#SHEBELIEVES – Jill Ellis’s Top Squad is Off to a Strong Start for FIFA Women’s World Cup Journey
Rapinoe shines as the two forces meet on the field that lead the USA to victory in Women’s World Cup opener against Australia. USA earns three important points and starts off with a win.
The Winnipeg Stadium in Canada never felt more American with the Stars and Stripes flying high with pride — the USA defeated Australia on June 8th in the First stage of the FIFA Women World Cup – Group D.
This was not an easy match and there were moments early in the match where the 1-1 score had fans on the edge of their seat.
America’s favorite goalie Hope Solo was tested and once again proved to the world why she belongs on the US Women’s National team. She was awesome defending her net from Emily van Egmond’s attack. Hope Solo calmly tipped the threat on to the crossbar. Then she protected America from Samantha Kerr’s well-hit volley. Fan’s of the NWSL know Kerr from the time with Western New York Flash and that she can be a formidable force.
Solo, whose past year has been marred in controversy with domestic abuse charges which were dropped but still linger to haunt her in the media, should finally be able to put aside all the rumors. While Solo performed fabulously on the field, it was Megan Rapinoe who was the star. With two goals to her name, she kicked the score off with great skill on a long-range strike. Australia’s goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri didn’t stand a chance.
While the Matildas equalized with their captain Lisa De Vanna’s goal, Christen Press responded to the cry #SHEBELIEVES and with a great pass from Sydney Leroux, scored a debut World Cup goal in the 61st minute to give the USA the lead. American supporters from around the world appreciated Press’ impact. American fans only had to wait 17 more minutes for the third goal to seal the deal — although the soccer experts did agree that Press’ goal left the Aussie squad slightly deflated.
What did the Player of the Match and the Head Coach think? Rapinoe admitted that the team was a bit nervous and believes that they will play even better as the journey continues. Head Coach Jill Ellis thought that the team might have given a bit too much space in the mid field in the first half but the second half, the team stepped it up and had a much better effort.
Regardless of how their performance could be improved, what our USA team has is depth and confidence — with a great head coach who inspires her players and believes in their abilities.
Alex Morgan @alexmorgan13 tweeted, “Game 1 in the books!!! Thanks for all the support. Felt great to get some minutes with the team and most importantly a big WIN!!”
The next match is the tough one. When the USA takes on Sweden on June 12th and our players walk on the field against their beloved former coach and this is a match not to be missed. Our team will be looking to gain more points against this tough opponent and both teams will be well prepared. All the confidence our USA team has earned will be tested in this next match.
If the USA wants to end the drought of no wins for this coveted cup, perhaps we should all embrace the possibilities of all the hard work – celebrate the marvelous diversity on our Women’s National team — and applaud how these women work together as a TEAM to bring back the win — the victory that so many of us enjoy from the comfort of our bar stools and armchairs. Perhaps we should just text #SHEBELIEVES.
