Americans Unite for Womens Soccer

First appeared on July 13th, 2011
in The Lebanon Reporter

Our teachers first taught us that we’re expected to do many things as Americans. It’s part of being who we are. Celebrating freedom, respecting our flag, paying taxes and carrying car insurance. That’s why as Americans we honor guys like Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry who, after being shot in Afghanistan, led his fellow soldiers to cover before picking up a live grenade to toss it back to the enemy. For his bravery, President Obama awarded Sergeant Petry the Medal of Honor this week.
As Americans we are obligated to eat hot dogs and apple pie drenched in syrup and ice cream while complaining why public education can’t do more to stop obesity. We are also expected to get teary eyed both when we see fireworks exploding over the Statue of Liberty and upon hearing Oprah is ending her show. And as Americans we should all feel compelled to tune in Wednesday to watch the U.S. women compete in the semis of the World Cup (12 p.m. EST ESPN).
Wednesday’s match up with France marks the sixth straight appearance for the U.S. Women’s team in the Semifinals of the World Cup (or the Final Four for those who don’t follow soccer). For those who don’t normally follow soccer, like me, its best to point out as well that this sixth straight appearance is perhaps most effectively explained as EVERY semifinal in Women’s World Cup history.
Yes it would appear the guys at the water cooler who stand around complaining about their raises and the fact that as Americans we suck at Soccer might want to turn on the television or pick up a newspaper because once again women are proving men wrong. In fact the U.S. has won 2 out of the 5 total Women’s World Cups. I’m fairly certain most guys know we’ve won at least one since they likely have yet to forget the image of Brandi Chastain’s post-match celebration. And before you label me, her theatrics were hard to get away from considering they appeared on the cover of Time, Newsweek and Sports Illustrated.
2011 features a fresh batch of new faces. Gone are the Mia Hamm’s and Chastain’s of the world. This current group of soccer stars is anchored by goalie Hope Solo who was riding a 796 minute scoreless streak during World Cup play at one point. The Hoosier state is represented on this year’s roster thanks to Indianapolis native Lauren Cheney. This 23 year old forward played collegiately at UCLA and is the Bruin’s all time leading scorer. She was a first team all American for four straight years and named 2007’s USA Young Female Player of the Year. Cheney cut her international teeth in 2008 as a member of the U.S. Olympic Team.
Some football and basketball fans find Soccer too uneventful to follow, but what they need to consider is just how stimulating play will be in their sports considering the current lock outs plaguing both leagues. Speaking of eventful, Sunday featured one of the greatest moments in U.S. Women’s Soccer history as Megan Rapinoe connected with Abby Wambach to tie the match with Brazil in the 122nd minute. This was followed by a penalty kick shootout which ultimately led to the U.S. prevailing 5-3.
So bust out your posters of Hitler or Napoleon voodoo dolls, the time has come once again to root against the French. The U.S. is 11-0-1 all time in “friendlies” with France, but that doesn’t mean the unthinkable can’t happen. Though, if history is any guide, it may take some help from the Americans for France to succeed.


© 2011 Eric Walker Williams