-07:002011-05-02T09:04:14.686-07:00WNY Flash win home openerWNY snag a 3-0 win over Atlanta with goals by Christine Sinclair and Alex Morgan<br />
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The Flash dominated play right from the start with attacks coming left and right by Marta, Sinclair and Caroline Seger, while The Beat struggled to find a rhythm.<br />
<br />
23 minutes in, for the third time this season, Sinclair scored the first goal of the macth for the Flash. After a series of saves by the two-time WPS Player of the Week, Alli Lipsher, the ball bounced infront of Sinclair who headed the ball in the back of the net.<br />
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The second half looked much like the first with WNY controling play.<br />
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In the 55th minute Seger made an incredible individual play to find Sinclair alone who shot wide. But four minutes later Sinclair would make up for the missed opportunity when Marta played a perfect chip ball that fooled Lipsher for an easy tap in.<br />
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The hat trick would have to come another day as Morgan was subbed in replacing Sinclair in the 66th minute. Morgan quickly made an impact scoring her first professional goal just seven minutes later.<br />
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Despit allowing 3 balls pass her, Alli Lipsher played a great game making great athletic saves. The score could have been a lot different if it hadn't been for Lipsher.<br />
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Unlike last week, WNY were too much for Atlanta to handle.<br />
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<b>Breaking down Canadians play:</b><br />
<br />
<b>Candace Chapman:</b> Played a relatively easy match today with not much to do as her side out shot the opposing team 20- 3. WNY played a 3-5-2 formation today pushing Champan to the right side instead of center back. <br />
<br />
<b>Kelly Parker:</b> Got her first start this season and made an impact being the spark plug on the right side. Earned quiete a few corners and assisted on Morgan's first goal sending a through ball splitting Atlanta defenders.<br />
<br />
<b>Christine Sinclair:</b> Clicked a lot better with her teammates are got many more touches this week. Scored two goals making her the lead leading goal scorer thus far with four.Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-43515344370444314292011-05-01T10:31:00.000-07:002011-05-15T23:10:50.753-07:00Monthly Wrap: April 2011They lost their second game of the year:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>April 2nd, Canada faced Sweden in a closed friendly. They lost 1-0 form a 9 minute goal by Rohlin.</li>
</ul><br />
Rome camp continues: <br />
<br />
<ul><li>Camp began March 23rd through April 20th</li>
<li>The women were on a 10 day break - some went to visit family and friends others took a vacations around Europe</li>
<li>The team will meet back in Rome May 1st to continue WWC preparations and head to Germany from there. </li>
</ul><br />
Few more friendlies before the big dance:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Canada will play Switzerland on May 15th in Rome</li>
<li>The two nations will square off again on May 18th in Niederhasli, Switzerland.</li>
<li>May 28th Canada will play in their final friendly vs. Netherlands. Location has yet to be confirmed. </li>
</ul><br />
WPS regular season kicks off:<br />
<br />
<ul><li> Sinclair, Chapman and Parker all play for WNY Flash</li>
<li>Great start to the season with a 2-1 Win over Boston</li>
<li>2nd game a little less intense coming out with a 2-2 draw vs. Atlanta Beat.</li>
<li>Sinclair scoring a goal in each a game assisting and assisting on Marta’s first goal of the 2011 season. </li>
<li>Chapman getting the start in both games</li>
<li>Parker who recently came off a foot injury is easing in to the season coming on as a sub in the first two matches. </li>
<li>Next match: Sunday May 1st at Sahlen Stadium vs. Atlanta Beat at 4pm ET. </li>
</ul><br />
Injuries and surprises:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>After suffering an ankle injury in January 2011, Josee Belanger won’t recover in time for the Women’s World Cup. Unfortunate for Josee as she was looking forward to competing in her first WWC. </li>
<li>Fortunately Oregon State Junior, Chelsea Buckland will take her spot on the World Cup roster. Buckland who traveled with the team to the Cyprus Cup as a reserve and trained with them in Rome last month is looking forward to earning her first cap with Big Red</li>
<li>Even though the roster has not yet been made public, Morace probably has a good idea of who she will be taking to Germany. So it should be noted that Buckland could still be cut as there are 23 players in camp and 21 will be selected to represent Canada this summer. </li>
</ul><br />
The athletes won’t be the only Canadians representing Canada this summer:<br />
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<ul><li>Carol Anne Chenard is one of 51 officials selected to officiate at the Women’s World Cup. ‘</li>
<li>In 2010 she officiated for the championship game at the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Germany. </li>
</ul><br />
Canadasoccer.com<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Every three days leading up to the world cup CSA’s official website will do a feature on the players.</li>
<li><a href="http://canadasoccer.com/news/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=4764">Karina LeBlanc</a> and <a href="http://canadasoccer.com/news/viewArtical.asp?Press_ID=4770">Jonelle Filigno</a> were the first two features posted. </li>
</ul>Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-3129743944445644942011-04-25T17:02:00.000-07:002011-04-27T07:51:27.563-07:00Piteå drops its first game of the season<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After starting off to a 1-0-1 record, Pitea lose to their first match of the season to 2009 Damallsvenskan Champions.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Pite</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">å</span> squared off against Link<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">ö</span>ping for the second time this season. Pite<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">å</span> were pushed into their end in the early going of the match.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Suddenly in the 4th minute something horrifying happened. Pitea defender Faith Ikidi collided with Madelaine Edlund and crashed into the fence behind the goal. She suffered a broken leg and was sent to the hospital. This serves ad a major blow for Ikidi. Not only is her club season is in jeopardy but also her chances of playing in the Women's World Cup with Nigeria are at a stand still. (Canada will face Nigeria July 5)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As unfortunate as this injury was, play must go on and Lena Blomkvist stepped in for her teammate.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Link<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">ö</span>ping continued to press. 32 minutes in, Link<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">ö</span>ping were awarded with a free kick that reached Kirsten van de Ven who quickly blasted the ball past Labbe. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The second half, Link<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">ö</span>ping picked up where they left off--dominating. After creating a number of opportunities, Josefine <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Öqvist</span> scored off cross from Katrin Schmidt. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The game ended 2-0 for Link<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">ö</span>ping. Pite<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">å</span> shouldn't feel bad about this loss though. They lost to a really good team. Labbe in particular played a great match allowing only 2 goals on 21 shots. </span>Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-24373886155133808752011-04-25T08:56:00.000-07:002011-04-26T21:20:44.690-07:00Atlanta and Western New York draw in WPS week 3A classic tale of two halves.<br />
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After surprisingly earning three points against Sky Blue last week, Atlanta squared off against the Flash who themselves got a W in week 2.<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table>Just two minutes in, Christine Sinclair scored her second goal of the season. Brttany Bock stole the ball from Atlanta, sneaking it to Sinclair who took one touch stepping just outside the 18 and shot the ball without even looking at the net.<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table>The match looked like it was going to go according to plan. Flash dominating play and Beat struggling to keep up.<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table>On the contrary.<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table>After the opening goal, the game was no more exciting than watching Donald Trump's hair fall off.<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table>WNY did dominate the first half, but their forwards weren't producing much. It seemed like the same thing happened over and over again. Atlanta gain possession and made their way down the pitch. Flash break-up play. Ali Riley brings the ball up. Forwards don't connect. Repeat. Needless to say, I don't blame my baby cousin for falling asleep.<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table>However, the bottom half was a completely different game. Right from the get-go Alex Morgan and Flash captain, Caroline Seger connected in the 47th minute and almost produce a goal but the shot whistled high.<br />
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<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table>Finally, in the 57th minute after being shut down all afternoon by Flash defense, Lori Chalupny tied it up with a screaming strike 20 yards out that hit the inside of the post and in.<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table>Just nine minutes later, second half sub Marta scored a rare header when Sinclair crossed the ball in the 6 yard box, putting the Flash back in the lead.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table>Back and forth action continued.<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table>Similar to Chalupny's goal, Carli Lloyd leveled the score cutting inside and firing her shot 20 yards out that dipped just under the cross bar.<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table>Play only picked up from there and it became a battle of the 'keepers.<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table>In the 78th minute, Harris tipped Kristina Larsen's bullet over the net.<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table>Then a series of WNY opportunities were turned away by WPS Player of the Week, Alli Lipsher. Most notably she just barely got her finger tips on a hard left footed shot taken by Sinclair that hit the crossbar.<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table>The last minute effort from each side was too late as the game ended in a 2-2 draw.<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table><b>Breaking down Canadians play:</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table><b>Candace Chapman:</b> In her second straight start of the season, Chappy had little to do in this match due to the lack of Atlanta offense. She took two free kicks. Stepped up late in the game saving Flash from a late Beat goal and made a few offensive runs. Routine game for Chapman.<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table><b>Kelly Parker:</b> Coming off the bench in the 80th minute, Parker made an immediate impact. Battled hard for the ball, and speedy as usual. Shooting a one-timer shot off a Sinclair pass nearly gave the Flash a goal. Ok, it was offside, but it's nice to see Parker's skill still there after coming off an injury. I feel like a one-woman-Kelly-Parker-ad, she needs to be considered for Canada's WWC roster. At least the next training camp in May.<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table><b>Christine Sinclair:</b> Also getting her second start of the season. Right from the opening minutes, Christine continued to prove she is one of the world's best by scoring the early goal for WNY. She wasn't able to get too many touches but made the most of what she got. Sinclair set up a beautiful cross on Marta's goal. She also produced many shots on target. She even came back to help out the back line a few times.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table><b>Player(s) of the match: Couldn't pick one.</b><br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table><b>Ali Riley: </b>Continuously made runs up the left flank causing trouble for Beat defense. Created dangerous plays for the forwards and playing physical. Everything you could ask from her, she delivered.<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table><b>Alli Lipsher:</b> Once again coming up big for Atlanta. Despite giving up 2 goals, Lipsher made big saves for the Beat securing the draw. Don't be surprised if she starts next week.<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table>Lloyd and Chalupny's 1-man show goals deserve a mention. Two incredible snipes that fooled the 'keeper from well out.<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table>Marta also gets a shout out. Coming on in the second half, we got to see that Brazilian flare. Not looking as fit as we normally see her but she still made some great plays. Most notably showing some great technique with her flick on header goal.<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table>WNY didn't come out stomping Atlanta like we all expected. The forwards weren't connecting with Caroline Seger like we saw last week. A lot of the miscommunication probably has to do with the fact these women don't get to play together that often due to international commitments. This team would be unstoppable with more time together.<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table>Credit to Atlanta for holding their own. Playing a 4-1-4-1 format, they completely shut down WNY disallowing them space. The Beat came out to play and with the help of players like Whitehill, Chalupny, and Lipsher they were able to get 1 point over the much acclaimed Flash. <br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody></tbody></table>Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-9408587766988851222011-04-19T08:46:00.000-07:002011-04-19T08:47:23.587-07:00Labbe with Pitea IF<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Leaving early from a month long training camp in Rome with the national team, Stephanie Labbe headed to Sweden to play in her 3rd season with Pitea IF in the Damallsvenskan league. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This past weekend, Steph started for Pitea in their home-opener. Pitea stomped past <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Dalsjöfors GoIF</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">winning 5-0.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Fiona O'Sullivan knocked one home in the first half. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Pitea came out all guns blazing in the second half. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">MVP of the night, Jennifer Nobbis scored the second goal. Pitea's third goal came from </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">June Pedersen</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">. Labbe launched a monster of a kick up the field to Pedersen who burried the ball in the back of the net. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Josefin Johansson and Ericka Carlson finished the scoring with the fourth and fifth goals. </span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Dalsjöfors GoIF's </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Emelie Johansson nearly scored the first goal of the game as her shot beat Labbe but ricocheted off the crossbar. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Last week Steph was able to preserve a 1-1 draw vs 2009 D</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">amallsvensk</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">an champions, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 30px;">Linköping. </span></div>Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4410793448670699962.post-53897277091239269752011-04-18T11:49:00.000-07:002011-04-21T08:53:39.086-07:003 Canadians take part in Flash victorySunday April 17th, 2011 the Western New York Flash competed in its inaugural WPS regular season match. Their first victim were the Boston Breakers who just last week bulldozed over the Atlanta Beat in a 4-1 victory.<br />
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Right from the get-go both teams battled for possession. WNY created the majority of opportunities, but the Breakers came roaring back in the bottom half of the 1st. It wasn't till the 66th minute where star striker, Christine Sinclair opened the scoring. <s>Rookie</s> Alex Morgan sent a a sqaure ball to Sinclair who took one touch then snuck it past 'keeper Alyssa Naeher.<br />
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In the 90th minute, Gemma Davison made a bullet run and whistled the ball past Naeher giving the Flash a 2 nil lead.<br />
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In stoppage time, English international, Kelly Smith added more excitement to the game capitilizing on a Cheney rebound that robbed Ashlyn Harris of a clean sheet. The last minute push was a little too late for Boston and the WNY Flash earned its first franchise W.<br />
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<b>Breaking down Canadians play</b>: Let's start from the back line up.<br />
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<b>Chandace Chapman:</b> Flash seemed to have major defensive problems early on allowing Boston in behind their back line. With a few adjustments Candace was able to effectively break up chances and make offensive runs. Probably her most memorable highlight of the night was late in the game where she blocked a dangerous Breakers shot with her body. All in all good start to the season.<br />
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<b>Kelly Parker:</b> Fresh off a foot injury, Parker made a late appearance. She probably played a total of 3 minutes but what from what I saw she's looking fit and hungry. I can't say anything bad about this woman. Agile, fast, great on the ball, quick reflexes, energetic. What I'd really like to know is whether or not she'll be called up for Canada's next training camp. Huge asset to Canada's mid section IMO.<br />
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<b>Christine Sinclair:</b> Early in the 1st half Sincy had a great chance to put her side up 1-0 but decided to pass. I see what she was trying to do there, Morgan would have been wide open had that pass gone thru, but Christine really should have been selfish and taken the shot. However she made up for it by scoring WNY first ever goal. Her touch and speed showed up today. She even made some defensive plays.<br />
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Credit definitely needs to go to WNY teammates, Alex Morgan and Caroline Seger. It is really hard to wrap my head around the fact that this was Morgan's WPS debut performance. She plays like a veteran. Calm on the ball, able to get past players 1v1 and fast, soft spoken and carries herself well off the pitch. She did miss an open netter to score WNY's first goal but that's one mistake out of the dozens of good things she produced. I absolutely love the Seger-Morgan-Sinclair combo. It's great to watch and can only get better. Christine's comments on the game: “They’re a stacked team, and to come here and get a win, it’s very positive. Hopefully it’s a sign of things to come. Because of international duties, we haven’t played together too much during the preseason. We’re only going to improve with more time together.”<br />
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Player of the Match goes to Caroline Seger. Dominant from start to finish. Seems like every 2 minutes she had the ball at her feet or involved in the play somehow. She had a chance to score early on but her shot was cleared off the line. Caroline is just an all around player, able to help out defensively and create chances up front. Considering the team as a whole haven't been together for long, Seges clicked well with Morgan and Sinclair. It'll be really exciting to see how they fair when they train more often. Marta will be a great addition too.<br />
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WNY Flash take on Atlanta Beat April 24th at KSU Soccer Stadium. You can watch live on FSC at 6pm ET.<br />
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Boston starting XI: Alyssa Naeher, Alex Scott, Rachel Buehler, Amy LePeilbet (Ifeoma Dieke, 80'), Stephanie Cox (Elli Reed, 85'), Leslie Osborne, Keelin Winters, Kelley O'Hara, Taryn Hemmings (Liz Bogus, 69'), Lauren Cheney, Kelly Smith<br />
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WNY starting XI: Ashlyn Harris, Candace Chapman, Whitney Engen, Ali Riley, Kandace Wilson, Brittany Bock, Becky Edwards, Caroline Seger, Kaley Fountain (Gemma Davison, 64'), Christine Sinclair, Alex Morgan (Kelly Parker, 90+)Alyssa Allyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03804755253292181609noreply@blogger.com0