Monday, June 27, 2011
This One is for the Ladies
The Women's Suffrage movement was an important time in the history of this country. The acknowledgment of women having equal rights as men opened the door for us to become a better society. It also opened up the door for women in sports, and sports deemed to be only be played by men. These days there are women and co-ed leagues for just about every sport. I think the U.S. was an early adopter of this concept, which probably explains their complete dominance in world soccer in the 90s. That team was one of the best U.S. teams of all time.
The first FIFA Women's world cup team in 91 won all 3 of their group matches with 11 goals, and only 3 against. In the knockout stage they scored 14 goals, and 3 against. Dominance.
The U.S. Ladies have won 2 Cups and 3 Olympic Gold medals. Mia Hamm and Michelle Akers are the only two women, and the only 2 Americans to be named to the FIFA 100, a list of the 125 greatest living soccer players chosen by Pele as part of FIFA's centenary observances.
The Women's WC has already started. Keep an eye out for striker Abby Wombach to close in on Mia Hamm's record, and Hope Solo, probably the best female keeper in the world, to make some amazing saves. Bring another victory back for Old Glory Ladies!!!! USA!!!! USA!!!!
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How can a country with 310 million people not have a team better than Mexico? Easy, Nobody in my generation would be caught dead playing soccer, did not know what it was or how to play it. Now we are playing it more but the best athletes don't dream of playing soccer in the USA yet. Adu was supposed to be the next Pele and jump start soccer in the US. Fail.
ReplyDeleteI NEED TO USE MY HANDS, that's why we have great goalies.
We have excellent keepers. Tim Howard played for Manchester United for a year, and currently in Everton for $6M.
ReplyDeleteIt will take a while for soccer to get bigger in the US, but that doesn't mean we don't have good players currently in out pro ranks. Dempsey, Howard, Donavan to name few.
With our growing Hispanic population, and the success MLS is having, you will see a shift in its popularity. Probably will not overtake our big three for a long time, but its good to see the sport grow.
You are right about your generation not playing. And it reminds me of a story my PM told me about his team winning the Army Soccer league for Ft. Rucker. The team was manned by a bunch of German trainees. It is the future generation that will make the sport more popular. Here's the enrollment numbers for youth players over the years:
US Youth Soccer Annual Registration of Players
1974 - 103,432
1980 - 810,793
1985 - 1,210,408
1990 - 1,615,041
1995 - 2,388,719
2000 - 3,020,442
2005 - 3,050,465
2007 - 3,123,698
2008 - 3,148,114
2009 - 3,094,868
2010 - 3,036,43
I heard somewhere that more Americans are playing youth soccer than any other sport. I'd have to confirm that but think that was the stat. That could also be a mixup with people joining the Mormon church...but yeah, I also heard something about Hispanics populating the country so I'm sure that'll have an affect as those kids grow up and help spread the sport.
ReplyDeleteThis is what you were so anxious to post about...womens soccer?
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I'm still laughing at what Nate posted...! Good post Cesar, still funny Nate!
ReplyDelete