Live Q&As

Brazil is a very talented team, and has been a top team in the world for many years.  I would not say that anything went wrong. I would say that USA is also one of the best teams in the world. We may not have the same flair and savvy on the ball as they do throughout their country, but we can make up for it with fitness, mentality, and the heart to win the game when it is on the line. As you saw in that game, we will never give up, and we walk on the field assuming that we will win every game. We are talented, as fit as any team in the world, and have the experience to win games under all sorts of pressure. It takes more than one dimension to be a World Champion. 

1991 was the first world championship for women's soccer. We were still selling the game to the public, and really had to fight as young girl's to even play sports. Soccer was "new" to the American fans, and there was little media coverage for the Americans to know what we were doing. 1999 was a whole new story.  Everyone who knew sports knew about that tournament, and all of a sudden with a gold medal in the 1996 Olympics, we had icons and athletes who became role models. The pressure to win 1999 and let the entire nation know about the US Women's National Team was enormous.  All the stadiums were packed, and there were more fans at training sessions than at previous games. The victory was so stirring because even with the pressure, they played attractive, technical,  attacking soccer. They stayed and signed autographs for hours. They did clinics the entire. year. AND they won a World Championship in a very dramatic style. They won over fans from across the world. 

The biggest change to the game of women's soccer has been the expertise and level of coaching at very young ages. Girls grow up with the ability to play sports at a very young age, and they are able to join clubs and get valuable coaching at early ages. It is accepted in the US for young girls and women to be successful athletes, and to do the necessary training to become elite at their sport. There are opportunities at all levels for kids in the US to play sports, and to excel even at young ages.  There are so many high school and college programs, and we now have the best professional league in the world.  

Cheney has had a tremendous World Cup, and has consistently played at a very high level. She is the player on the US who has continually run at defenders 1v1, broken down the opposing defenses, and found a way to create and score goals. She also has been opening space for Wambach in the attack. Cheney has to be on the field, and she should remain the entire 90 minutes if physically able. She has been excellent wide, but also was a game-changer in the middle against France. I would consider Cheney in the middle with Boxx,  and start Rapinoe at wide midfield.  Rapinoe has been an enormous spark off the bench, but this is the World Cup Final, and we need a solid 90 minutes, not a last minute spark. 

Abby Wambach is a role model both on and off the field. She has always been the player to work the hardest at every session, remain positive, and always encourage or get on teammates as warranted.  She also embraces life and lives each day to its fullest, without any regrets. One of my favorite moments of the world cup was her celebration after the goal V Brazil in the 122 minute. She honestly did not know how to react. It was pure joy, brought on by playing for a team and country that means so much to her. She is passionate about "life," and all it encompasses. Her soccer career is part of her life.  I think that my Navy players can relate to her because they come to USNA for the same reasons. They come here to be a part of something bigger than themselves, and to give back to a country that means so much to them. 

Sonia played for the Washington Freedom, and in my opinion, is still one of the most gifted players to ever play. She is not only one of the most technical players, but also is elite in all other facets of the game. She was the player I most wanted to watch at the Freedom games, and she was no different the other day playing for France. 

There is no comparison.  the fan base we had for 1991 consisted of family and friends, and a few assorted soccer nuts.  Today, US Women's Soccer is known throughout America, and not just to soccer fans. I am so proud to see how far we have come as a team, and as a nation. 

I would start LePeilbet and Buehler, and give LePeilbet the credit for her play the last two games. She should have the mentality to play the way she has as of late.  I also really like Sauebraun. She is a great 1v1 defender, and keeps possession. I would consider moving her up to center midfield for Boxx to give us a more defensive mentality, and to keep more possession for the US.  The good news is that we now have options. 

We have always had the best goalkeeping in the world, on both the women's and men's sides.  Solo has been outstanding, and has given the team a calming presence with her behind them. My opinion is that we have the best athletes in the US, and goalkeeping requires a huge amount of confidence and athleticism. Solo certainly possesses both. 

The teams currently having great success technically, are also the teams who have been using resources and putting time into technical development. US Soccer is fully committed to putting an enormous amount of resources into the technical development at all levels in the United States girl's and women's side.  We are still #1 in the World, but we do, as a country, recognize we need to improve technically as the game progresses. 

I will always predict victory for the US Women's National Team.  I think that all who have ever put on a jersey for the US, and played for the US, still feel a part and a connection to this team. This is our team, collectively, and we will always support them.  We have the skill, passion, and heart to win again. 

Navy players know how I feel about this team, and I try to tell stories all the time of all the athletes who play or played for the US.  They are a bit ahead of the average fans, as they know the players, and they know the team's success. I want all soccer players in the US to feel connected and want the US players as their role models. After I finished Navy Camp a few weeks ago, two of my upcoming seniors flew to Germany, and have been spotted on ESPN at the games. I have received a few emails, and they are having the time of their lives. This is very important to me. This is America's Team!!!

It is a World Cup Final, and the better team, on THAT day, will  win the game.  Japan has been fantastic. Japan has been fairly flawless. Japan has put an enormous amount of time and resources into player technical development.  The US team wants to play the best teams. They want the best game. We are usually the favorite because of a few decades of success that Japan has not experienced, but nothing should be taken away from Japan at this time. They have been playing tremendous soccer and have every right to be in the World Cup Final. 

I have quite a few alumni currently in Brazil for the World Military Games. These happen every 4 years. I also get many emails from former players who have started teams and leagues in places all over the world. Sports are universal, and they have the ability to bring people of different cultures and backgrounds together with a common goal.  I am proud of all they do, on a daily basis.  

I have to run now, but sure do appreciate you having me today! I am very passionate about the US Team, and also very grateful for the outpouring of support. 

GO USA!!!!