Sky Blue FC allocated players--Christie Rampone, Natasha Kai, Heather O'Reilly--atop the Empire State Building
I could begin by describing the events of yesterday's allocation, but I doubt I could do justice to all of the wonderful details.
However, the perfection of the day can be illustrated in the memory link I experienced. Turning on the television for a minute of "mind numbing" rest following the busy and eventful day, "coincidentally" the often re-run documentary "Dare to Dream," was on. (I don't believe in coincidence).
For those who don't know, the documentary is an excellent recap of US women's soccer history, and specifically, the 1999 Women's World Cup. In the culminating and emotional moments, the USA wins the final over China in PKs, before 90,000 fans in the Rose Bowl.
Dare to Dream. That's what those who have started WPS have done. And more, they have reinvented the dream--refusing to let the experience of the first league taint their dreams. I give full credit to the wonderful owners, investors, staff, coaches and players who are making this all possible. Yet it will be you, the fans, who ultimate make it a successful dream.
Near the conclusion of the documentary, some of the players speak the words that resonate for me following yesterday's allocation event:
"Relief, satisfaction, joy-all in that one moment." Brandi Chastain, after her winning PK.
"People said we couldn't do it--thank God, we've done it." Team captain Julie Foudy
See you at Rutgers.
SBS Blogger
There's a feature on the WPS website about Sky Blue FC's allocated players. CLICK HERE to read the story about Heather O'Reilly, Christie Rampone, and Natasha Kai.
Sky Blue FC was officially allocated its first three players today - Olympic gold medalists Heather O'Reilly, Christie Rampone, and Natasha Kai. The press conference at the Sports Museum of America was a great success with Steve Nash helping MC the festivities. After the announcement, the three new Sky Blue FC players made a trip up to the top of the Empire State Building for some pictures.
Sky Blue FC's allocations were considered among the best in WPS - the starting US center back and team captain (Rampone), one of the team's top midfielders (O'Reilly), and a dynamic scoring threat (Kai). Boston and Chicago and can definitely challenge Sky Blue FC for top allocation honors. The Breakers got one of the all-time greats in Kristine Lilly, a breakout performer at the Olympics in Angela Hucles, and a starting defender in Heather Mitts while Chicago got three USWNT starters in midfielder Carli Lloyd and Lindsey Tarpley and defender Kate Markgraf.
Stay tuned for more updates from the allocation event including Sky Blue FC video and reactions from the players and head coach Ian Sawyers.
We're crazy busy, but we're psyched.
That's because come tomorrow, the big unveiling in Manhattan will reveal the first of our Sky Blue FC players--along with the rest of the teams new treasures, as the WNT pool will be divided up amongst the seven teams.
Then, the following day, Sky Blue will be working the crowds (hoping that means you) at Giants Stadium during the USA Victory tour game v. Ireland. Look for us there; we'll be the ones with the excited smiles, encouraging you to support the team, and WPS, with season ticket purchases. We have all worked so hard, and learned so much, to get this far. And we've just begun! It's fun to share a passion, to help something grow. And it's especially exciting for most of us on a personal level: you'll find at Sky Blue FC, each of us is passionate on something with personal meaning to us. And we want to share that with you.
After our press event tomorrow, read the papers and the Internet (especially our website); watch T.V. Join our Facebook network. Interact and encourage all your friends and family. Help us to sweep over the area with awareness and excitement for the team, and the league.
This week you'll be introduced to the first players at Sky Blue FC, and WPS. And you'll be introduced to us, at Giants Stadium.
SBS Blogger
Our webman Patric Santo Pietro sent the Sky Blue staff this very thorough and interesting article on the business angles of WPS. I would bet our many corporate and sports-savvy audience would find it particularly interesting. http://www.cfo.com/article.cfm/11701746/c_11730537?f=magazine_coverstory
In addition to our careful, consistent and often all-consuming focus at Sky Blue and WPS on the multitude of factors that will make this league a success, it is equally interesting to speculate on the "ins and outs" of the player draft. The schedule I put up yesterday (see below) begins to tell the story. The number of spots open in the initial 7-team league (with hopes for an 8th team the first year) is literally dwarfed by the number of players who hope and dream to play in this league. The allocation of three national team players per franchise, plus two internationals (and many more who will try out), plus the cream of the crop for whom there aren't enough spots on the full team squad, but have been in it, or could be in it--surely would fill the starting 11 spots for each team. What happens to the scores of great players who did time in the WUSA? Or, those playing overseas, who if necessary, would sprout their own wings to fly home for the combine?
And yet to be figured into this group are those rising college seniors, surely a good number of whom are clear choices for WPS. Then, there are the current W-League players, a number of whom are capable of playing pro (and who have, in the last league). And I'd bet I'm missing some category--for example, is there a hungry workhorse or two who may arise from open tryouts?
I'd say that at the very least, and looking at the bright side, each franchise certainly has a wealth of selection material. I'd also not be going out on a limb to verify the WPS claim that it will most certainly be the best women's soccer league in the world. In addition to the quality of play we can expect, what intrigues me is the prospect of seeing the combination of styles of play, abilities, and backgrounds. Much of what was great about the WUSA, is that it exposed us (particularly the all-important rising youth players) to different players from around the world, and to the inherent strengths of various soccer cultures: the athleticism and winning mentality of the Americans, the art and technical skill of the Brazilians, the experience and success of the Germans. On our doorstep will be the American women players we so admire and are so decorated, together with those who possess the understanding of the game that comes from living in countries where the entire population "speaks football."
There is lots of discussion on all of this, but it's casual--like in our Sky Blue office, or among those sitting in the stands at soccer games. That's why I appreciate the chance to chat about it here. And you're more than welcome to join me!
SBS Blogger
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