Reviews

U.S. Women Rule Soccer; U.S. Men, Not Yet

7/3/2019

Up on that little championship stage were the soccer champions from the United States, who had just won the World Cup on the field, with skill and resolve.

These champions are the products of the Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, which required schools and colleges receiving federal money to provide the same opportunities for girls as they did for boys.

Since everybody gets money from the dreaded meddling federal government, this was a boost for young women to play sports, just as young men do in this country.

That act changed life for young women, who took gym class, if there were any, in floppy gym outfits, with no game uniforms or gym time or teams or schedules, and no challenges.

Without Title IX, there would have been no Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle coming back from hamstring twinges to score goals in the 2-0 victory over the Netherlands.
There would have been no Alex Morgan and Tobin Heath bedeviling the very able Dutch keeper, no Alyssa Naeher guarding the goal, no trio of big-timers racing in as substitutes late in the match.

Title IX created a dynasty, dominating the world’s favorite sport – charismatic players, getting better all the time, and just as important, a goad to the more progressive nations in Europe to keep going with their women’s programs.
This wonderful World Cup (in the great French city of Lyon) seemed to capture even more of the American attention. They are America’s great national team, ongoing.

None of these raves are meant to shame the American men’s soccer program, which draws from a vastly smaller portion of the population, given the deserved popularity of great team sports like basketball, baseball, hockey, lacrosse and, while negative medical evidence keeps pouring in, American football.

In a rare double-dip of championship games, the current American men’s squad played Mexico Sunday evening in the finals of the Gold Cup, an odd-year regional competition.
For a while, early in this century, it appeared the U.S. was catching up in soccer, given some epic matches in recent World Cups – the dos-a-cero thumping they put on Mexico in the 2002 round of 16, the last-moment rally against Algeria in 2010, Tim Howard’s epic game in goal against Portugal in 2014. But the U.S. could not even qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

On Sunday evening, in the awesome setting of Soldier Field of Chicago's lakefront, fans of both teams gathered with costumes and chants. The Americans looked like an upgrade under new coach Gregg Berhalter, and dominated the first 15-20 minutes, but then Mexico asserted itself and finally scored in the 73rd minute, which, as the Fox announcer said as the ball went into the nets, had been coming on for a while. Uno a cero somehow felt even worse.

Where are great young American athletes like the ones currently playing in the summer rookie league of the N.B.A? Could the U.S. soccer federation do better about developing Latino talent and African-American players like one of my all-time favorites, DaMarcus Beasley, who happened to top out at 5 feet, 8 inches? Don’t hold your breath.

The American women's program has such a wider reach for talented athletes who have played scholastic and college soccer. One of the best U.S. players on Sunday was Crystal Dunn, who plays attack for her club but had been a quiet, stay-at-home left back (Beasley’s best position) until Sunday, when the plan seemed to have her moving forward, attacking, diverting, and then rushing back to guard her lane.

Title IX has made many contributions in education and life itself; on Sunday there was a stage full of the best and the brightest – Title IX’s daughters.

NYT article about Title IX legacy:
https://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/16/health/16well.html
* * *
My previous articles on WWC 2019:

There are other players worth watching in this Women’s World Cup, not just the American captain with the pink hair. Megan Rapinoe sat out the 2-1 victory over England on Tuesday with a hamstring injury, but the high level of soccer continued, from both teams.

The details of the match are known – Alyssa Naeher, the American keeper, saved a penalty kick in the 84th minute -- but the overall impression of the match is worth discussing: women’s soccer has reached a new level.

Tuesday’s match saw both sides make outlet passes to the exact right place on the field and the teammate would advance the ball in the third leg of the triangle. The skill level and the tactical level have come so far from the early days.

I have great admiration for the stalwarts from China, Norway, Germany, Brazil, Japan and the United States who dominated the first three or four World Cups, starting in 1991 in China.

They were great days, and I relish the memories of Linda Medalen of Norway and Michelle Akers of the U.S. and the others.

But it seems to me that many players today have physical and technical skills beyond that first wave. I watched Wéndèleine Thérèse Renard of France, the tallest player in this World Cup, at 6-foot-1, moving up from left back to flick in a header.

The common wisdom was that the loss to the U.S. should have been the final. Then came Tuesday’s match between England and the U.S., two tough teams, with good moves and nasty little tricks. That could have been a final, too.

England’s Ellen White, rangy and physical, scored a goal, had another disallowed, and then was whacked for a penalty kick, which a teammate took, a feeble effort, saved by Naeher, diving the right way.

When last seen, White was teary-eyed but applauding the English fans in far corners of the Stade de Lyon – a warrior, in the tradition of Linda Medalen, Oslo cop.

The U.S. team played well together, not seeming to miss its captain, who takes the free kicks and penalty kicks. The American players were excellent but the team cohesion was even better than the individuals.

Some male fans used to scoff at the heart and charisma of the female champs of the ‘90s, saying the women were too slow, too small, to even be compared to male World Cup level. But as my college-age grandson – a soccer maven – texted me the other day, “The women’s game is way closer to the men’s than many would give it credit for.”

This was apparent in Tuesday’s semifinal.
It is another age

(Tuesday's game blog and early story in NYT:)
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/02/sports/soccer/usa-vs-england-score.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage

(Below: my ode to Megan Rapinoe, who sat this one out, plus comments, including several by Alan Rubin, former college keeper, now a mentor to keepers. His insights into Naeher are valuable: )

Some athletes just get to you.
They blend physical ability and skill…and attitude.
We’ve all got our favorites.

I’ve been a fan of Megan Rapinoe since she materialized on the U.S. women’s soccer team in 2011, not quite a regular because of her quirkiness, which is part of her charm.

At first, I described her as a “loose cannon” and wondered why the Swedish-born U.S. coach, Pia Sundhage, stayed with her. A reader emailed me to describe her as “a wood elf.” That, too. I could not take my eyes off her because…you never knew.

Then, in a quarterfinal against Brazil, trailing in the 122nd minute, Rapinoe unleashed a laser directly to the hard head of Abby Wambach, for the tying goal that helped send the U.S. to the finals against Japan (which they would lose.)

By now, it was clear, to Sundhage (herself a piece of work), to the U.S. players, to fans, and to me, that Rapinoe was one of those players you had to watch, even when she was acting impetuously, making a bad pass or an unnecessary dribble, because….you never knew.

These days, Rapinoe is the captain of the U.S. with hair dyed the color of pink Champagne, the captain who does not put her hand over her heart or sing the National Anthem as a gesture to many causes. She has attracted the criticism of the American president who shrinks and titters in the presence of the menacing Putin. Tough guy.

The criticism doesn’t seem to bother Rapinoe, although she can be thrown off her game. I was watching her during the round-of-16 match against Spain last week. She converted an early penalty kick and then she kept trying to crack the Spanish right back, Marta Corredera, a 27-year-old pro who was having none of it.

Corredera jostled Rapinoe time after time, and Rapinoe kept trying, while the rest of the U.S. offense went dormant. The U.S. captain had, to use a technical soccer term, lost her mind.

It got so bad that when Corredera stopped her yet again, Rapinoe lost her balance and her hand just happened to smack Corredera across the face, purely an accident, you understand, but the ref gave her a yellow card just the same, meaning Rapinoe now had to be cautious for the rest of the match, and beyond.

It shook Rapinoe so much that she converted another penalty kick late in the match to nail it down. (Alex Morgan had been in position to take the PK but the captain took it, after a pause for a video review.)

Then on Friday, Rapinoe whacked a free kick, a grass-skimmer through the legs of the sturdy French defense and under the hands of the keeper for yet another early U.S. goal. Then she ran to an American section and saluted the fans with both hands in operatic fashion, like a Roman warrior home from the front.

Late in the game she made an enlightened run from the left as the lethal Tobin Heath (a great dribbler and one of the most undersung U.S. players) fired the ball across the middle and Rapinoe drilled another goal.

So that’s why I love to watch Megan Rapinoe. Her gracefulness reminds me of the late Jana Novotna, a ballerina masquerading as a tennis player. And her fire and intelligence and skill remind me of Martina Navratilova, who has become one of the great voices in sport, and beyond.

On Tuesday at 3 PM, the U.S. plays England in a semifinal. I’ll be watching Megan Rapinoe, roaming the left side, looking for her chance.
* * *
My NYT blog on Rapinoe’s game-saving pass in 2011:
https://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/11/one-play-erases-doubts-about-a-coach/?searchResultPosition=2

More on Sundhage/Rapinoe:
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/10/sports/soccer/for-pia-sundhage-swedens-itinerant-coach-its-old-home-week.html?searchResultPosition=7

2019: Rapinoe attracts Trump's flighty attention:
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/27/sports/megan-rapinoe-trump-world-cup.htm

Hansen Alexander

6/29/2019 11:58:42 am

Bravo George, Bravo,

As a sometime soccer fan, but full time writing fan, there is little that pleases me more than you writing about soccer. I don't read Spanish, so if Marquez were still alive perhaps he could point to a Columbian or Mexican or Spanish or Brazilian sportswriter who was better than you, but he's dead, so you have no competition.

Your paragraphs write themselves when discussing this sport, and this rift on Rapinoe was like listening to the best Beatles songs, incomparable pleasure.

Your honesty in doubting her yet your instincts in being patient with her because you sensed she had "it,' is a compelling and powerful observation.

Her big game genius was illustrated by you in expert fashion.

And yet my points do no justice to your melodic writing here and the absolute pleasure it invokes. Writing, to me, is ultimately, abut writing. And there is no better example of your skill as a writer as this rift.

Thank you so much for allowing me to reads it.

Your friend,
Hansen

George

6/29/2019 12:12:29 pm

Hansen: thanks so much. I knew there was a reason i had to sit down and type this morning.
Made my day. GV

George Vecsey

6/29/2019 12:19:31 pm

Hansen: This is blogging,
"Soccer in Sun and Shadow," by Eduardo Galeano. (Translated by Mark Fried) is literature.
Verdad.
GV

Laura Vecsey

6/29/2019 12:23:05 pm

Great piece on a truly special athlete!

GV.

6/29/2019 12:57:54 pm

Laura: Thanks, you covered 2015 in Canada. Can you imagine being in Parc des Princes yesterday?
Pop!!!

Lee Lowenfish link

6/29/2019 02:16:53 pm

I appreciate Tobin Heath too. Like to think she is a descendant of former quarterback Tobin Rote and MLB players Jeff Heath and Mike Heath. I may watch Tuesday's game at Foley's bar near Empire State Building. Crowds are picking up, proprietor Shaun Clancy tells me. We will really be at a dawn of lasting change when these great women athletes are fully appreciated for their skills and passions.

Georgeo

6/29/2019 02:43:34 pm

Lee: wow, coming from a baseball maven like you, that is impressive. So many respected. BB colleagues watch a 40 yard run and a bullet shot and a goalie tipped save and whine, “but nothing happened. Nobody scored!” The women’s sport evolves 96-99 era may look like model-T Ford. YIBF GV

Alan Rubin link

6/29/2019 05:38:53 pm

Hansen-It is encouraging for me to see George praised by a gifted writer like yourself. Thoughts are always very clear in my head, but it is a challenge for me to intelligently transfer them to print.

I became a fan of George’s writing after following his pre-1999 Women’s World Cup NYT’s articles. It was his always insightful studies of the people behind the scores that attracted me.

Lee-I wish that I could be with you at Foley’s on Tuesday. Josh and I enjoyed the opening game of the 2014 Men’s World Cup there with George and some of his Hofstra sports buddies. It turned out to be a relatively expensive event as George’s book “Eight World Cups” had just come out and I purchased a bunch of signed copies for my Berkshire friends and fellow soccer coaches, as well as Josh, my daughter Jen and myself.

Megan Rapino is a class act on a very special team. With all the pressure and intensity of the moment, she found the time to communicate with two members of the US House of Representatives.

Cheerfully, they have accepted an invitation to visit Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. in Washington, DC. Rep Ayanna Pressley, Rep. from Boston has also extended an invitation. As a former Manhattan resident who currently lives in Western, MA-I’m proud of them both.

Why does it seem in both sports and politics that the women are the class acts?

Thankfully, FIFA has dropped VAR concerning goalkeepers moving early on PK’s. The kicker has enough of an advantage, so they should not get an unnecessary second chance.

I thought that VAR might have called for a penalty on US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher when she appeared to hit a French player on a clearing punch.

After a rocky start, Alyssa has performed capably. It must not be helpful being compared to Hope Solo. Hope was special and Alyssa should be diminished by any comparison. She is big and tough.

I used to be involved with the now defunct woman’s professional team the Boston Breakers. My friend and I worked with the team’s management to help build their brand in Western, MA, which was a tough sell since it was a five hour round trip by car.

Alyssa was very accommodating. She would discuss her game that day and would always answer my email questions. We also had plans for team members to come to Berkshire County for training and educational sessions.

Unfortunately, the owners decided to dissolve the team and the NE Rev ownership, the Kraft’s, never offered any help.

There is something very special about women’s soccer, both watching the professional teams and coaching young goalkeepers.

Ed Martin

6/29/2019 10:44:42 pm

I stand. I clap. I say Bravo. Twice!

Once for GV’s aria.
Once for Megan and US Women’s Team.

Gene Palumbo

6/29/2019 09:58:41 pm

FYI: George has a fine piece in the N.Y. Times: "Gil Hodges and Tom Seaver: A Final Salute."
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/27/sports/baseball/gil-hodges-tom-seaver-mets.html

George Vecsey

6/30/2019 11:19:22 am

Alan, thanks for nice words, and even more for your insights into keepers. How cool that you know the US keeper in this WWC, and that you have had an insight into her heart. She is clearly a competitor and teammate. JP has noted a few lapses on her part -- position, reaction, slowness, etc. Then again, we all see the same from the best male keepers -- Buffon, Cech, Schmeichel, Zenga, and our good ones. Please keep up your critique. GV

Alan Rubin link

7/1/2019 05:44:54 pm

This has been an interesting World Cup in many ways, particularly with the use of VAR. I am not generally a fan of VAR, particularly on how it was used on PK’s.

I gained considerable knowledge of and respect for refereeing from a professional referee who taught a session in one of my OLLI adult education courses several years back. In only an hour and a half, I came to realize that they are the third team on the field and equally important.

Now, in addition to critiquing the goalkeepers, I evaluate whether the refs controlled the game properly.

I would love to be a fly on the ear piece of the referee. They are continually warning players so that unless it is a flagrant foul, they have usually been warned before getting a yellow.

Once a yellow has been given, the second yellow infraction must be of red card merit on its own.

The refs are also aware of where the foul has occurred. If it near the team’s bench, they will usually try to move the players further from the side line before awarding a foul. Crowd control is part of their tool box.

The refs have a good sense of the field action and their assistants give them feedback on what is happening behind them. The VAR is most helpful on evaluating the offside. The action is too fast for one person to take it in. This allows the play to continue and the play can be called back if necessary.

Goalkeepers are most vulnerable when they are on the move. That is why crosses and reversing the attack to the other side are so dangerous. The keeper always wants to be in a set position just as the shot is being taken. If possible, they will “steal a yard” if they can when the attacker lowers their head when shooting. This shortens the angle and alters the players mental calculation.

Another headache for the keeper is a forest of players in front of them. They often are not in the position that they want to be, but they need to see the ball. Keepers at every level spend hours in practice sessions picking the ball up late. Much of it is having their back to the ball and turning on command. As they become more adept, the distance (reaction time) is shortened.

Most goalkeeper mistakes, except for the obvious physical blunders, are in decision making, where to be placed and when to move? Once these split-second decisions have been made—it is all instinct.

Tim Howard’s fantastic game against Belgium is always legend in the annals of goalkeeping. What is not usually mentioned is how perfect his positioning was. Of his eleven saves, he was far out from his line when the shot was taken. Knowing when to move and where to be was the genius of his performance. Even way out, many were fingertip saves.

I hope that this was not too wordy a response to your request for goalkeeper commentary. Actually, I made every effort to keep it short, but goalkeepers seem to have more time to evaluate the play.

On a final note, keepers never take their eye off the ball regardless of where it is. Breakaways can develop quickly, often with the opposing keepers out pass.

George Vecsey

7/1/2019 09:26:22 pm

Alan, just caught up with this.
Tim Howard started one of the greatest US goals, vs. Algeria in 2010, with a heaved pass upfield. I wrote my whole column on those players and where they upgraded their games overseas.
You raise an interesting point: the keeper is facing the entire field. Does a keeper have a better feel for the game than the field players, who are darting around, often without an eye on the ball, moving to position, etc?
And my second question is, do keepers constitute any kind of statistical bulge of managers, or are they typecast as keeper coaches? Bruce Arena was a keeper (with one cap.) There must be others in men's and women's soccer. Over to you, Mr. Keeper.,
GV

Ed Martin

7/2/2019 03:55:54 pm

Alan, great post, hard to believe someone so bright and articulate went to Lehigh.

Ps to the anonymous troll re Megan. Hiding your name proves who the moron is.

Alan Rubin link

7/2/2019 10:47:07 am

George, keepers definitely have a better feel for the game since they only have to focus on what is happening in front of them. Field players need to simultaneously process many variables. Where to pass? Continue towards the goal or pass to a teammate who might be better positioned to score? Pass back to regroup? And so many more variables.

Also, they are doing this while on the move and with a limited vision of the field. That being said, they perform well a significant amount of the time. Of course there is a high rate of turnovers, but soccer is a game that is fifty percent chance and fifty percent skill.

I marvel at their ability to accurately drop long passes to where their teammates are or will be.

Although keepers handle the ball about twenty percent of the time, they are continually busy during the other eighty percent. They are the true captain of their team, whether designated or not. They can sense weaknesses in an opponent’s defense and align their own defenses according to the situation.

Former keepers, as with baseball catchers, do tend to be good managers. You mentioned Bruce Arena. The best example that I know of was the late Tony DiCicco.

In addition to having been a great manager, Tony was the finest goalkeeper coach that I have known. He had a combination of warmth and insight that raised players to a higher level. Other than the level of intensity, he treated all the keepers that he trained the same regardless of age or skill level.

I took my NSCAA Level I goalkeeper coaches certificate with Tony. He used local high school players to demonstrate the various skill sessions, I learned much about how he related to the young keepers. He never said that anything was done wrong, only about how it could have been done better. This is where I learned how much a young keeper could improve in only one hour.

Within minutes, he was calling each keeper by name.

When one keeper did something totally different from the skill being taught, Tony said with a big smile,” that was very creative”.

Deb Raber is another nationally ranked keeper coach. She served on NSCAA’s goalkeeper board with Tony and mirrored his values.

Deb is the head of the women’s soccer program at MCLA in North Adams, MA. I took my NSCAA Level III Goalkeepers Certificate with her.

Deb’s MCLA teams have both won championships and had disastrous seasons. However, her players develop life long skills that will serve them well.

Much of his greatness as a coach is evident in his book, “Catch Them Being Good: Everything You Need to Know About Coaching Girls”.

There was an article about Alyssa Naeher in today’s SAoccerAmerica that is of interest.

https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/82838/uswnt-keeper-alyssa-naeher-the-quiet-american-wit.html?edition=21764

Enjoy today's game against England.

George Vecsey

7/2/2019 02:16:53 pm

Alan, duh, of course, Tony DiCicco.
Tony was the perfect example -- and he loved coaching women because they listened (well, most of them) and because they took care of their own locker room. And they played hard and well -- an epic team. Thanks. GV

Fedupwithmorons d

7/2/2019 02:34:57 pm

Megan Rapinoe is a disgrace. How dare someone use the paid platform they have to play sports to push personal agendas. Your opinion and belief is not our problem when you are paid to play sports. We don't care. Just play the sport. Don't abuse your position to push a personal belief as if you're right and everyone is wrong. How incredibly ARROGANT. Where's YOUR tolerance? Not everyone believes what YOU believe, okay? Is that ok with you, you arrogant selfish freaks? As if only YOUR belief is the right one. My God you people are nuts.

George Vecsey

7/2/2019 10:02:23 pm

Dear Fedup: I value your opinion and appreciate your writing to the site. I would add that Rapinoe is out front with her opinion, and her name. Would you consider using your name next time? I think Rapinoe has the right to express her opinion, and you surely do, also. GV

bruce

7/4/2019 01:58:44 am

rapinoe is protesting in a non violent way. your screed is, to say the least, over the top.

you should save it for trump's vomiting nonsense about her. my god, the guy doesn't seem to know the words to anything performed at sporting events.

and, from a completely non american point of view, many americans should lighten up about the star spangled banner.

or is putting an american flag on your lapel the ultimate sign of loving your country?

i'm canadian. i don't sing the national anthem at sporting events.it's only been in recent years that it's been possible to even hear it from the multitudes.

finally, why is it performed at sporting events? ww1&2 are long over.

Alan Rubin link

7/2/2019 06:19:04 pm

Ed-thanks for your kind words. As for going to Lehigh, their standards must have been lower then.

Good game today. I watched in a bar with two friends, one being a former high school referee. I agree with his assessment that the VAR is being used for too many obvious calls, there for wasting time and slowing things down.

Alyssa Naeher had a very strong game. It was a difficult shot that she tipped away, but the PK was classic good judgement. Many keepers anticipate and commit to a side early. She reacted to the shot, which I believe results in more saves. Also, the former referee did not feel that a PK was justified.

Also, he was surprised that the English player was given a second yellow. Unless she had been repeatedly warned, a second yellow should be red card worthy on its own. Possibly, she could have forgotten that the first yellow was given since it was very early in the game.

Lots of action.

Ed Martin

7/3/2019 05:15:14 pm

I saw a lot of pushing, grabbing mostly from England, finally resulting in the red card. Was the ref letting more fouling without calls than usual? PS I spotted the offside by a half step or so. Glad she caught that on replay, so this is not a prolonged rant.

bruce

7/4/2019 12:46:35 pm

ed,

interesting.

the americans are a great team, but I was put off--as many were--by the over the top celebrating during the 13-0 slaughter.

I also they're diving too much.

bruce.

bruce

7/4/2019 12:57:22 pm

oops....i also THINK they.....i seem to have an ongoing epidemic, as i age, of leaving words out of sentences.

and on re-reading this post, i realized i left 'have' out before catching it.

Michael

7/3/2019 12:20:43 pm

That was indeed a high quality match. I found myself hoping England would force extra time (but still wanted USA to prevail). I should also add that the Brazil v Argentina Copa America semi-final was high quality as well....

Altenir Silva

7/3/2019 02:53:30 pm

Dear George:
Great piece again. And congratulations to the American women's team. The American team plays like the old Brazilian men's team. It's beautiful to watch.
Best. Altenir

Alan Rubin link

7/4/2019 11:40:00 am

Altenir--My favorite team to watch back in the late 1950's and early 1960's was Santos with its young star Pele. He was about eighteen when I first saw him and his play was very little diminished years later with the NY Cosmos.

He scored with what became one of his trademarks, the siccor kick, at a game against Bromley at Yankee Stadium. With is back to the goal and beyond the 18, he flipped upside down and scored. It took a few moments before the crowd realized that he had scored.

I was fortunate to have been sitting low down and close behind the goal.

He had a terrific sense of the field and made things happen even when off the ball.

Pele rates Gordon Banks’ WC save on his header one of the best ever. Till this day, he still does not know how Banks stopped it.

Every young goalkeeper of my time dreamed of making such a save.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngE9RCAdWaE

I do not compare stars from different generations as there are so many variables, but to me there was only one Pele.

George Vecsey

7/4/2019 12:31:31 pm

I've heard that about Pele and Banks' stop.
My question for Altenir is: what was the best Brazilian team? I'm sure with Pele and mates.
Best soccer team I have ever seen did not win the World Cup.
1982: newly arrived in Barcelona, I saw Italy upset Brazil with Socrates and Falcao, .....I did not know the ball could move around like that.. But a few defensive blunders....and Italy went on a roll.
I still believe that Brazil was the best. (Of course, my first world cup made me at Italy fan forever.)
This US women's team could be the best ever. Carli Lloyd as the backup? Christen Press off the bench? Extra midfielders? TBC,
GV

Alan Rubin link

7/4/2019 01:44:03 pm

I began following the USWNT during the 1999 WWC, so I cannot comment on anything prior to then.

The final against Chine with Brandi Chastin’s winning kick has been immortalized, but I remember evidence of the team’s collective character by two incidents that occurred in their first knockout game which was against Germany.

The ultimate hero Chastin scored an own-goal at about five minutes. Michelle Akers quickly came over, put her arm of Branti’s shoulder and said, “There are eighty five minutes left and we need you”.

Down 1-0, a second half sub scored in the early minutes. Someone else later scored the winner.

In the typical male sportswriter fashion of the time, the sub was asked after the game if she was disappointed in not having started. Her response epitomized the continuing ethic of USWNT’s teams, “We are all part of the team and we do our job when called upon”.

Bruce—I agree that patriotism is not something that should be measured by a lapel button or continual pronouncements. It is what one quietly does daily to help others is what defines us as a nation.

This model might be under attack right now, but it is much too ingrained in our character not to prevail.

As for forgetting things. It is a concern for all of us old-timers. Just be pleased that you are still able to realize that you made a mistake.

Eh, if it is a correct expression to use here.

Altenir Silva

7/4/2019 01:49:01 pm

Dear Alan,
Very nice to know that you watched one Pelé game. I never saw one. Just on television And what we have seen was a completed player. You're right. Pelé is the only. He kicked with both legs; scored with head in a perfect way; he had a vision of the game, like a sniper. I like more of Garrincha. He was more of a showman than an athlete. When you can, check it out here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7H2rf87S2uo
Best. A

Dear George:
The best team, in my opinion, was the 1962 World Champion. And without Pelé, but with Mané Garrincha - the best moment of his life. And I agree with you, the 1982 team was unbelievable.
Best A

Happy 4th July to you all.

bruce

7/4/2019 02:03:30 am

george,

good piece.

per usual.

the only thing americans should think about rapinoe is: thank god we have her and my god she came thru in the clutch.

twice

happy birthday george.

you're a credit to your profession--and your country

bruce

Alan Rubin link

7/4/2019 02:04:59 pm

Altenir--Great video. Fantastic footwork.

Tom Byer, who during his extensive coaching career, helped develop a youth program.

He advocated leaving very small balls around the house for toddlers to play with at an early age, as long as the mother allowed it. His theory was they they should develop a feel for the ball even before they begin to play soccer.

This is basically that essence of how all the great South American players started.

bruce

7/4/2019 02:33:32 pm

alan,

when I was a kid, I was born in 1950, my father bought season's tickets to Hamilton tiger cat games; they were in the CFL.

when the anthem was played before the game, you'd barely hear a word.

people seemed embarrassed to sing it.

it's belted out more these days.

I suspect its been pushed by all the media hype we have now compared to the not always good old days.

incidentally, the grey cup awarded to the CFL champion, has been awarded since 1909. only missed a few years because of war and the flu pandemic in 1919.

first ever recognized game was played between McGill in montreal atHarvard.150 years ago.

Harvard won 6-3. Canadians complained the field was about as big as a postage stamp. couldn't move.

enjoy your day and get your pompoms out for the speech by the greatest potus since the 1400s or at least that's what they've been telling the monster in chief.

bruce

ps-i'm going to watch just to see how often he mentions all the conspiracies and him and usa--one and the same, of course.

Joel Gardner

7/4/2019 07:12:45 pm

The greatest Brazilian team I've ever seen--only on TV, of course--was the 1970 team. Yes, Banks made that save, but the Brazilians still won that group game. And yes, Banks contracted a stomach issue that kept him out of the match against Germany, so that the English lost a 2-1 lead.

But that Brazilian team! Pele, Jairzinho, Tostao, Rivelino all attacking the goal. Gerson commanding the midfield, Everaldo and Carlos Alberto anchoring the defense. This was before the Brazilians dispersed to Europe, and so they had more opportunity to play together as they developed the beautiful game.

I can still picture the speed and the enthusiasm with which they played the game. I'd already gotten hooked on futbol by then, and I've never lost my enthusiasm.

Ed Martin

7/5/2019 03:24:36 pm

Light Bulb just clicked on!

Saw Pele play for the Cosmos against Greece in NJ, (Giants Stadium, then?). The crowd was overwhelming fans of the Greek National team, screaming “Hellas! Hellas!” Bigest crowd for a soccer game I ever imagined. Who won? It was so long ago, I forget, it was just after General Washington flew back to Teterboro after the Battle of Bunker Hill!

bruce

7/5/2019 03:30:27 pm

ed,

if memory serves it was the 707s first revenue flight.

that's what people are saying.

bruce

Altenir Silva

7/7/2019 01:36:25 pm

Congratulations on the excellent soccer being played for the American Women's Team. They deserved this championship.
Best to you all,
Altenir

bruce

7/7/2019 05:55:47 pm

george,

title !X was came about during that great american's truncated presidency...mr trick e dixon.

shoulda give him a shout out. whatever happened to that guy?

hmmm. now that i think about it....i think the haters got him.

i have no clue what other countries do but i have a philosophical problem with the american system of letting stoo dent ath a leets into university when, more than occasionally, they don't have the academic qualifications.

especially in the big revenue sports. not sure of those that are less so.

after saying that, the usa was full value for their win.

they mostly seemed a step faster and more precise than the opposition.

loved that rapinoe won the golden boot after the trump nonsense.

as mentioned, morgan's a terrific player but 'embellishes' too much.

it will be interesting to see if the other countries can close the gap in the next four years.

as for the american men, i wouldn't be holding my breath waiting for them to be in the world cup final.

i can't see germany, brazil and a bunch of others, except england perhaps, being eliminated by losing to T&T.

almost as bad as losing to canada..

John

7/8/2019 11:38:27 am

Sorry not to see Horan play in the Final. She is a player with vision and skill. She reminds me of Andrea Pirlo. Also, I can’t help wondering if there aren’t some talented female Hispanic players out there who might be useful to this team. Is the Federation and the coaching staff actively looking for them or trying to develop them? Or just looking at college players?

Alan Rubin link

7/8/2019 01:21:10 pm

John-you have touched upon a very important issue. Many of the soccer establishment look at things thru the lens of the USMNT’s failures and want to improve what exists.

Fortunately, wiser heads, including the USC (United Soccer Coaches) are pushing to expand their training in minority and undeserved communities. The women’s USWNT, as George so correctly applauded in this topic, has been doing things right for years.

The excitement and joy of the young girls that I saw when I attended some of the Boston Breakers games was greater than anything I had observed at most NE Rev games.

The USC, as well as other youth soccer organizations, are taking notice of minority and inner-city demographics.

I am working with three recent Williams College graduates who have started an organization in Pittsfield (Berkshire County, MA) to address just such a need.

www.yesforchange.org

Colleges are a good path for many very talented players, but not everyone can afford college or even should go. For many youngsters, their career paths are more vocational.

I believe that the growth of such grassroots organizations are the future of U.S. soccer.

It is important to keep in mind, the primary goal of youth coaches, regardless of their sport, is to help the youngster to be the best person that they can be and to enjoy themselves.

John Jeansonne link

7/8/2019 02:48:36 pm

George,
As usual, you have hit the nail on the head. I remember talking to several members to the dominant U.S. teams of the 1990s, and them informing me the edge the American women had on the rest of the world because of Title IX and (relatively) progressive American attitudes toward women in sports. The same sort of thing that made the U.S. an Olympic power in softball around that time.
By the way: Happy Birthday.
Cheers,
John

Ed Martin link

7/8/2019 07:34:45 pm

Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 is a federal law that states: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."

Just a footnote. Title IX, a part of the Civil Rights Act was a legacy of the 60’s high valuing of Civil Rights, LBJ securing it passage as a kind of legacy to JFK and in partnership with MLK. The next year, 1965, he pushed through, with a Democratic Congressional Majority in both Houses, the Voting Rights Act, changing, the United States forever.

Building on that spirit, in 1966-67 we were able to get the first Education of the Handicapped Act passed, a small, but significant beginning of change affecting more than 6 million children today.

In 1973, section 503-504 of the Rehabitation Act, created for people with disabilities the kind of protections afforded by Title IX.

In 1975, The Education of All Handicapped Children Act, required States receiving its funding to guarantee education for every handicapped child.

This string of Civil Rights Laws was an outgrowth of LBJ’s leadership vision and a Democratic Congress.

How far backward we are heading is painful, but I believe we will prevail.

George Vecsey

7/9/2019 09:27:23 am

Altenir: muito obrigado.
John: The depth of that squad, when Horan sits the final.
Alan: My late doctor (former captain of Guatemala and pro in Mexico during med school) used to say he could drive out the LI Expressway on Sunday and find Latino club players who were better than national-team players (men, I mean.) But the skill and love of the game do not get translated into large numbers of Latinos in men or women development programs. Que lastima!
John J: Some of the most memorable athletes I have ever met were through Olympics: Flo Hyman in volleyball, Jessica Mendoza softball, so many basketball and soccer players. You did great work when Newsday covered international sports.
Ed: speaking of great work, thank you for your efforts in DC...and Long Island, through the Viscardi Center, which has helped so many thousands of people, And Peggy, who helped them phase into jobs.
Bruce: It's true, Nixon, for all his bigotry and paranoia and criminality, was a better president than this guy. By far.
Thank you-all for your comments. GV

John McDermott

7/9/2019 09:30:59 am

Title IX has had an enormous positive impact. But there have sometimes been unintended negative consquences. Surely it was never anyone’s intention to create opportunities for some by taking them away from others. But thanks to schools shielding their big football programs by killing off other mens’ teams like wrestling, volleyball, gymnastics, even baseball and track and field, to achieve Title IX compliance. The ultimate sad irony was seeing a number of successful mens’ soccer programs either downgraded or disestablished as women’s soccer programs were being generously funded. I don’t blame Title IX, though perhaps it could have been more carefully crafted. I blame the football-NCAA-TV network industrial complex.

George

7/9/2019 12:07:18 pm

John: quite right. Colleges must have American Football....or else. The top TV universities do help pay for women’s sports, but at what cost?
My alma mater, Hofstra, gave up FB a decade ago. Students were watching top 10 in their dorms.
You’re right about wrestling — great sport. Saw a lot of it in college.
Top GPA cumulative for men’s sports?
Soccer. (Foreign students, many of them, not top prospects but getting educated, which Europe pros do not.
A few, Kompany, Cech, your pal Roby, learn stuff.
A presto, GV

ED Martin

7/9/2019 04:51:17 pm

John, not to be contrary, although I sometimes am, I wanted to reply. The drafting of Title IX was not faulty, the Universities’ response was.
Let me mention some parallels. When children with disabilities were excluded from schools and the law changed, people argued that educating such children would take away funds needed by non-disabled children. In a decision called “Waddy” for short, the Judge ruled correctly, I believe, “no government ever has enough money to do all it needs to do. The test is to share those resources equitably.

In the 60’s as racial segregation ended, providing school books, trained teachers, libraries, etc. “cost money” that required similar sharing of resources.

Even the NYT, no blame for GV, editorialized that the federal law on disability was costing NY State money, the feds should have paid for.

I wrote, published, that there argument was faulty, NY had a law requiring education, but by ignoring it, was part of the need for a national law. By the way, the law did not mandate special education, that would have been a Power not delegated to the national government, education is one of those “silences” in the Constitution.
However the 14th Amendment requires equal treatment under the law, as the Courts” decision stated.

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U.S. Women Rule Soccer; U.S. Men, Not Yet

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