With WPS (Women’s Professional Soccer) out of commission for the entire 2012 season, die-hard soccer fans are turning their attention to the US Women’s National Team (WNT). So far, Hope Solo, Abby Wambach, Alex Morgan and company are 6-0 in 2012, and have already secured a spot in the Olympic tourney this summer in London.
And they are doing it all with relative ease, seamlessly weaving their way around defenders in into US and worldwide record books.
In only six matches, the ladies have set the bar pretty high, for themselves and for their elite competitors across the globe. Striker Abby Wambach moved to No. 2 on the worldwide (and US) all-time goal-scoring list after the 4-0 championship win over Canada in the Olympic qualifiers. The team and Wambach, were awarded January Team and Athlete of the Month honors by the US Olympic Committee for their stellar performance on the pitch. Lastly, the group capped off a dramatic, come from behind win, against New Zealand on February 11 to remain one of the only undefeated teams in the world.
During the impressive run, the WNT is outscoring their opponents 40-1, with Wambach, Morgan, Carli Lloyd and Amy Rodriquez leading the charge with six goals each. Two of Morgan’s goals came by way of the head in the final five minutes of the team’s heart pounding 2-1 overtime win over New Zealand at FC Dallas Stadium, in front of a 20,000+ sell out crowd. Coincidentally, the sell out was the largest crowd to watch the US women on home soil in more than eight years.
Other stats worthy of mention include; Solo extending her scoreless streak this year to 495 minutes, Lauren Cheney is currently the squad’s assist leader with seven, and team captain Christie Rampone earned her 250th international career cap against the Kiwi’s. After the contest, Rampone became the fourth player to reach this mark in US WNT history. Only Kristine Lilly (352), Mia Hamm (275), and Julie Foudy (271) have competed in more international matches.
The ladies return to action at the 2012 Algarve Cup in Portugal, with group play beginning on February 29 against Denmark at Estádio Municipal. Kick-off is set for 12:00pm EST. Also worth noting, the team is scheduled to play on Sunday, April 1 in a World Cup rematch against the Japan National squad in Sendai, Japan. Don’t forget to set your DVRs, the game is scheduled to begin at 6:30am EST on ESPN 2.
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