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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I was sitting on the same couch I was 12 years ago watching some of the best competitions ever! Granted, I was 10 months pregnant 12 years ago - but that victory in the Rose Bowl was channeled into my baby that day and now MY little #6 is watching every minute of this World Cup and enjoying it more than I have every seen her enjoy anything on tv or a sporting event! Her engagement in the thrill of it all is priceless and I have to thank all those that have gone before me (no Title 9 when I was young) and all those after me that have helped my daughter enjoy it all!!!! Thank you!!!!!!!
Posted: 07/14/2011 @ 9:49
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