USWNT: Tribute Tour Kicks Off, Coach Pia to Step Down

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Rochester, NY (September 1, 2012)-Still basking in the golden sun of the London Olympics, the U.S. Women's National Team kicked off its 'Fan Tribute Tour' in Rochester the hometown of veteran Abby Wambach. Playing in front of a sold out crowd of 13,208 at Sahlen's Stadium, the U.S. women easily handled a young Costa Rican team as they beat them 8 to 0.

Wambach scored two goals in the first half, two more were added by Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan capped off the half with one of her own as the U.S. team put on a clinic in their red and white striped kits. The starting lineup featured the same eleven that took the field only weeks ago in Wembley Stadium when the U.S. beat Japan 2-1 for their third consecutive gold medal. 

Goalkeeper Hope Solo was hardly challenged in the first half and quite honestly had time to write another book as the Costa Rican squad struggled to move the ball even across half field.

The second half featured several substitutions as the U.S. showed off just how deep their roster is. Goals by Sydney Leroux, Carli Lloyd and Heather O'Reilly kept the game squarely in the American's favor as Costa Rica continues their scoreless drought against the U.S. women.

It was fitting that the victory tour began in the hometown of Wambach and in a city that has been so supportive of women's soccer over the years. "Wambach's Way" was unveiled yesterday, a walkway at the stadium named in the honor of one of the greatest strikers in women's soccer history. Wambach did not disappoint when she added her 144th and 145th international goal, both in her trademark style- with her head. She left the game in the 72nd minute to a standing ovation. 

Slightly overshadowing the day was the news that trickled out just hours before the game that Coach Pia Sundhage would not be renewing her contract and would be stepping down as the U.S. WNT head coach. It has been rumored that Sweden has been actively pursuing Sundhage since Thomas Dennerby stepped down as coach of their national team just a few weeks ago. 

Sundhage spoke to the team prior to the news reaching media outlets and she was reportedly given a standing ovation by the team. Sweden will be hosting the European Championship in 2013, which is speculated to be part of the motivation for her to return home. 

“It was an honor to be able to coach these players for five years and I learned a tremendous amount from them,” said Sundhage in a statement before the game against Costa Rica. “I want to thank all the players and all of my assistant coaches for making me better. Before I took this job, I always admired the spirit and character of the U.S. team, but to experience that first-hand on the training field and from the bench as their coach was truly special and something I will treasure for the rest of my life. Although it is time to move on, I’d like to thank U.S. Soccer for this wonderful opportunity and I wish this team and the players all the best in the future.”

Sundhage has compiled a 88-6-10 record in the last five years, which included two gold medals and a second place finish at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. The search for a new head coach will begin immediately with Sundhage expected to step aside in the next few weeks.

For women's soccer that is only part of the uncertainty that lies ahead in the next several months. Plans for a professional league are still being ironed out with hopes of at least a ten-team league that would debut in 2013. 

For now however the focus will hopefully remain on the players and the fans that they are seeking to thank in what should be ten game victory tour. Next up for the U.S. are two games against Australia on September 16 and 19. The first game will take place in Carson, CA at the Home Depot Center and the second game will be in Commerce City, CO at the Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Both games will be nationally broadcast. The U.S. has also secured two games in October against Germany, one of the most respected teams in the world. Those are slated for October 20 and 23 in Illinois and Connecticut respectively. 

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There is 1 comment on this post. Join the discussion!

Lastinger says:

Come on all celebrate this event and keep on fighting...

Thursday, September 6, 2012 at 4:53am EDT

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