SKY BLUE SOCCER BLOG EXCLUSIVE!
Rutgers head women's soccer coach Glenn Crooks knows Carli Lloyd about as well as anyone. Lloyd was his star for the four years she played at the university. Below are his thoughts on her stunning success with the US National Team.
The first thing that comes to mind about Carli is that she has become a complete player. She was always outstanding on the attack, but it is no secret that she didn't excel on the defensive side of the ball. She put so much work and energy into the attack-to set up the play, and to score-that consequently, she became better than anyone in the history of the Rutgers program. She broke all the scoring records.
I'm so proud of her. She worked on her own to get incredibly fit, flexible, and strong to become a complete player. Not only is she one of the best attacking players in the world, but she has become such an asset to the team that when I watch, many times I come away thinking she's the best player on the pitch. And that's not just for the USA, but for everyone.
Once Carli made a decision on her path, she worked for it. That includes other areas as well. College academics were a struggle for her, but she studied hard, and got a degree with a good GPA.
I see her smiling. She's blossomed under (coach) Pia (Sundhage), who is to be lauded for that. Carli is not usually an emotional sort; she doesn't speak loudly. She just gets the job done. So I'm very excited to see her personal development. I love to see her smile, and play with freedom.
My family is very invested in Carli. She has babysat for my kids. The first time my wife, Mary, saw her in the National team uniform, she cried. For our personal connection, and of course for the number of years she spent at Rutgers, I have the same feelings you have when you watch almost any player you coach grow up and mature.
In addition to becoming a complete player, when you mix her work ethic with what she brings to the table, you've got one of the best players in the world.
SBS Blogger
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
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