Brandi's Blog
July 10 Will Be US Women’s Soccer History Day
July 10 will go down in history as US Women’s Soccer History Day. It was 12 years ago today the my teammates and I put US Soccer in the history books with a PK victory over China with 90,000+ fans watching in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. Fast forward to today and you see the same crest on the proud chests of our country’s best, taking on the undisputed best player in the world, Marta, and her dynamic team, Brazil. The first two goals scored were blunders, gaffs, errors of the largest proportion. An own goal and a pk that resulted in a red card. With the scored tied 1-1, Brazil scored what looked to be the winner in OT. With seconds left to play, and only belief filling their heart and tired legs, team USA was saved from despair by a long lofted cross, that landed perfectly on the head of Abby Wambach as a defender and goalkeepr flew past her. Without hesitation she slammed it into Brazil’s goal to breath new life and hope into the US team and crowd. Five kickers from the US and Brazil stepped to the spot, only one team could be the victor. Just like in 99, the goalkeeper would make an improbable save on the third kicker and all the US players would make their spot kicks to send the team and the stadium into a frenzy. Hope Solo’s effort in the game was monumental, and Abby Wambach’s goal unforgettable. Anyone who witnessed it live will never be the same. And their stories will live in infamy. But what is most amazing, and so touching and so REAL about this moment is that the tournament is yet to be decided. Two more games, two more moments to shine. The favorite and home team Germany, OUT. The much talked about and adored Samba Girls from Brazil, gone. USA is still standing, albeit a little worse for wear tonight but smiling from ear to ear. Next up, France, who have a loaded roster of European champions from Lyon. They know what it means to win a championship, but do they know what it means to move a country? I think in that category, the US has them beat. Having said that, it will take an effort to best France and move a game closer to the ultimate prize. But from where they were standing in the 121st minute of the game against Brazil, the view is much better.
What does this game means, in the big picture…
This story is about never giving up, as well as never giving in. About the belief in the spirit as well as the cause. The knowledge that hard work DOES pay off and that sportsmanship is essential. That making mistakes is a part of growing. That representing something larger than yourself gives one a terrific perspective on why the journey and staying in the moment are so vital.
Life, my friends, is a gift and should be lived with grace and kindness, respect and love, in harmony and patience while always remembering it is not a sure thing. And that with the gift, other gifts can be given. Yes the players on the USA roster will be the owners of the victory against Brazil, but the rest of us are the recipients of a memory that will last forever. It is true that soccer is just a game. But it is a game that gives much more than it takes, and defeats less than it rewards, and every second should be cherished, no matter the score.
From Germany, with great pride, respect and a whole lot of USA love.
Brandi #6
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Brandi, I grew up in the generation watching you and your teammates who won the 1999 World Cup. I remember that day vividly. My family was moving to a new house that day, and the first thing we set up was the tv. We tuned into the game and only had one chair in the room. However, all 6 of us plus the moving crew gathered around the tv to watch you girls win the World Cup. What a game!! I was 11 at the time and I will never forget the impact that your team made on me.
I have been playing soccer since the age of five and fell in love with the game. I played in college and still follow the sport religiously. I am now embarking on my first job and still remember that game and that moment when you scored. Sports have opened so many doors in my life and when I think about what I want to do with my life, it’s simple: to change someone’s life. That is what you and your teammates, and this team who defeated Brazil, have done for me. You all have impacted so many people in this country. I love seeing people who I would have never thought to be interested in soccer, let alone women’s soccer, following along on facebook or other social media outlets. I love it!! Seeing soccer become a popular sport is amazing. Your 1999 World Cup team opened so many doors for women’s sports in general. I would not have had the opportunities I have today without you and your teammates and what you have created.
I want some little girl to look up to me and have hope. Hope that maybe one day she will go to college, or hope that one day maybe she can play on the United States of America Women’s Soccer team. You never know by what moment that you changed somebody’s life. I want to be able to instill self-confidence and pride in girls today. There are so many different things going on in the world today that young girls get distracted by. But maybe, just maybe, for a two hours during a World Cup or Olympic game, or a week at camp, these girls will realize what else is out there and with just a little hope and faith that anything is possible. I think that is what this time showed today. No matter how many things are going against you, when there is a will there is a way. What better message is that to send to young girls today. Never give up.
Thank you for everything you have done to inspire young girls, and me, to achieve their dreams, and never
Posted: 07/10/2011 @ 6:19
1999 Women’s World Cup was the first time I watch Pro Soccer on TV. To see this happen 12 years later was amazing! I jumped and screamed, it was so thrilling. Then ESPN showed the end of the 1999 final after the post-game. It was perfect! The country has been buzzing about it here in the states, twitter was on fire, with tons of celebrities chiming in as well.
France will be tough, they play well as a team, as do Sweden and the suddenly dangerous Japan. You were right about Japan lacking physicality and we saw that weakness against England. Then they turned it on against Germany much to everyone’s surprise, out-muscling the big Germans. I wonder if they’ll continue that against Sweden, and wonder how USA handles a complete team like France. Can’t wait to watch with you and everyone else! This cup has been thrilling, so happy they are adding 8 more teams in 2015. Much deserved!
Posted: 07/10/2011 @ 6:43
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