Equal Pay Day // Seattle Reign vs UCLA Preseason Match

It’s not everyday that you get to see your favorite NWSL team from Seattle play in Southern California. Actually, it’s extremely rare because Seattle Reign basically travels all over the country except Southern California since we don’t have a NWSL team. Anyways, last month I wrote an article on VAVEL USA about the release of Seattle Reign’s preseason matches in which one of them was going to take place in Norco, CA. I was beyond stoked and instantly made plans to be there.

So yesterday my parents and I went to the game and showed up two hours early because that’s what you do when the game is free and everyone and their mother (literally, there were way too many club teams there so a bunch of kids actually were with their mom’s) plans to attend. I got to see the Reign warm up as I was ostanding on the same turf as them. It would definitely be an understatement to say that I was beyond excited and shocked to finally see them in person. I’ve never attended an NWSL game, have never followed through an NWSL season, so this game was one full of firsts. Not to mention, I would have the pleasure to finally meet Beverly Yanez, who inspired me as a writer and a fan to learn more about the NWSL.

Game Time

Almost everyone in the crowd was cheering for UCLA to win. So all of those people were already in for a disappointment since I knew the Reign was going to dominate. It was an exciting match as the Reign scored, then UCLA, then the Reign, then UCLA, and then the Reign. That’s basically how the just of it went and I could go into details, but that would be awhile and honestly, I’m writing this because not many people can understand my excitement, but for those (or if any, really) reading this do, well props to you! Anyways, the match wasn’t a disappointment. UCLA put up a strong fight, they came to compete, but the Reign came to conquer. 

This match wasn’t a season game, but it definitely was a foundational game to build off of with many strong tactics and numerous potiential plays for the Reign’s 2017 NWSL success. So we’re basically going to fast forward to the end of the match. Seattle Reign won 3-2 and their last goal was a free kick that was shot at the mid left side of the net.

UCLA (left) and Seattle Reign before the match.

Equal Pay Day

It just so happened that my first NWSL match took place on Equal Pay Day, which I will get back to in a moment. Being at the game was a new experience compared to seeing it through the screen of my phone and hoping that it doesn’t die since I never charge it. Witnessing the game live felt almost unreal as I’ve seen these players pictures on Instagram and view their thoughts and conversations that they post on Twitter. After the game I was able to talk to Bev Yanez and I completely blanked out on everything I wanted to say because when you finally see the people you look up to and are passionate to write about so you can put them on display for all of their dedication in the league, it’s a moment where you come to reality that these players are also people. They’re not just someone that you trade in the league because you need to cut down on your roster. They’re not just players who travel all over the country to play 90 plus minutes of the game. They’re real life people who are dedicated, who spend long hours practicing, who take ice baths so their legs won’t feel as lose as gelatin, who depart from their families to travel worldwide to be able to compete doing what they love. Those are the people that make up Seattle Reign and the NWSL. Those are the people whose talent and skill is undermined because too many people have the misconception that men can play soccer better than women and so therefore because women aren’t as “good” or qualified, they are paid less. That definitely isn’t the case as women have much talent that the world doesn’t get to witness or appreciate because they’re too blinded that women are on the field and not men. Equality in pay for women is a change that I hope can take place in the near future not just because I’m a passionate writer for women’s soccer, but because the women in soccer are worth it and deserve the same rights that the men receive. 

The 2014 and 2015 top scorer for the Reign, Beverly Yanez.

Let It Reign

As I left the game I was in awe…and also slightly hungry to be honest, which called for an adventure to In-N-Out. Since I was in awe and too lazy to get out of the car to eat my meal inside, my family went through the drive thru. As we pulled out, we noticed a group of people who were wearing neon greenish shorts and that’s when it clicked…it wasn’t just a group of people, it was head coach and general manager Laura Harvey of Seattle Reign and players that were with her. I once again became extremely nervous and frantically yelled “Let It Reign!!!” out of the window only to find blank faces staring at me in shock. Then after a moment they cheered in excitement and went inside. Basically, I could’ve had In-N-Out with Laura Harvey and the team had I not wanted to smell like cheeseburgers at 10:30pm. So whenever you go to In-N-Outt, be sure to go inside because you could miss out on a whole lot. Besides that, the 2017 NWSL season starts next Saturday and I’m honored and excited to be able to watch these games and document the losses and success that contribute to a new era oof the NWSL.

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Thoughts on the SheBelieves Outcome With A Mix of International Women’s Day

While many USWNT fans were intently watching the final match of the SheBelieves Cup yesterday against France, many today are celebrating International Women’s Day across the world. There have been numerous tweets, posts, and thoughts about the outcome of yesterday’s match and how the US lost in the Championship game 3-0 in a tournament that they created. Looking at the tournament overall, it’s pretty ridiculous that the US had a negative amount of points in the tournament and came out on the bottom, once again. As frustrating as the results of the Olympics were in not even getting a medal, this six match tournament was another disappointing outcome.

Somehow Jill Ellis Is Still Employed by US Soccer

It’s no surprise that head coach Jill Ellis either needs regroup since the 3 back definitely isn’t a hit and is extremely unsuccessful. Among all of the numerous players in the NWSL, Ellis chose defender Allie Long as the center back and gave her the position to be the core of the defense. In my opinion, Becky Sauerbrunn, who is one of the best centerbacks in women’s soccer, should keep her position rather than being played as an outside back. Long has experience and potiential, but not to play a position where there iis room for her elsewhere in an attacking midfield or outside defender. 

With the US defense, players like Julie Johnston and Ali Krieger are being benched when they along with Sauerbrunn at the center back create a solid backline for the US. There are many different factors as to why we were scored on, but the defense is an essential aspect to a team’s success. Without a strong defense, anyone can easily outrun them with their plays and strategies.

     

The USWNT lineup for their final match against France. Source: US Soccer

Finding A Balamce between NWSL Players and Former US Veterans 

The US haven’t played as a team since last November. So coming into this tournament, it’s expected to be a rocky start. Not only has it been an overdue amount of time since the players have come together, but now Ellis is adding new NWSL players into the mix, which changes the game completely. Veterans such as Sydney Leroux, Meghan Klingenberg, and Megan Rapinoe weren’t listed on the roster for various reasons, which gives Ellis an opportunity to bring in new starters amognst the roster. In this past game against France, five out of the eleven starters were new players from the NWSL. It isn’t a bad thing to take chances on new players, who have the potential and talent, but knowing how to have a strong formation and placing players who can fulfill that position in the best way possible too benefit the team is another strategy that Ellis isn’t wise in creating.

Players such as Rose Lavelle and Lynn Williams had many great performances, but the new NWSL players shouldn’t override US veterans, who have played together longer and know each other on the pitch well. Mixing new players and having a new formation doesn’t have much success as the US took last place in their tournament overall.

Lynn Williams (left) giving her all to gain possession of the ball. Source: US Soccer

Closing Thoughts About the USWNT

Although the result of the second annual SheBelieves Cup was different than expected, hopefully Ellis recognizes that a new strategy is needed ASAP. Despite this extreme loss and not getting paid for this game and others in the tournament,I still have hope for the USWNT. They are under appreciated and even if their coach doesn’t implement the right playing tactics in positioning her players, they still give 110% and fight through the loss to overcome a win or improve for the future.

While there are many negatives that are easily distinguishable from this tournament, there’s also much to look at in the talent of the players and what they have to offer for the future success to the UWSNT. In regards to today in expressing appreciating for women and what they do, the roles and inspiration that they play in the lives of each other, to fans, and to those that shaped them into the player that they are outweighs the outcome of a loss in a single tournament. Don’t get me wrong, I’m greatly disappointed that we didn’t achieve a Championship title on our home turf in America, but this loss is just the start to the success that is to come. Out of some of their greatest mistakes and losses lies the opportunity for much success to gain what they have their mind set on. Whether that’s achieving the 2019 World Cup, the next Olympic Games, or learning to strategize better to score more goals, it’s all a work in progress and the most beneficial thing we can do is give continual support just as they have done and impacted the lives of many despite their struggles of not getting an equal amount of income comprared to the men, or not getting put in when they should, or the countless injuries they suffer from. It’s part of the beautiful game and the reason why we still belive.

Thoughts on the NWSL College Draft Day

So Draft Day was actually like a month ago. January 13th was the day to be exact so almost a month ago. I wrote an article on VAVEL USA about the Washington Spirit’s Draft picks, but that’s a different topic. Anyways, I never really got to share my thoughts on that matter, hence why you’re reading this.

As the event took place in LA where the ten NWSL teams joined to pick new players from the list of 148 eligible College players that wanted to be in the league, only 40 of these players were chosen. Leaving 108 players devastated, but in pursuit to keep pushing forward towards their goals.

As I thought about ditching my classes that were of the first week of the Spring semester, I actually wish that I acted upon that thought. Although this is the first NWSL season I’ve followed, I came in about halfway and saw as well as documented many incidents that lead up to this day. One of my editors was also there and I had hoped to go to meet up with her. Well, instead I went to class and as I had a three hour break, thank God that the Draft took place when I didn’t have class. So I put my frozen pepperoni pizza in the oven then sat at the dining room table with my iPad streaming the event via YouTube and had a pad of yellow office paper with numerous colored pens. This was about to get serious. I pulled up the Player List and the list that contained the order of the Draft to see what teams were up to pick.

The Basics

The Draft has a total of four rounds. Within those four rounds, there are ten picks. When a team has a pick, they have five minutes to make their decision before their turn is up. When a team has a pick, they can either make a deal with another team to trade by giving them that certain pick in the draft in return for a their pick within another round or for in the upcoming 2018 Draft. Teams can also call time outs, which usually means they’re up to something, but other than that, that’s the basics of how the draft works. And trust me, it gets real intense.

Boston Breakers had the most picks, which was somewhat annoying because I low-key don’t really care for the Massachusetts club team, (sorry to all you Breakers fans) but I still cover their team content so I kinda have to like them. Anyways, they had the first pick in the round. And they chose Rose Lavelle, who is like now famous even though she hasn’t made her first cap. 

This is Rose Lavelle. I’m telling ya, she’s like already famous. And this also happens to be a photo from my site VAVEL because we’re supes (probably not that professional since I used the word supes instead of super) professional and had our own photographer there too.

Round One…not the bowling alley

The first round went fine. Almost too fine because it went so smooth. The second round is where things started poppin. Boston has the first pick again, but made a trade with the Chicago Red Stars. Then after that trade, they seemed to never end. There was two other trades.

There were lots of time outs in the third round and the fourth was pretty consistent with not much action as a lot of the top players were already chosen. 

Seattle Reign, which just so happens to be my favorite NWSL team, had three picks in total whereas Boston easily had six picks, but it seemed as if they had much more. The Orlando Pride also had two overall picks in the third and fourth round so they didn’t get many new faces on their team.

Although I’m not giving all the details because it seemed so long ago, the Draft overall was stressful, intense, but was extremely successful. It gave a chance for coaches to choose players that they think have the potential to work and flow well with their team and style of play. Each team is different. It’s kind of like a family. Each family is different and difficult because of how crazy things can get, but in the end , they’re a family. They’re not perfect, but they work with each other’s flaws and strive for improvement even this it can be difficult. So even though there’s ten different teams in the NWSL, they’re all a family. They all have the same mindset and purpose to strive at being the best possible player they can and that’s what matters.

To the 108 uncalled players:

Not that any of those players would probably read this, but if they did, well then so be it. So even if there is a College Draft Day and not everyone gets to hear their name called with their family cheering at the back of the room and a scarf with their team name isn’t presented around their neck, it doesn’t mean they’re not good enough as a player. That’s probably how some players felt, but isn’t doesn’t what it means. 

As a former soccer player it was inspiring to see so many young people who are passionate about a sport that I believe women are under appreciated in. To see coaches make certain decisions because they belive in the potential of the player and the skill and talent that they have to contribute to the team. I also think that at next year’s Draft that I will have the courage to ditch class if that’s what needs to happen in order to be present. Not only were the 10 NWSL coaches present, but so were some of the members from the USWNT such as Morgan Brian and head coach Jill Ellis. Like I could’ve been in their presence. COULD HAVE, but I wasn’t. So next year I plan to be there, not only for the first hand story articles, but to see the beginning of players who are going to create history by setting records for players to come.

Discovering the NWSL

It’s been seven months too long since I’ve lasted posted on here. So sorry to all of my two followers for the let down. Hopefully I can get better at this because much has happened in the soccer world that I haven’t really posted about. So let me fill you in.

First things first: One of the main reasons why I haven’t written on this site is because I’ve been writing with an online sports site called VAVEL USA. You should check them out and click on the link because well, basically because I just published my 60th article with them yesterday so that should be a good enough reason.

When this blog was in the works, I was mainly focused on the USWNT (United States Women’s National Team). I wanted it to also include stories about the NWSL and for those of who you don’t know what in the world that is, well it’s the National Women’s Soccer League. Basically the club team in America for the Women, which consists of ten different teams. It’s only been around for about five years so having 10 teams is pretty impressive. 

Anyways, I actually never really knew what the NWSL was until my mom nonchalantly told me that her co-workers daughter plays on Seattle Reign with Hope Solo. Like mother, why did you wait so long to tell me and then acted as if it wasn’t a huge deal because it definitely is. So in researching her daughter, (I promise I’m not weird) I found out that Beverly Yanez is like one of the top scorers in he NWSL. She’s like ridiculously amazing and my mom is friends with the woman that gave birth to her. She went to the local High School in my town and has even played international soccer. With Beverly as an inspiration and a source to connect to the soccer world, I definitely became a hardcore Seattle Reign fan. They are ranked like fifth in the league and have had many successful seasons.

One of my fav pics of Beverly Yanez (left) with the amazing U.S midfielder Megan Rapinoe (right) as they probably celebrate a goal made by Kim Little.

So with all that to say, that’s how I was introduced to the NWSL. I intended to post blogs about Seattle Reign on here, but I never made it that far. Mind you, the same week I was recruited to VAVEL, guess who wanted to read my blog?? That’s right, Beverly fricken Yanez. Like omg I thought I was in a dream. My mom gave her the link to my site and her mom personally texted me saying how they wanted to sit down together to read it. So the same week my dreams of writing for a sports site was at the peak of a new beginning, one of my favorite players in the NWSL read my blog and personally complimented my writing skill of how passionate I am about soccer and how she can see that through my writing. I may sound like a fan girl, but it was actually really encouraging. I’ve never met her, but my mom has…it’s not like I’m bitter or anything. I mean not only is she extremely incredible and talented, but she also plays with and against players from the USWNT and with NWSL players and teams that I love to write about. It’s like no big deal though. I’m also being extremely sarcastic because it totally is a big deal. Just before these things happened with Bev and VAVEL, I was thinking about deleting this account because no one other than my parents read my posts, and although I appreciated the support, it just felt lame to have my two only viewers be my parents.
The NWSL has opened up my eyes a lot to Soccer. I remember this summer when I wrote about my first article on a NWSL player, I was so nervous because I signed myself up to write for this story, but knew nothing about the player. In taking that risk, it allowed me to dig into Soccer and what I love. And a lot of players or events of the NWSL usually tie into the UWSNT somehow and it allows you to make these really cool connections with players, coaches, and teams. It’s weird to say, but sometimes I like writing about the NWSL more than the UWSNT, but don’t get me wrong, they’re both incredible.

I wasn’t entirely sure where I was going with this post, but that’s a tad of how I became exposed to the NWSL. Now how I got into the USWNT is another subject, but we’ll save that for another time. Until then, I hope to use this blog to post personal thoughts, opinions, and rants that I don’t post with my other site. So to whoever is out there, thanks for reading my thoughts and if you thought it was too long to read and skipped to the end, here’s to you.

USA vs Japan

If there’s any team that can even come minutely close to dominating the USWNT it would be Japan. In the 2011 World Cup, the USA faced Japan and lost in penalty kicks. (3-1) One year later in the 2012 Olympics, the USA then faced Japan once again in London. Carli Lloyd scored two goals in this match. As Japan also scored, it left fans all over the world nervously excited and anxious to see which team would win a match that would impact soccer history. Although the USWNT didn’t have the 2011 World Cup Champion title, they were now 2012 Olympic Champions. Last summer we saw the US and Japan face off for a third time in another competitive competition of the 2015 World Cup. With the heat on more than ever, the two teams had a rematch of the 2011 World Cup. In the third minute, USWNT player Carli Lloyd, made the first goal. Not only did she lead the American team to a great start, but she also had a hat trick and even scored from the half line. There’s no doubt that the USWNT deserved such a great win with the outcome being 5-2. 

     It’s been about eleven months since the two teams faced each other. With Japan having the 2011 World Cup title and the USA having the 2012 Olympic and 2015 World Cup title, who will have the 2016 Olympic title? 

     Be sure to tune into tonight’s game as the US and Japan face off once again in a friendly match at 6pm PST on Fox Sports 1. You won’t want to miss it!
Twitter: @_uswnttalk

National Pancake Day, National Women’s Day, or both??

     Today many people are celebrating a mixture of National Pancake Day and National Women’s Day….or quite possibly both. Truth be told, although I’m extremely grateful for pancakes, I am much more passionate about the achievements and inspiration that the USWNT brings to men and women across America. 

     Unfortunately, the women that play such significant roles in women’s sports, specifically in women’s soccer, are often looked down upon and are underestimated. I personally have so much more respect and admiration towards women whose lives are selflessly dedicated to playing the beautiful game of soccer rather than a group of men that are much concerned about being dramatic. I’m not saying that all men athlete’s are drama queens, but let’s face it, a majority of them can be. Within this last year, the USWNT has won a World Cup, has had a successful Victory Tour, has been dealing with a lawsuit, and are also fighting for equal rights of being able to play on real grass. With all of this going on and more, their strength and perseverance is not diminished or unending. Despite all of these issues, they’ve come out as a stronger and more diligent team. 
     Personally, the USWNT has inspired me in many positive ways, and if I were to even make an attempt to list them out, well let’s face it, this post would probably be ridiculously long. I’m extremely grateful for the impact that the USWNT has had on me as an athlete and as a writer pursuing to be a journalist for this amazing team one day. Their impact on the citizens of America has also brought so much unity and passion for this incredible game.

     With their recent victories competing against Ireland, Costa Rica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, Canada, England, and France, the USWNT continues to inspire and encourage young athletes all across America. No doubt what so ever that this group of women shouldn’t be recognized for their determination and strength. Cheers to the USWNT and all that is to come this summer in the Olympics!!

#USWNT #SheBelieves  #OneNationOneTeam

USA vs Costa Rica // Alex Morgan 12 second goal record

Yesterday, the USWNT played their first game in the Olympic Qualifier against Costa Rica. With eight USWNT players gone due to retirement, injury, and pregnancy, there were only 20 spots on the roster. The USWNT came out strong against Costa Rica. The US came out so strong that in the first TWELVE seconds of the game, Alex Morgan scored with an assist from Carli Lloyd. 
     Costa Rica was playing aggressive as they were desperate to score. In the seventh minute, Crystal Dunn went down just in front of the 18 yard line. She landed in the box and the referee saw it fit for a penalty kick. Lloyd took the kick and by no surprise, she scored. In the fourteenth minute, Crystal Dunn scored and the US was up 3-0.
     This game didn’t require much work from Hope Solo as the US has possession of the ball for majority of the time. When the ball did come to goalkeeper Hope Solo, she had amazing saves and made it look so easy! I agree with the commentator that said: “Hope makes it look so easy because she uses her feet so well!” 

      In the second half of the game, Coach Jill Ellis brought on Mallory Pugh, who is the youngest player to be on the USWNT. Christen Press also came on the field as well. Lloyd made a cross to Alex Morgan, who finished well by heading in the ball! In the last eight minutes of the game, Tobin Heath made a cross to the goal and thankfully Christen Press was there to receieve the ball and used the back of her foot to turn the ball in front of her and scored. The USWNT finished strong with a 5-0 lead and will play against Mexico next this coming Saturday at 4 pm.  

        

L I V E at USA vs Ireland // Alex Morgan’s 100th Cap & more

 
Yesterday, I had the privilage to attend the USWNT match against Ireland in San Diego.This was the first friendly before the the Olymic Qualifying begins in Feburary. Don’t get me wrong, it was an honor to be at such a phenomenal game, but there was a part of me that was somewhat empty. That emptiness came from knowing that Abby Wambach wouldn’t be subbed in the game, she wouldn’t take a PK and score, and she definitely wouldn’t be able to use that amazing end of hers. Other than remembering Abby, yesterday’s game was absolutely insane!! The starting line up of this game was definitely a bit different than the usual. The eleven starters consisted of: Hope Solo, Ali Krieger, Emily Sonnet, Whitney Engen, Meghan klingenberg, Samantha Lewis, Lindsey Horan, Carli Lloyd, Crystal Dunn, Tobin Heath, and Alex Morgan. Alex Morgan was also recognized as this game marked her 100th cap at age 26. In the first minute of the game, the US was already taking shots on Ireland, who came out stronger than expected. In the fifth minute, Alex Morgan crossed the ball to Carli Lloyd who finished the play as she scored on the right bottom corner of the goal. Then just fifteen minutes later, Tobin Heath crossed from the left side over to Alex Morgan, who made an attempt to head the ball in, but just didn’t get the ball in. Carli Lloyd then came from the rebound and headed the ball in the left top corner of the goal as she was face to face with another player. Lloyd was down for a bit as she collided with an Ireland defender who hit the right side of her jaw. Lloyd being the fearless player that she is, stepped off the field and soon returned. In the 27th minute, an Ireland defender made a pass too short for their goalie. Lloyd then saw the opprotunity as the goalie came out and she once again scored and accomplished another hat trick. Carli Lloyd makes hat tricks look so effortless, but being the determined player that she is, it’s her dedication that makes her the best. Mind you that a week ago, Lloyd was awarded the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award, which there is absolutely no doubt that she didn’t deserve such an honorable award. In the 44th minute, Alex Morgan was technically off sides as she was near the goal and just had to make a short pass in. Then in the 82nd minute, Christen Press made a cross to the middle and Mallory Pugh finished it with a header to the goal. This was Mallory Pugh’s first international goal and first cap of the USWNT. She is also the youngest player on the team. At age 17, Mallory Pugh definitely has an outstanding future and career ahead of her!

       The outcome of the game was more than incredible as the US dominated 5-0 against Ireland. Fans celebrated Alex Morgan’s 100th cap, Carlo Lloyd’s hat trick, and Mallory Pugh’s first goal during her first cap as a USWNT player. The USWNT will play their next match against Costa Rica tomorrow in Frisco, Texas. Be sure to tune in at 5:30 PST ; go USA!!!

For more exclusive videos and photos of the USWNT players be sure to follow @_uswnttalk on Twitter

  

  

USA vs Ireland Eve

The USWNT had one last practice today before tomorrow’s game against Ireland. This is the only friendly before Olympic Qualifying starts in Feburary. Honored to be able to attend tomorrow’s game at Qualcomm Stadium! Stay tuned for many pictures and posts to come!! Go USA! #SheBelieves #IBTWWW 

for more updates follow on Instagram & Twitter: @_uswnttalk 

    
 

Abby Wambach: A Legend To Be Remembered

Her teammates refer to her as the GOAT, others know her as Abby Wambach: the World’s Top Goal Scorer. Most don’t know that her full name is Mary Abigal Wambach. Today is such a bittersweet day for USWNT fans. Tonight, the two-time U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year award winner, top international goal scorer, 2012 FIFA World Player of the year, and according to Time Magazine, one of the 100 most influential people of the year, will bring her careeron the field to a close. This 35 year old world changer has scored 186 international goals, which is more than any man or woman has scored in soccer. In five games she has scored the most amount of five goals, and of course she has the record of the most yellow cards, totaling out to 27 cards. Tonight we will loose a legend on he field, but we will also continue to have such an incredible and postive supporter of Women’s soccer. Here’s to the GOAT and all of the sprints, extra hours of work-outs, ice baths, bloody injuries, tears, dedication, and your motivation to never give up. Thank you Abby for all that you have done for the USWNT! #IBTWWW #ThanksAbby #OnlyOneAbby