Aug. 20, 2015
Golden Girls
by THS Media Bri Savidge
After a crushing defeat four years ago against a solid Japanese squad, the U.S. women’s national soccer team finally reached the pinnacle in the sport of soccer; winning the 2015 World Cup. Ironically, the rematch with Japan, who had defeated the U.S. by the slimmest of margins four years ago, would turn out to be a rout this time. Many fans would call it the most exciting, yet bizarre soccer match that they had ever witnessed. Within the first 16 minutes of the match the U.S. had already scored an astounding four goals, three by Carli Lloyd and one by Lauren Holiday, which gave the team a seemingly insurmountable lead. However, after a goal by Japan’s Yuki Ogimi and an unfortunate own goal by the U.S.’s Julie Johnston, many were wondering if the United States would squander their colossal advantage and once again fall to the Japanese. However the United States continued to do what they had done all tournament long; they battled. With stifling defense and an additional goal by Tobin Heath, the final shriek of the referee’s whistle ended the match and the celebration began for the team and their fans. The atmosphere was electric as the team claimed its first World Cup title in more than 16 years.
Perhaps the most poignant moment in the match came when veteran striker, Abby Wambach, entered the game in the 79th minute for the United States. Wambach, who announced in June that the 2015 World Cup would be her last, had taken a reserve role for most of the World Cup. In her final entrance into a World Cup game, the crowd roared to life with a standing ovation. As the stepped onto the field, Carli Lloyd reached for Wambach’s arm and transferred the captain’s armband from her own to Wambach’s; a sign of respect from one soccer great to another. Although Wambach didn’t play many minutes in the game, she was elated with the final result.
“I was sitting on the bench, watching my team win a World Cup,” Wambach said. “I'd choose that over World Player of the Year, scoring more goals than anybody in the world. I'd choose winning a World Cup as a team. Any. Day. Of. The. Week."
“I was sitting on the bench, watching my team win a World Cup,” Wambach said. “I'd choose that over World Player of the Year, scoring more goals than anybody in the world. I'd choose winning a World Cup as a team. Any. Day. Of. The. Week."
That team-first mentality inspired Wambach’s teammates, especially younger players such as Morgan Brian, who spoke of the encouragement Wambach had given her in difficult moments and how it had exponentially boosted her confidence. "She's been a legend to this sport, such an inspirational leader on and off the field. I'm proud to call her my teammate and my friend, and so glad that she got a World Cup win," Lloyd said.
With a plethora of starters returning to the roster, and several up-and-coming players looking to join the squad within the coming years, the future looks bright for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. Big names like Alex Morgan, Julie Johnson, and Sydney Leroux are the next generation of soccer stars, not only for the U.S., but for the world. Soccer popularity is surging in the United States, especially for women. So who is to thank for the growth of the sport? The U.S. Women’s National Team. Specifically the players who have built the foundation for soccer to last for generations to come; Abby Wambach, Megan Rapinoe, Christie Rampone. U.S. women’s soccer has had a stellar past, but, as for its future….. the possibilities are infinite.
With a plethora of starters returning to the roster, and several up-and-coming players looking to join the squad within the coming years, the future looks bright for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. Big names like Alex Morgan, Julie Johnson, and Sydney Leroux are the next generation of soccer stars, not only for the U.S., but for the world. Soccer popularity is surging in the United States, especially for women. So who is to thank for the growth of the sport? The U.S. Women’s National Team. Specifically the players who have built the foundation for soccer to last for generations to come; Abby Wambach, Megan Rapinoe, Christie Rampone. U.S. women’s soccer has had a stellar past, but, as for its future….. the possibilities are infinite.