The play was as heated as the metal bleachers with the temperature reading above 90°F when Jersey Sky Blue played the U.S. Under-17 Women’s National Team at Pascack high school in Hillsdale, New Jersey. It was a captivating and physical match despite being mostly one-sided in favor of the team who isn’t even old enough to vote. Fortunately, politics wasn’t an issue for the U.S. women who entertained the crowd with their fancy footwork and age-defying skill. Courtney Verloo squirted the ball past Sky Blue goal keeper Jillian Loyden in the first half to put the U.S. on top 1-0. The U.S. had a few chances to increase their lead with shots on goal by Victoria DiMartino and Erika Tymrak, but luckily Loyden is good friends with the crossbar. The U.S. women were able to notch one more goal before the final whistle. Kristen Mewis beat the last defender with deft footwork and scored on a breakaway with less than a minute left in the match. The U.S. women came away with the 2-0 win. U.S. head coach Kazbek Tambi stated this was a good match and great test for the players. “It was a good team effort. We are trying to be more consistent. This was a good evaluation for a tough setting.”
Over 250 fans came out to watch the match, including some notables. Charlotte Moran who is the head of Region 1 Girl’s ODP was in attendance. Rutgers women’s soccer head coach Glenn Crooks along with University of Virginia women’s soccer head coach Steve Swanson looked on from the sidelines sans stopwatch and clipboard. University of Rutgers basketball player and Pascack Valley high school alumna Heather Zurich watched the match from the stands. Ian Sawyers who will be the head coach and general manager of the 2009 pro team was also in attendance. Sawyers talked to the crowd via megaphone during halftime about the inaugural 2009 WPS season, player allocation, and the upcoming draft. I caught up with him after the match and asked what his thoughts were on the draft and the challenges of managing a new franchise. He stated he not only wants great players, but players with good character who will contribute to the community. The most challenging aspect for Mr. Sawyers will be getting people to know Sky Blue and creating a great product on the field that is enjoyable for everyone.
A special shout out goes to Arsenal who was a partner in Tuesday’s game. They had a game night on Saturday and hosted an ACL clinic with Atlantic Sports Health that morning.
Zalika Green
Arsenal Ladies v. Leeds United, FA Cup Final
My last report compared with dismay the number of attendees at recent US National Team friendlies with the asounding numbers of tickets sold thus far for a men's contest--Argentina vs. USA MNT, at the Meadowlands.
Today, I am proud to report on the English Ladies FA Cup final, between perennial champs Arsenal and Leeds United. The final, played on May 5 at Notthingham Forest, drew a remarkable 24,582 fans. Arsenal prevailed on a sunny Bank Holiday Monday, 4-1.
I searched far and wide for any comment, article or rational to the crowd, as in fairness, the semi-final game drew only 5,000 in comparison. I can't find anything from Arsenal (who is used to the masses for its men's side, of course). But whatever was in the drinking water of the fan population that day, let's import it to the USA!
Let us go forth and grow, especially in our new mission with Sky Blue and WPS!
SBS Blogger
Add comment