Breakers roll back into Boston April 11

I rarely get excited about press releases. I suppose it's because 95% of my inbox is filled by them. That, and heck, how often are releases in general that exciting?*

(*Granted, I haven't been a journalist for that many years, but is there such thing as an "exciting" press release? I can't think of one. However, I have a nagging feeling that there are many examples of exciting press releases. Feel free to dispel the above premise in the comments section.)

But last night, I opened my inbox to find a release from the Boston Breakers announcing their home opener, which has been set for April 11, 2009.

YAAAAYYY!

Why do I find this exciting?

Well, I've actually been looking forward to the Breakers home opener since the announcement of Women's Professional Soccer was made back in early-2007. This is largely due to the fact that the very first soccer game I attended was a U.S. Women's National Team match in Foxboro in 1999. Ever since, I've always held women's soccer dear to my heart.

Unfortunately, that sentiment wasn't enough for me to take the train to Boston for a Breakers match. Thus, I missed the first Breakers run back in the early-2000s. I have excuses. None of them are good. So, I never got to see Kristine Lilly and Angela Hucles don the Breakers kit and scurry around Nickerson Field.

After WUSA folded in 2003, my time machine began to malfunction. A missed the opportunity. Sigh.

Luckily, the Breakers returned. They came back in the recently-formed Women's Professional Soccer. Not only were players like Lilly, Hucles, Abby Wambach and Shannon Boxx given a second chance to help women's pro soccer succeed, but I was given the opportunity to cover them this time around.

At first, 2008 was the projected timetable for WPS' inaugural season. But eventually, it was pushed back to 2009, presumably to grow stronger roots and build better infrastructure. That move seems to have paid off, as WPS just announced a $10 million partnership with Puma this week.

I've already calculated the number of days (114) until Opening Day. It'll be a thrill for me to see Lilly, Hucles and, this time around, Heather Mitts in Breakers blue. The fact that they're all sticking around New England, rather than the occasional, once-every-three-years World Cup Qualifier or friendly that the WNT plays in Foxboro is just awesome. I love covering the WNT. Now, I get to cover many of them throughout the summer.

Exciting? You bet.

***

This story is worth more than a passing comment, but I figured something is better than nothing.

How the heck did Toronto get Dwayne DeRosario, one of the league's best offensive weapons, for a rookie defender and allocation money? Moreover, how - why - did Houston allow this? 01010101!!!!

I understand that the league's single-entity structure played a role in this. I also understand that DeRosario, who hails from Canada, likely expressed a desire to play in his home country.

But come on. Trades in MLS are often about as fair as Rod Blagojevich. Rarely does a trade occur in which both sides truly benefit. In this case, Houston got twenty cents on the dollar in this trade - unless, of course, the allocation money approached seven figures.*

(*It probably didn't.)

How fair was this trade? Let's disregard the allocation money and look at what we know: the stats.

2008
James: 13 G, 1 G, 0 A, 1 SOG

DeRosario: 24 G, 7 G, 2 A, 34 SOG

I know what what you're saying: James is a defender. Obviously, the disparity in offensive output is going to favor D-Ro. I'm cognizant of that. Even so, why would Houston trade one of its best players - nevermind, one of the league's best players - for a rookie defender and some cash?

Why? Because that's how MLS rolls.

***

Contrary to what many of my friends think, I had absolutely nothing to do with the Rhode Island Stingrays change of home venue next season (scroll to the bottom half of the page).

Trust me. I've got alot more people to pay off before I can even imagine wielding that kind of influence.

WPS Allocations

It's been far too long since I've written about the women's game, so here's some fodder for that anticipated water cooler discussion.

I expected the returns of Angela Hucles and Kristine Lilly to Boston. No surprise there. With another recognizable name like Heather Mitts on board, the Breakers have positioned themselves well with their selections. If the matches were played on paper, I already like the Breakers' chances.

I can't tell you how excited I am that the Breakers - and women's pro soccer as a whole - are finally back. Without going on a full-bore tangent, I can't overstate how great this is for not only soccer fans, but girls who play sports. Their dreams of becoming professional athletes can only be enhanced with WPS now in place. I've stated before that if I'm blessed to have a daughter/daughters someday, I'll want her/them to look at the Breakers as sports role models. In fact, one of the things I look forward to as a parent someday is taking my daughter(s) to a Breakers game up at a soccer-spec stadium TBA.

I cannot wait until their season starts in April. As a reporter, I'm excited at the chance to cover them and give them as much press as possible. My interactions with the U.S. Women's National Team have been nothing but the positive, and they are all more than willing to speak with the media. Stuff like that goes a long way for us media types. Needless to say, I hope WPS will be a smashing success for years to come.

******

On a sad note, I was hoping that Carli Lloyd, my favorite Jersey girl, would be traveling up I-95 to play for the Breakers. Alas, she was selected by Chicago, thus depriving me of the chance to see her play regularly.

Perhaps a mid-season trade to Boston could be orchestrated?

2007 FIFA Women's World Cup Running Diary: US 3, England 0

It’s just a little before 8:00am ET on a Saturday morning, and here I am, tapping away at my little laptop. By that, I mean that I am awake at 8am on a Saturday morning. By that sentence alone, you can tell how uneventful my Friday night was.

I bypassed good times with great friends, meeting strange women and filling my body with unhealthy beverages. Instead, I have awakened early to greet more familiar women, and honestly, I take great pride in it.

I’ve always been of the opinion that I’d rather watch the US WNT than go to a strip club. Why? Because I admire any one who can play this wonderful game – male or female. It’s a beautiful game, and I love watching it played. I love seeing the country’s best female soccer players battle it out on their biggest stage.

You see, I don’t have a girlfriend. Hard to believe, I know. So in order to compensate for said lack of girlfriend, I have 18 women all fill that void simultaneously. Not one, two, three…but 18, thank you. Abby, Carli, Lilly, Hope, Stephanie, Briana, Lindsay, Leslie, among others. If I could take them all out to eat, I would. Take them all to the movies. Play mini-golf with them, and take them all to my company’s Christmas party.

But anyway, I’m getting gcarried away. On to the action….

7:53am ET Players march out onto the pitch.

US looking as intent as ever during the pre-match festivities….England…a little scared.

7:56am ET American National Anthem

7:57 am ET British National Anthem

Pants! I forgot my Carli Lloyd jersey upstairs…gotta hurry back.

Back! Wow, they’re really promoting this “My game is fair play” mantra. I can’t picture this in any other men’s match.

8:00am. ET - AGH! Carli Lloyd starts off on the bench. Wow, that’s big, as mentioned by Julie Foudy.

8:02 Shot of Abby…I think she’s gonna have a big game. Two goals maybe?

1-England kicks off.

3-US opens up in 4-3-3

3-Kelly Smith takes the ball near midfield. Wow, she can cross!

5-Foudy states exactly what I was gonna type. Both teams just trying to find their rhythms.

5-England starts pressuring…until the ball goes wide of the near post. Solo sends it away on the goal kick.

8-England makes another trip into the US end…but no shots taken.

9-US attacks briefly as Christie Rampone races down the right flank before her cross is headed away by the British.

11-Possession at this point-67% England 33%USA

11-Whoa…USA attacks and ball finds the doorstep before the English keeper corrals the ball as Chalupny tries to pry it out.

12-Foudy makes first reference to the ’99 team.

Side note: I was supposed to be at Riverside station in about an hour and a half to catch the bus to the Meadowlands.

14-Kelly Smith turns the corner, and Markgraf defenders her well, as the ball is poked out of bounds. Wow, Kelly Smith is sick. I mean good.

15-Lopez gets the throw in from Whitehill, and launches a rocket. England heads it away.

17-England free kick yards after the center circle, and the ball sails close to the doorstep but sails out for the goalkick.

19-Here we go…first corner kick. Play it short or launch it? Ball bounces around, but nothing doing.

20-Crap. England gets caught off guard, when Casey Stoney seals the ball near the box Markgraf saves the day. Fewf!

22-England counters quickly, Carney crosses into the box, and Solo, Lopez and Jill Scott all violently converge a few yards in front of the goal. Lopez down for a bit Amazingly, Solo is fine, even though it looked like she took the brunt of it. Could’ve easily been a goal for England.

24-Lilly tries to cross from the left flank to Abby…nothing.

27-Carney sends a long range shot on goal. Stuffed by Solo.

28-Chalupny tries to cross, ball deflected out. Corner. C’mon ladies! Rachel; Brown bats it away, but goals beyond the goal line. Another corner, but Lopez’s cross fails to find an open player.

31-England brings numbers, and attacks well until Leslie Osborne clears the ball away down field. England is really dominating this match thus far. The American attack looks lethargic, while England’s is on Red Bull. They’re just way more energized for this match.

34-Abby penetrates the box, but the ball is defended out. Corner. Lopez. Nothing.

35-Posession starting to even out a little. 52%England, 48%US. But England’s possession has been a lot more potent, with a lot more quality attacks than the US.

36-Faye White down near midfield. Looks like she got elbowed pretty bad.

39-White gets back to her feet. Hopefully she’s ok.

40-White returns, with the ubiquitous wad of tissue up the nose. She’s a fighter. (What a cheesy remark…but it works).

42-Lopez dances near the box, ball deflects off her mark, retakes it, and fires it into the box. Abby kicks a rocket on the pass, but it flies high over the bar.

43-Lilly races goalward, and puts a nice shot on net. USA starting to look like their normal, attacking selves.

44-I’ll say it right now. The first mistake will be the fatal mistake. This game will end with only one goal. Who will get it.

45- 2 minutes of stoppage indicated.

45+-England corner, and Solo parries it away.

8:49am ET: First half concludes. I’m hitting the shower…maybe that’ll help with the team’s chi.

46-RRRRRR!!!! Just back in time for the second half, just five seconds late. I know, I know. Inexcusable. No subs for US to start. US attacking right from the get go.

48- Lilly corner. Abby rises near the back post unmarked and BOOM into the back of the net. YEAH!!! Wow, what a goal. How good is Abby? Big, BIG goal. JP agrees with me.

51-Quick English chance. They’re not going away anytime soon.

55-Lilly to Boxx just before the area. But the numbers just aren’t there.

57-Lilly plays it waaaay out to Rampone, who gets it back to her forward moving teammates. Boxx gets the ball, fires…and goal! Goal into near corner! NICE! The lead’s a little more comfortable now, but then again…it’s still the dreaded two-goal lead. Way to go ladies!

59- Lilly turns her defender near the box and launches a shot on goal.

60-Long ball to Lilly, and Rachel Brown badly misplays it, as the ball bounces above her. Lilly follows up, takes the ball, runs past Brown, and calmly taps it in for the easy goal. Poor Rachel, you know she wants that one back. Wow. I need to start taking showers more often…errr….

63-US attacking again. I hope England has a backhoe, because they’ve got a lot of digging to do if they’re to catch up with only half an hour left.

67-US dominating this second half. Talk about night and day. It was exact opposite during the first half.

68-oooooohhhh England now attacking. Corner kick for Carney, defended well, as the ball skips away.

69-free kick taken, and Hope does well to knock the ball away near the far post.

71- US attacking as Chalupny sends a ball wide of the far post. This is like the tale of two halves. In hindsight, England were unlucky to not get goal then.

72-Whoa, Lopez is bleeding pretty bad. Gets some attention from the medical staff. Back in a flash.

76- Agh! I jus trealized I forgot to throw my Carli Lloyd jersey back on. Let me do that right now…

77-There we go. Maybe Carli will come on a sub within a few minutes?

78-Lilly throws a hard shot on goal. Just noticed that she sports neon yellow boots as well.

79-Solo tested with a long shot. Easily catches it and turns it back upfield.

82- Carli’s coming in! YES! She comes in for Boxxy, and now all is well with the universe.

83-Carli getting some nice touches before passing it forward to Lilly.

85-England pushing forward. Attack dissipates shortly thereafter.

86-Natasha Kai for Abby. Abby applauds the crowds in her typical classy fashion. She’s had a very good match. She didn’t net the two goals I predicted, but a solid second half performance nonetheless.

89-Corner for England. No shot. England continues its pressure.

90-Kelly Smith finally records her first shot of the match, as it sails above the bar.

3 minutes of stoppage.

91+ - Yankee launches a shot on Solo. England just looking to break the shutout.

93+ - Quick attack by England, and nearly clinches the shutout-breaker with a couple of furious attempts in the vicinity of the goal.

9:52am ET: Final whistle blows. As much as you root for your team – I’m seeing a few English players just distraught. They really were on fire in first half, but that fire just seemed to be extinguished as the second half commenced. A well-played second half by the USA did them in.

Onto the winner of tomorrow’s Brazil-Australia match tomorrow!

2007 FIFA Women's World Cup Running Diary: US 1, Nigeria 0

Waking up at more reasonable 7:30am for this one. Boy, is my awareness and cognizant skills much greater after 7:30am. Anyway, it looks like its another rainy affair in China, as the national anthems are being played. Which begs the question: does it always rain in China when the Swedish aren’t playing?

8:00am – Kickoff. Birds are already awake, the sun’s already up, and I’m munching on perhaps the greatest cereal created: Honey Comb (Now "better tasting!", according to the label. But it tasted fine before!)

1: Here come the funny musical tones in the background…

1: …and just like that, the USA score! Wow, that didn’t that long. Chalupney crashes the box, nutmegs a defender as she falls slides into the pitch and the ball goes into the goal. Clever, clever.

3: Sheesh, it’s only the 3rd minute and it looks like someone just killed the collective pets of the Nigerian coaches.

6: Shot of Carli Lloyd….I’d like to see her get on the scoresheet this game. She’s too good a player to not score in group play.

7: Nigeria’s already roughing up Abby…what else is new?

8: Highlights show Sweden up top 1-0 over North Korea right now. Wow…that could be an upset. And it’s sunny there…which just serves to fortify my claim that it’s always sunny when Sweden play.

10: It’s safe to say that US is clearly dominating this match

10: Nigeria tries to counter…but no counterattack for you! USA cuts off a quick Nigerian surge just yards after midfield

12: This game is looking a lot like the Brazil-USA game back at Giants Stadium back in June. Early goal, USA domination, imminent that another is on its way..

14: Free kick for Whitehill, initially headed away by Nigeria, and sparks a Nigerian counter before Hope Solo kicks the ball away.

14: Chalupney tackled hard…yellow card for Nigerians.

15: First ‘99 world cup reference by Foudy…that train is never late!

16: Shot of some young USA fans in the stands – hey girls, what the heck are you doing in China at 8:00am? Oh, yeah, you’re watching the WNT. My bad…

17: Update, Sweden still ahead 1-0 on The Deuce (espn2).

18: Lloyd hard tackled before the center circle…you leave her alone, Nigeria!

19: Good looking attack here...Chalupny tackled hard yet again…

20: It’s interesting (to me at least) that despite wearing the gold jerseys for nearly all their pre-WC matches, they have yet to bring ‘em out for the World Cup so far. Maybe waiting ‘til the final?

20: Lilly crosses to Abby, who just glances the ball wide. Thank you, for the verb choice Michael Davies. I also plan on using “pants” sometime soon.

22: Nigerian sub…wow…Nigeria’s really, really lost right now, their in a 4-5-1 to counter the US’s 4-3-3. Don’t they know they need like a gaggle of goals to advance?

23: JP Dellacamera suggests “picture in picture” to watch the USA-Nigeria and Sweden-North Korea simultaneously. Although your offer is a good one JP, my attention is solely focused on the US women.

24: Wow, how does Carli not get a PK for that? She crashed the box with a Nigerian defender tackling her from behind right in the box. Foudy says it’s a good call…free kick from before the box awarded instead. Lilly fires high and over the bar.

26: Highlights…North Korea draws even to Sweden…Argh!!!

26: Throw in for USA…the 4-5-1 is stifling the attack for now. Chalupny hits the deck. She’s getting the brunt of the Nigerian physicality.

27: Carli sets up for the free kick, but plays it short to Lilly. I’d like to see her wind up and fire one of her famous cannonball shots from 25 yards.

29: Just as Nigeria looks like its going to assemble the attack, a heavy pass goes past the touchline.

30: Foudy comments that Abby should not be lurking in the midfield, but rather more up front near the box. I concur.

32: Shot of Hope Solo: just noticed hope wearing the blue keeper jersey now, rather than he traditional green with the Nigerian team wearing their green kits. When I started typing that sentence, I honestly didn’t know why it was blue, but figured it out mid-sentence. I know – brilliant.

33: Nigeria make it interesting with a deep break into the US end..no shot though.

Side note: I was almost stunned to see the WNT gold jerseys at Olympia the other day. They had both white and gold, some blank, some with “Tarpley 5” and “Wambach 20”. Pretty cool to see some retail recognition.

35: Update – North Korea and Sweden still knotted at 1.

35:Though Nigeria is really overmatched on paper compared to the us, they are a fast team. I like how they play.

36: Rain starts to pick up, according to Dellacamera. Shot of Whitehill about to take a throw in backs that claim.

36 whoa…Abby heads the Whitehill throw in , Chalupny heads it goalward, and is just saved by the Nigerian keeper. Good save.

40: USA is back organizing the attack. Chalupney takes it down the left flank, crosses to Lilly – header into the pitch and left of the near post. Good try.

42: Number 2 on Nigeria laces a shot that forces hope to spring from her feet to corral.

43: Beautiful give and go between Lilly and Lloyd. Lilly then crosses to Abby, and heads the ball powerfully on net before Dede makes an acrobatic save just below the bar.

45: Ominous stat of the match – In World Cup play, us is 16-0-1 when leading at the half, while Nigeria is 0-9-1 when trailing.

45: 1 minute of stoppage

46 +: Boxxy manhandled near midfield. She’s ok. Whistle sounds.

HALFTIME

46: US kicks off…no changes/subs at halftime

46: Seconds later, Nigeria attacks early…gets into the box. Good defending by Christie Rampone.

48: WhitehIll looooong free kick..and Boxxy wants to bicycle kick it, but half-heartedly tries a scissors.

49: Dangerous free kick from the right flank for us…Lilly taking it and strikes it to the near post before O’Reilly tries to head it in, but no dice.

51: Whoa…number 14 for Nigeria just did a Matrix-like backward bend defending in the midfield. Wow.

52: Abby gets a long ball and shoots wide.

54: Foudy comments on the lack of urgency of the US attack…and I wholeheartedly agree. They’re better than this. Their defense has been great, but their offense is running on regular 87 octane rather than NASCAR-Standard 106 stuff. C’mon ladies!

57: O’Reilly pierces the Nigeria defense…CK coming up on the deflection…and CK parried by Dede.

60: Sweden takes 2-1 lead over North Korea. Wow!!! That could be huge

61: Nigeria really starting to test the US backline. Ladies, you’re better than this.

62: O’Reilly crosses to Abby on the doorstep, but can’t muster enough power to push it past Dede, who’s having an incredible match thus far.

64: Leslie Osborne for Carli…ok move, I guess, though I’d like to see Carli still in the game because of her attacking prowess.

69: Nigeria’s Faith Akidi goes down, she’s in a deal of pain. Hope she’s ok.

72: This game is taking the shape of a back and forth game, with both sides intermittently attacking, but no clear shots.

75: Nigeria attacks…Perpetua Nkwocha takes Whitehill to school on the right wing, before sending a shot just wide of the far post.

76: Lilly takes a free kick just above the D of the box. The ball hovers high above the bar.

77: Tina Ellarton in for Christie Rampone.

80: Nigeria attacking again…holding the ball fairly well, but not really penetrating. Ball goes by the touchline, and now USA takes it back. Heavy passes are killing Nigeria.

82: Chalupny tired to dance into the box, but the ball is stonewalled by Dede.

84: Lindsay Tarpley for Lilly. This is Tarpley’s first World Cup appearance.

85: Dangerous play in front of US goal. A mad scramble takes place on Solo’s doorstep, and luckily, she smothers the ball. US looking sloppy on defense.

87: Hope smothers another low-caliber cross. There’s no way the US should be pinned against the wall this late. Nigeria is attacking almost at will.

88: Chalupney takes a hard shot on Dede, saved as she fell backward. Nigeria quickly clears it away.

90: USA just playing the ball deep in the corner to kill the clock. Foudy commenting on how she doesn’t like this tactic. Nor do I…Wow, did I just agree with Julie Foudy three times this morning? I must really need some coffee!

91+ :USA corner kick. 3 minutes of stoppage time.

91+: Abby down, but thankfully gets back up, but goes back to stalling in the corner. Not a good idea.

94+: Nigeria attacks, Hope pounces on a Nigerian shot. Referee whistles the game over. 1-0 US.

2007 FIFA Women's World Cup Running Diary: US 2, North Korea 2

Welcome to my not-so-live Women’s World Cup blog. Ok, so let’s call it a diary instead. Here I will chronicle to the best of my abilities the US Women's National Team's journey in China to capture their third World Cup...from my living room couch. Anyway, here go...

Barely slept last night, and tried to figure out why. After all, I took sedatives to quell my excitement for this match, and also to get enough sleep to wake up at 5:00am. I figured out the culprit: my contacts were left in. ARGH!

Anyway, I “woke up” (technical term)/got out of bed (reality) at 5:05am ET. I’ve got a bowl of uncooked oatmeal waiting in the kitchen, but can’t cook it now because my stinging eyes are fixated on the tube.

First Mia Hamm reference by Julie Foudy at the 14:55 mark in the game. Actually, I probably missed the first at the top of the hour. I’m sure of this.

Foudy, 16th minute: “She (Kristine Lilly) was detained by North Korea.” What? Isn’t it too early in the day for political connotations? I know it’s 5pm in China, but Julie, my poli sci mind wasn’t prepared for that one. Yaaaaawn!

5:20am ET: I’m just trying to catch up a bit here. My mind is definitely not processing at its optimal speed at the moment.

The game’s surprisingly still dead even at 0-0 at the 18th minute mark. I guess the mystery surrounding North Korea is living up to its billing. The US usually figures out their opponents quite quickly. Kudos to Graham Hayes (who actually reported on this very topic) on his fantastic WNT reports on espn.com.

Side note: I’d be wearing my Carli Lloyd white WC jersey right now, but the online store I purchased it from sent it to me marked up. I asked for a direct exchange, and instead, they refunded me minus shipping. I knew after that, I wouldn’t get it back in time for the WC. Imbeciles.

O’Reilly nice shot to fight off defender and fires a sharp angled shot in 19th minute. Unfortunately, it was batted away.

Foudy impressed with North Korea at the 20th minute.

Yay! First Carli Lloyd sighting in the 21st minute as she was unceremoniously fouled near the halfway line.

Sun Hui Ho now coming out in 22nd minute after being injured minutes previous.

Wow, that rain is really coming down, and it nearly played to US advantage with Cat Whitehill’s free kick nearly finding the back of the net in the 22nd minute. The ball is really skipping off the wet surface a lot.

25th minute: Foudy and Dellacamera discussing that Hope Solo was a forward in high school, which is why she’s so good with the ball at her feet. I didn’t know that! (Big surprise, I know)

26th minute: Un Suk Ri takes a very, very threatening shot that skips just wide of a diving Solo. In a related note, my heart skips as well before shot rests outside of the net.

Another threatening free kick in the 28th by the WNT. Corner kick by Lopez marinates in the box for bit, but does not find the back of the net.

Oooooohhhh….29th minute, Solo dropped the ball after an initial quick save…this rain is really causing havoc on both keepers in this match.

Non-soccer related side note: Looking at my fantasy football statline on the espn2 bottom line. McGahee and Gore did not do well enough for me to win in either one of my leagues…grrrrr….anyway, back to football football.

32nd Minute: WNT still searching for a prolonged attack after just a few cameos in the North Korean end. It won’t be long before they get through though.

35th minute: A little bit of banter between Foudy and Dellacemera talking about WNT’s draw in the Group of Death. Though the US is ranked #1, Sweden is #3, North Korea is #5, and Nigeria is #23. Perhaps death to a lesser side…but not the U.S..

Nice sequence in 37th after Lilly tries to push the ball past the North Korean keeper after shaking a defender.

By the 39th minute, Solo is really being tested with another NK shot that sailed just wide of goal again.

41st minute: Chalupny threatens deep in NK end, setting up a Lopez corner kick and….OH MAN! Off the bar!!! Abby Wambach powerfully heads ball after outjumping two red defenders. Shot clanks right off of the bar and straight back down, mere inches from the goal line. Sooo close! Hands cradling the back of the head….

Tactics note: I’m kinda surprised that after a few unsuccessful corners, the US doesn’t mix it up and play it short for once. They were so good at that during the send off series this summer that I’m at a loss as to why they won’t try it now.

North Korea is really, really giving the US run for its money. They’re beginning to really pressure again in the waning minutes of the half. And boy do I need a coffee right now…but I must return to my slumber after the match is over in order to compensate for the sleep deprivation hours before the match.

Rain is really starting to drench the field, players, fans, and Greg Ryan (quick shot of a drenched US WNT manager).

Christie Rampone yellow carded in the 45th minute for late tackle near midfield.

Two minutes of stoppage.

I’m still tethered to the laptop right…just about to heat up the oatmeal momentarily. Still kinda dark outside at 5:46am ET.

And at 5:47am, whistle blows at first half. Time to cook the oatmeal and use the bathroom. Coming up: Halftime report with Rob Stone and Heather Mitts.

Weather conditions favor US? According to Heather Mitts, this is the case. After a quick three sequence bit about the game, a quick piece about JaMarcus Russel signing with theRaiders, thus concludes the quickest halftime report ever. Guess there isn’t much doing at 5:49am ET.

Random observation: With the sun yet to come up and the house perfectly quiet except for the TV and my incessant tapping of the keys, it feels alot like Christmas morning, when my brother and I used to wake up before the sun to open up the presents under the tree. A good omen for the US? I hope so….

Second half starts, and the it’s starting to get light out at 6:04pm.US pressuring early on.

Side note: Nice shot of Kristine Lilly’s husband, Dave, in the stands, sporting a cool US Hockey jersey with her wife’s name, number, and captain’s “C” . Nice idea for the male US WNT fan. (Note to self: check eBay for USA hockey jerseys and follow suit with a Carli Lloyd #11 model.)

Speaking Lil’, 49th minute, Lilly launches a long-distance shot right on the NK keeper.

6:08am ET, 50th minute: YES!!!!!!!!!!!! Abby takes the ball and fires a close range shot that through the keeper and into the net!!!!! Ands just as I was about to complain that Solo is getting way too much face time because of the continued North Korean pressure. (Actually, I can’t really complain about Solo’s face time…she is a cutie.)

The US is 48-1-1 when Abby scores. Another good omen?

53rd minute: Dangerous free kick for Lilly from above the “D” near the box. Argh...the shot rockets just wide of the far post.

US is really beginning to look like the US of old, and is establishing the attack in the 53rd.

55th minute: Oooo-oh-oh-oh-oh-OH……Solo harnesses a menacing ball close to the goalmouth. Abby goes down during the sequence, and is bleeding pretty bad from the forehead. Oh no….doesn’t look good.

57th minute: Shot of Lilly gathering the troops, trying to keep the team focused while Abby’s taken care of.

58th minute: Abby out for now, and the US is down to ten players at the moment.

Seconds later: Oh crap – North Korea immediately takes advantage, as Son Hui Kil fires a rocket right above Solo that slips right through here padded fingers. She wanted that one back even before the ball thuds to the ground behind her. Dammit Dammit!

61st minute: US is really playing back on their heels in Wambach’s absence. It’s quite a tall order without their potent goalscorer.

62nd minute: North Korea is buzzing around the box when Yong Ae Kim takes a deflection off a US defender and chips the ball past Solo. 2-1 NK. Oh boy…(pulls hair and shakes head in disbelief). C’mon Abby, we need you back!

64th minute: NK is really ruling the proceedings. Abby thankfully comes back. Hopefully, she can be effective after sustaining the head injury.

65th: Chalupny takes a speculative shot that sails high off a throw in.

67th: US reorganizes the attack, and earns the corner. Play it short, play it short! Instead, the kick curls into the grasp of the NK keeper. Ugh….I’m starting to get that sinking feeling.

6:26AM ET: Chalupney spearheads the attack in the 69th minute and disperses the ball to Lilly and the pass deflects off of NK defender, and right to Heather O’Reilly and BANGS IT into the top corner of the net….YESSSSSS!!!!!! 2-2!!!

71st minute: Foudy states that the US needs a point off this game. No thanks, Julie - I’d personally like three!!!! After all, there’s still 19 minutes left! Have some faith! (Note: said faith was slowly waning after NK’s 2nd goal. I’m a Red Sox fan, that’s all I can say.)

73rd minute: Whitehill is racing around like a Ferrari in the midfield. Her engine is def firing on all cylinders.

74th minute: NK starting to organize an attack of their own. C’mon ladies – keep the defense tight! Ball meanders in the US zone before a skipping shot finds Solo, who adeptly corrals the ball to finish the NK attack.

6:34am ET: 13 minutes to go in regulation. Man, what a match. A lot more entertaining than last year’s Men’s World Cup, save for the US-Italy match.

Side note: Greg Ryan’s voice is clearly audible on the sidelines, as he barks instructions to his side in the 78th minute. Fire ‘em up Greg!

80th minute: NK spearheads another attack, and it fizzles out soon thereafter when the ball trickles past the goal line.

83rd minute: US looking to attack. I’ve never realize what a security blanket Lilly can be, as I start to think “just give it to Lilly, she’ll take care of it.”

88th minute, NK looking for a go-ahead, US fails to clear the ball, and now, the US is back playing on its heels. C’mon Ladies!!! To borrow a phrase – “COWBOY UP!”

US counters in the 89th…and the ball goes right back NK soon after. Drama level = high. Oh how wish it were a 5-2 US bore so I hit the hay with the nerves calmed.

Four minutes of stoppage time awarded. Let’s go Ladies!

92+ minute: Whitehill free kick to Wambach, who directs the ball just wide of the far post. And now, Ryan goes with Natasha Kai in an effort to rejuvenate the attack.

OOOOOOOOOOOOH!! My hands are shaking! 93+ Solo SAVES two consecutive shots (and pretty much the game) to keep the score even at two apiece. Yikes. NK is potent, and luckily, the US has a world-class keeper.

At 6:53am ET, the whistle blows on the match. 2-2 draw. Oh man…that’s it. Well played, well played by both teams. NK showed up with all of its horses, keeping the US at bay for much of the match.

6:55am ET: Back to bed for me…without the contacts this time around. A stretch and yawn for me, and I’m headed back upstairs.

U.S. WNT cap "Kristine Lilly Day" with a 1-0 win over Norway

On a date dubbed “Kristine Lilly Day” by Connecticut governor M. Jodi Rell, the U.S. Women’s National Team capped the festivities for the hometown star with a 1-0 victory over a pesky Norway squad Saturday evening at Rentschler Field.

Almost according to script, the match kicked off with the U.S. immediately grabbing Norway by the horns less than thirty seconds into the contest, when Lindsey Tarpley delivered a nice ball to Carli Lloyd inside the box. Lloyd then went full bore toward the Norway net before sending a high shot that glided over the crossbar, which put the Norwegians on notice before the match clock reached one minute.

Minutes later, Abby Wambach hunted down a ball lackadaisically handled by Marit Christensen and Siri Nordby deep within their own territory. Wambach pounced on the ball and crashed the box before tapping the shot toward keeper Christine Nilsen, who made the save.
While the Americans took charge of the match during the first ten minutes of action, possession began to draw even around the 19th minute, as Norway began to organize its attack after a slow start.

Nearing the midway point of the first half, the Americans had staged a handful of quality chances to break through with the first goal of the game. One such chance came when Tarpley took the ball toward the outer edge of the box and launched a bending shot that just barely missed the far post in the 21st minute.

The Americans threatened again in the 33rd minute, when Lilly air-mailed a beautiful ball toward Lloyd, who was stationed at the top of the box. Lloyd took one touch, loaded up, and fired a cracking shot that went wide of the right post, as the squad yet again narrowly missed on the opening goal.

The mirage of a potential game-breaker was reappeared once again in the 35th minute, when Nilsen made a potentially fatal mistake when she haphazardly trotted up toward the top edge of the box to play a dangerous ball. Tarpley immediately recognized the blunder, and proceeded to pick pocket Nilsen of the ball. The athletic forward and blew right past the helpless keeper, en route to a clear shot on goal before defender Ane Horpestad headed the ball away from net.

With the match surprisingly still even entering the second half, U.S. manager Greg Ryan inserted shifty forward Natasha Kai for Tarpley in an attempt to reinvigorate an attack that had been continually frustrated by a series of near misses.

Lilly tried to spark the attack by taking matters in her own hands in the 52nd minute, when she danced into the teeth of the Norwegian back line. The hometown hero then proceeded to shake her defender with a quick spin and turned toward goal before her shot was suffocated by two defenders.

As the proceedings reached the hour mark, and with the potent American attack continually stifled by Norway’s entrenched defenders, it appeared the best team in the world would have to dig just a bit deeper to if they were to finally break through.

With shovel firmly in hand, the U.S. did just that and dug deep off a set piece from the corner, as Lilly took a short pass off the corner from Kai, then crossed and outswinger from the right toward Lloyd, who positioned herself perfectly on the welcome mat of the Norway goal. Lloyd leaned forward and cleverly headed the ball well out of the reach of Nilsen for the goal, sending the home crowd of 9,957 into delirium.

Opening goal finally achieved, the Americans attempted to clamp down on their defending in order to protect the lead. However, the Norwegians did not go quietly into the night. In the 83rd minute, Norway’s Melissa Wiik raced deep into the American half and sent a deflected shot directly in the path of teammate Solveig Gulbrandsen, who tested keeper Hope Solo with tapped shot that was safely cradled out harm’s way.

Undeterred, the Norwegians attempted to locate the equalizer in the 88th minute off a corner kick, when Nordby sent a low cross into the mixer that was thumped away by Cat Whitehill before it reached its intended destination. Seconds later, Whitehill once again cleared out another menacing Norwegian pass in the vicinity of the box, thus safeguarding the 1-0 shutout win for the Americans.

Sunday (er, Tuesday Afternoon) Morning Striker: Revs tie Goats, 1-1 and SMS makes his radio debut!

Hope you enjoyed your July 4th holiday and accompanying weekend, which, if you were like SMS, was merged together to form the rare, but quite enjoyable five-day weekend. And what a weekend it was! The beautiful weather allowed for a wide array of activities for yours truly, which included visits to Narragansett Town Beach (the best beach in Little Rhody, official home state of SMS), Lime Rock, Connecticut, for the American Le Mans Series race at Lime Rock Speedway, and a horde of fireworks displays in surrounding communities. With all of the events taking place, the above-referenced reasons transform to combine my excuse as to why this entry is untimely.

In other news, the Revs-Chivas USA 2.0 took place Saturday night on what was reported to be a warm 80-degree night in Foxboro, MA. Sadly, SMS could not attend this match, as he was 136 miles southwest in Lime Rock for said ALMS race. However, the game was taped for the purposes of future review, which allowed SMS to review the proceedings of the 1-1 draw at Gillette.

Instead of the usual match report SMS typically provides in his weekly manifesto, I think it would only be appropriate to break down the match in an analytical, well-thought out essay, since SMS was able to review the match in the comfort of his leather-upholstered living room chair hours after the lights were shut out at the Razor.

Anyway, how about that first goal by Claudio Suarez? After watching that goal, the proverbial heart shot up to the esophagus, as SMS viewed the tape just before midnight, without prior knowledge of the score. SMS noted that in each of the Revolution's three defeats, the opposing club scored the opening salvo. With that in mind, as well as the lethargic performance seven days prior, yours truly was the afraid the optimism he carried into this match would soon wane with the dreaded thought of another unlucky set of events on a rather lucky date: 7-7-07.

Luckily, the defense stepped up soon there after, and the Revs came alive for the first time in weeks. And boy, did they come alive!The Revs turned up the heat in the 2nd half to afterburner level, when Steve Ralston took shot off a wayward rebound that met its untimely demise on the right post. In hindsight, if there was any play indicative of the Revolution play during the second half, it was this sequence.

Opportunities presented themselves with brightly-colored wrapping and shiny bows, and one of them was feverishly opened in the 64th minute, when Ralston launched a corner kick in which fortuitously fell to an apt Welshman by the name of Andy Dorman, who struck the orb well, as it hop-scotched its way into the right corner of the Chivas USA goal for the equalizer. By this point, SMS, again, without prior knowledge of the result, was sure that another goal was well on its way, despite the DVD player clock reading 1:02am.

For the remaining half hour, SMS waited…and waited, and watched the Revs load, and reload their cannons; only to witness the shot fired turn out to be Hollywood-variety blanks. Two fantastic headers by Taylor Twellman, who came on a a subsitute in the 56th minute fresh off Copa America duty, had SMS optimistic that the go-ahead goal was imminent, especially with Twellman reunited with childhood buddy/current partner in crime Pat Noonan. The tandem certainly threatened the Chivas net, but was unable to ultimately find the back of the net.

Despite said chances failing to materialize, much credit should go to rookie Chivas keeper Preston Burpo performed admirably in net for the Goats, as his own back line employed its Swiss cheese defense. The fact that the rookie was able to hold the second-highest scoring attack in MLS to a mere goal in over 180 minutes is remarkable, and far be it for me to say it, was absolutely "Reis-like."

Stat of the Match, the Feature: Adam Cristman, who bears the number seven on his back and shorts, started up front and played a total of 56 minutes before being substituted for by Taylor Twellman on 7-7-07. If you subtract Twellman’s number (20) from Cristman’s, you get…13. This is the kind of hidden indicator that is essential to an insider’s knowledge of the game. In this instance, SMS has no clue what the heck this means.

Stat of the Match, the Sequel: The Revs were the only MLS club not to play on the Fourth this year. When you consider the club’s namesake, and the patriotic activities surrounding the most American holiday on the calendar, SMS can only resurrect a theory that has admittedly collected dust lately: MLS hates the Revolution. Paul Revere may not be spinning in his grave at this development, but…ah, nevermind.

Chestnut cracks Kobayashi on the Fourth: In a previous entry, SMS touted the Nathan's Annual Fourth of July Hot Dog easting contest, in which Joey Chestnut had just overthrown Takeru Kobayashi's hot dog record of 59 hot dogs in the allotted 12-minute period. With the momentum of a new world record, for the first time, Kobayashi was taken to task by the new record holder, and the drama only heightened with the news that the Tsunami had just come off wisdom tooth surgery.

With the contestants wolfing down the processed meat, it was a two horse race between the Japanese and the American. One commentator noted that Kobyashi's performance after surgery was "Schilling-esque", a la the 2004 MLB playoff performance of Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling.When all the pieces of frankfurter, buns, and liquid refreshment were picked up, the total count came to Chestnut, 66, and Kobayashi, 63. For the first time since 1999 when Steve Keiner won the title with a paltry 20 ¼ hot dogs, the mustard champion's belt came was claimed by an American, as Chestnut was given a standing O by the enthusiastic 30,000 on hand for his world-class performance.

Mark your calendars now for next July 4, as SMS guarantees that the records established by both competitors will be broken next year.

SMS hits the airwaves – pigs seen flying soon after: SMS was recently invited as a guest by Sean Donahue of the highly-informative Revs-focused radio show, "The Revolution Recap", this past Sunday evening.

The show is the only one of its kind that is devoted solely to our boys in navy blue. Take a look at his site - http://www.revolutionrecap.com/ - and you'll not only be able to view the wide array of distinguished guests Sean has featured on his show, but also listen to archived podcasts directly from his site.

SMS was genuinely tickled by the invitation, as he had never embarked on the radio waves to broadcast his agenda - that being, to promote his beloved New England Revolution. The fact that such a cast of notable of guests had appeared on past shows, and that Sean was willing to invite SMS to offer insight and discuss the club, was extremely flattering.

During the show, SMS was thoroughly impressed by the show’s content, discussions, and topics that were covered by the knowledgeable host and creator. All of this on a budget in which Sean himself has had to find sponsors, airtime, and cover all of the details (which are more numerous than I could have imagined) that go into successfully preparing and performing the show. If you are a Revolution fan, you really owe it to yourself to tune in on Sundays from 7-8pm on AM 1380 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

Sean, you are doing a fantastic job with the show, and I will be happy to appear again in the future.

Revs face Raging Rhinos for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup tonight: The Revs have little rest this week after the disappointing 1-1 result vs. Chivas USA, as they head to PAETEC Park in upstate New York to face the USL-Division 1 side. The Rhinos, who play in a beautiful 13,500 seat soccer-specific stadium, are currently tied in first place in USL-1 with the Vancouver Whitecaps with 27 points. Unfortunately, the Revolution (US Open Cup match vs. Rochester) will not be televised, and Revs fans will be forced to clamor to their interweb outlets to catch the live audio broadcast on revolutionsoccer.net.

The Rhinos often are at the forefront of discussions when the topic of MLS expansion arises. The club averages over 10,000 fans per match, and many belief is that number would only expand should the club advance to MLS as an expansion club. With the current number of clubs currently at the uneven (and incredibly unlucky) 13, it’s only a matter of time before such an expansion club comes into being. Don’t be surprised if it turns up in Rochester, NY.
(It should be noted that the Rhinos were the last non-MLS club to win the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, when it accomplished the feat back in 1999 by beating the Colorado Rapids 2-0 in the championship tilt. BONUS: The last New England-based club to win the Cup was Ponta Delgada SC from Fall River, MA in 1947.)

Revs, let's commemorate the 60-year anniversary of said Cup championship by bringing home the Cup this year!

US Women’s National Team Feature: On the weekend after the Fourth, SMS feels it’s only appropriate to showcase one of the most decorated soccer player – male or female – in the world. Talk about longevity and consistency and you are bound to mention Kristine Lilly. The crafty, unassuming vet only seems to get better with age, as the club captain recently notched career goal number 119 during the Algarve Cup proceedings. A native New Englander (Wilton, CT), Lilly also starred for the Boston Breakers during the initial incarnation of the WUSA from 2001-2003.She is also one of the last key members of the '99 WC-winning squad that still currently playing.

Readers, I owe you all an apology for the late submission this week, but I promise to that if you were disappointed or felt a sense of betrayal with the timing of the entry, SMS will deliver the next one absolutely free of charge, no questions asked. That is a guarantee.

Now that I have gotten on your good graces, I must give you the heads up that SMS will be taking a short sabbatical in which he will be unable to deliver the quirky, sometimes incomprehensible, analysis that he is famous for in at least three different counties within New England. The road tilt versus Red Bull will be the unfortunate casualty, as SMS will not only be on the road, but will be miles away from any place to view the match. Aaaaiiiiiyeeeeeeeee! Rest assured that the sabbatical will be brief, and that SMS will return just in the nick of time to scrutinize the Revs-Creamsicle match on July 22.

Teaching the kiddies

I can’t give you an accurate assessment of the US-Paraguay match. Believe me; it wasn’t for lack of effort on my part to find a locale with Gol!TV. In fact, I was mere yards away from a high-def TV broadcasting the entire match live from Venezuela. Yet, I have nothing for you, other than the view that sparse five-minute viewing blocks I was afforded between breaks of a much larger task that occupied my time; namely teaching my little cousins how to play soccer.

Of course, I can’t say I wasn’t tempted to just drop a few T90s and say “be gone, little ones, and play amongst yourselves.” But, my heart tugged at the wonderful opportunity to present to them the beautiful game. And for all that the game has given me, I felt indebted to impart the knowledge I have been afforded to my little cousins.

Here’s what I can say, based on said viewing blocks and the morning-after reports: while Justin Mapp was misfiring, and Jonathan Bornstein was lobbing gifts to the Paraguayans, my little cousin Heather was practicing her new skill of passing with the side of her foot. My other cousin, Sergio, was working on his juggling. While the TV tugged at the writer in me to provided sound critique of the Copa America match, my heart and soul were taken by two of my dearest whose genuine interest in the game was absolutely touching.

On a hemmed in front yard which provided little space to maneuver, we worked on passing techniques, touch, dribbling and juggling. The concept of kicking using the instep was completely foreign to both, but something they took to rather quickly. The skills we worked on were obviously very basic, but the sense of enjoyment between all of us was more than enough to tranquilize the antsiness of my journalistic alter-ego.

After my legs and lungs had retired following a good 50-minute training session, Sergio continued with his juggling practice until the crickets were in full attendance. Days later, on the Fourth, I offered Heather a brand new adidas ball in her favorite color – pink. No sooner did I hand the pastel orb to her before the box and bag it came had already settled in the trash, as the ball skimmed back and forth on the grass of the front yard. Once again, I found myself leading another spontaneous training session, despite the intermittent showers that only seemed to encourage the next Kristine Lilly to keep working on her newly-developed spin move.

Sometimes, I feel we, as soccer fans, get too wrapped up in this game to realize that it’s just that – a game. The beautiful game, at that. So while it is tempting to keep track of every little, nondescript detail and transaction of your favorite club, don’t forget that this is a game that should also be shared with others. Forget the naysayers and critics of our sport. If we hand our little ones a soccer ball, and leave them to their new device with some basic instruction – no overemphasis on coaching or winning - soon, the beauty of this game will finally be painted across our country.

Breakers Return

My initial reaction upon hearing of the news that the Boston Breakers will return in 2008 quite honestly took me by surprise. Graham Hays from espn.com had sent me an e-mail about a press conference in Brookline involving Kristine Lilly and Angela Hucles (both former Breakers), and I didn't know what to think. Was this the press conference to announce that the Breakers were back, ready for 2008?

The prospect of the the Breakers returning was somewhat dim back in February, when WUSA announced its relaunch in 2008. Major investors in other cities such as Chicago, DC, and LA were already in place, but no mention was made of Boston. So my initial reaction to yesterday's press conference, without many details, was one of guarded optimism.

Then, by way of some google searches late last night, I was able to find confirmation that the Breakers were indeed returning next year. And after speaking with many US WNT players over the weekend before and after their win Saturday at Gillette, I can only say that I am extremely proud of their efforts.

I am especially happy for Kristine Lilly, who I sometimes have a hard time grasping that she is one of the best players in the world due to her small stature. I heard it in her voice last Friday while interviewing her that she was excited and hopeful about the possibility of finishing her career on Boston-based pro women's team. Now the opportunity is there for her to do just that.

Congrats Lil - you deserve this.

Boston Breakers Crash Back to Shore

The Boston Breakers will be back for a return engagement in 2008 when the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA), which originally folded in 2003 due to financial constraints, returns next year after a five-year hiatus. Tonya Antonucci, CEO of the Women's Soccer Initiative, Inc. announced the return of the Boston-based franchise on Wednesday.

The Breakers, one of the original WUSA franchises back in 2001, featured notable US Women’s National Team stars, such as current captain Kristine Lilly – a native New Englander – in addition to Angela Hucles and Shannon Boxx.

The WUSA has tabbed other locales such as Chicago, Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey, St. Louis, Washington, D.C., and Dallas as part of its reincarnation.

The Breakers originally played its home matches at Boston University’s Nickerson Field, which has a total seating capacity close to 10,000. The Breakers were among the league leaders in fan attendance during their initial run, drawing an average of 7,674 per match during the course of their three-year run in Boston.

Joe Cummings, the original president of the Breakers franchise, will once again reclaim his former role with the team. No official announcement has been made regarding the club’s potential home field, players, or coaches, although it would seem likely that Lilly, the hometown hero, would be an ideal candidate to play up front for the Breakers in ’08.

Coverage (or lack thereof) of the US WNT-Mexico Match

Want to know how well my local newspaper, the Providence Journal, covered the number one team in the world is when visiting New England? For your viewing pleasure, here is the extent of the print coverage of Saturday's match:

"Kristine Lilly scored two second-half goals as the United States beat Mexico 5-0 yesterday in Foxboro in the first of eight uneup matches before the World Cup in China in Septemeber. Abby Wambach, Lindsay Tarpley and Lauren Cheney also."

Besides the half-mention being two lines short, the second line isn't even a complete sentence!

Meanwhile almost one full page was devoted to offseason football stories even though NFL training camps don't break for another three months. Just goes to show the uphill battle that the team faces in regaining the popularity it experienced back in 1999.

Forget NAFTA: US Women Thrash Mexico Cinco-Cero

The last time the US Women’s National Team stepped onto the Gillette Stadium pitch, Julie Foudy was captain and Mia Hamm played up front.

Oh, and the grass was real back then, too.

Now, some three and half years since their last Foxboro appearance – October 1, 2003 – many things have changed; Foudy and Hamm have since retired and the Gillette pitch has since become synthetic. Nevertheless, the one constant between that match and Saturday’s has been that little, unlucky-numbered train that could: Kristine Lilly.

For it was Lilly, in her New England homecoming, who would appropriately take center stage Saturday and score a pair of goals in the United States’ victory over Mexico, 5-0.

Hoping to open up the attack early, US manager Greg Ryan dispatched the unconventional 3-4-3 formation for the match, with a potent group of Lilly, Abby Wambach and Lindsay Tarpley up front.

The tactic paid dividends almost immediately, as Wambach exploded through the Mexican box and blasted a shot past keeper Sophia Perez for the game’s opening salvo in the 10th minute.

Exhibiting every aspect of a squad ranked number one in the world, the Americans relentlessly pressured and attacked the Mexican side of the field in the first half, thus giving fans in the Fort an eyeful of Wambach and her goal-crashing cohorts. With one assault after another, Number 20 & Company slalomed their way through the Mexicans like Alberto Tomba during the 1992 Winter Olympics.

It became apparent that the score would not remain 1-0 for very long. After acquiring de facto ownership of the Mexican side of the field, the Americans hammered goal number two in the 33rd minute, courtesy of Tarpley, giving the red, white & blue a two-goal advantage

As if the squad still had something to prove, the Americans stepped onto the pitch technically sounder in the second half, as the passing became crisper and runs became swifter.

Although the soccer gods may have quietly balked at the fake turf to which the match took place, they were clearly pleased with Lilly on this occasion. In the 50th minute, number 13 scored on a “right-place, right-time” shot, notching career goal number 120 on her native New England soil, er, synthetic turf.

The Mexican side, to its credit, did not just sit back and allow their American counterparts to pummel them completely. The green and red conjured their way through the American box on a handful of occasions – just enough to keep the match intermittently interesting - as goalkeeper Hope Solo was sparsely peppered with some obligatory shots. However, she would effectively keep the vault door sealed throughout the proceedings.

Although the clouds began to cast their gloomy shadows as the game progressed, there must have been just enough of a breach through the dark wispy willows to allow the gods to smile once more. Lilly, seemingly uncontent to sit on career goal number 120 for long, would strike for a second time on a brilliant, 36-yard volley that gracefully floated over the Mexican keeper.

During the 82nd minute, Ryan recalled his diminutive warrior to the respite of the sidelines, giving Lilly the standing ovation she so nobly deserved. As the Gillette faithful applauded their local hero, the hero would return the cheers with one of her own as she exited the stage.

It was only appropriate that less than seven minutes later, Lauren Cheney – Lilly’s replacement - would rack up her very first National Team goal in the 88th minute, giving the Americans the firmly-stamped 5-0 result. Surely, the soccer gods must have grinned in approval.

US Women's National Team Head to Foxboro

Fresh off the capture of their fifth Algarve Cup, the US Women’s National Team will arrive in Foxboro this week in preparation for its match vs. Mexico on Saturday afternoon. The team, which was recently awarded the number 1 spot in the FIFA World rankings after their success in Portugal, will be playing a series of friendlies and send-offs during the coming months, all in preparation for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in China, taking place from September 10-30.

Saturday will mark the first time the club has played in Foxboro-area in over three years. The last time the club graced the now-absent Gillette Field grass was October 1, 2003, when they defeated Poland 1-0 during the Women's World Cup quarterfinals at Gillette Stadium.

For those of you unfamiliar with some of the players, here's who to watch for come Saturday.

Carli Lloyd: Perhaps the player who achieved the most individual success during the Algarve Cup tournament, Lloyd, who was previously held to one goal in 24 caps, went on a goal-scoring heist, tallying four goals in four games, making her one of the most dangerous players on the US side.

Aly Wagner: One of the most skilled players on the squad, Ally has been a consistent performer since her arrival in 1999, after having witnessed the success of Pasadena. The 26-year-old midfielder recently tallied her 100th cap in a friendly vs. Canada on July 30, 2006. The creative 111-cap midfielder has been an integral part of the team’s successes since their USA ’99 coming out party, and continues to help anchor one of the best midfields in the world.

Hope Solo: The heir apparent to legendary WNT keeper Briana Scurry, Solo has performed remarkably well during the past two seasons, including a ridiculous 1,054 minute goal-less streak set back in 2006. Additionally, she had a particularly impressive Four Nations tourney back in January, in which she was named Best Goalkeeper after allowing only one goal. Nevertheless, trying to fill the shoes of Scurry is a monumental task - a task that Solo has proven she can undertake.

Kristine Lilly: Talk about longevity and consistency and you are bound to mention the name. The crafty vet only seems to get better with age, as the club captain recently notched career goal number 119 during the Algarve Cup proceedings. A native New Englander (Wilton, CT), Lilly also starred for the Boston Breakers during the initial incarnation of the WUSA from 2001-2003.She is also one of the last key members of the '99 WC-winning squad that still currently playing.

Abby Wambach: Perhaps one of the best players in the world, Wambach has scored an astonishing 68 goals in 88 career caps with the WNT. Her best year came in 2004, when she not only scored 31 total goals, but scored the game-winner in extra time vs. Brazil during the gold medal game in during the 2004 Summer Olympics. She was named was named U.S. Soccer's Female Player of the Year for 2003.

Additionally, the club is guided by manager Greg Ryan, who has yet to lose in regulation since taking over as gaffer in 2005.

Granted, this is not the same legendary team led by Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy and Michelle Akers that throngs of the sports-viewing public became so familiar with after their amazing 1999 World Cup triumph. But don't be fooled; although many of the "name" players have retired, this squad is not only supremely talented, but collectively young enough to where its success can be forecasted for years to come as well.

The WNT match vs. Mexico, which will kick off at 5:00pm, is the first game of a soccer doubleheader taking place at Gillette Saturday. In what promises to be an eventful evening filled with top-notch soccer all being played on the same turf, the Revolution will continue the festivities by squaring off against MLS-expansion team Toronto FC at 7:30pm.