Kayla's Salute: The US & Japan Ladies in the World Cup Final

I love football as much as the next guy, but at the base level, I'm still a woman. I appreciate the after-game shirt exchange just as much as the game itself. Kayla's salute is a recurring piece spotlighting the best footballers that also happen to be the best looking.  This week's salute is different because it's not only a salute to two groups of people, but they're all ladies.  While the preference is the males, I can still appreciate some ass-kicking women who are also classy.  And the US and Japan's women's teams are just that. 


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By Kayla

The US and Japan ladies treated us all to one of the most memorable Women's World Cup finals in history.  Two teams who had been commended for their talent, heart, and unwillingness to give up kept everyone on the edge of their seats on Sunday as the US consistently dominated the Japanese while the Japanese displayed a stubborn refusal to give up.  The game resulted in the first World Cup final victory for Japan, bringing much needed joy to a country devastated by a tsunami while the US ladies graciously accepted their runner-up medals and showed much respect for Japan as Japan hoisted the cup above their heads.

Getty Images

As a fan, I always prefer a clean, hard-fought game over one riddled with questionable calls and dirty tactics to gain the upper hand.  Many fans do.  In a high stress game where more pressure comes in an extremely important final such as this, it's easy for the emotions to run high as the players fight tooth and nail to do whatever it takes to ensure a victory for their side. 

There's no doubt the women's football does not receive as much attention or money as the men's football.  Men do have more at stake and experience more pressure to succeed, which begins to push the sport into a place where dirty tactics are more acceptable as the "whatever it takes to win" mentality is held in such high regard.

Associated Press

Maybe that's why the women's sport feels much more pure.  The stakes are not so high.  The focus is on going out and putting the best effort forward.  Clearly the women's game is not completely pure as some teams do feign injuries, take dives, and waste time just like it's prominent in the men's game.  Regardless, the Women's World Cup final was an extremely enjoyable match that was played with pride and class between two humble teams with a tremendous amount of respect for each other.  And that's why this week's salute goes to the ladies of the US and Japan's World Cup squads.

For the sake of these wonderful athletes, let's hope those who have had their eye caught by the Women's World Cup stick around and learn to love the ladies' side of the sport, while the ladies who play the sport maintain their dignity and determination to shine with their talent and their talent alone.


Kayla is a writer, co-editor & co-founder of The Captain's Armblog.  She enjoys eating too many sweets, writing, and defending Fernando Torres.  Send her digital candies to thecaptainsarmblog@gmail.com

The CAB's Video of the Day: Hope Solo & Abby Wambach on The Late Show

The video of the...you know.  Today is Hope Solo and Abby Wambach's appearance on Letterman last night.

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By Kayla

In the flurry of media appearances since the US ladies have returned home, Hope Solo and Abby Wambach appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman last night to talk about their memorable World Cup campaign.  As with most members of the media, Letterman had no clue what he was talking about in regards to the game, at one point talking about how headers can cause brain damage.  Hope Solo and Abby Wambach kept the interview amusing as they made slight jabs at Letterman's footy ignorance and also beaming as they talked about how proud they were to have the opportunity to represent their country.  And kudos to Hope Solo for gracefully handling the situation when Letterman brought up the topic of her all-but-wonderful 2007 World Cup Experience.

The ladies then take it outside to kick some balls at some taxis. Typical in New York, I'm sure.

Kayla is a writer, co-editor & co-founder of The Captain's Armblog.  She enjoys eating too many sweets, writing, and defending Fernando Torres.  Send her digital candies to thecaptainsarmblog@gmail.com

Megan Rapinoe vs. Stuart Holden

By Kayla

Since the beginning of this Women's World Cup, the comparisons between the US Women's National Team midfielder and the US Men's National Team midfielder has become evident.  We here at The Captain's Armblog have to agree.  Here's the list of startling similarities below:

• Both Midfielders
• Both born in 1985 (almost a month apart no less)
• Great with set pieces 
• and crosses
• Hair has Twitter (Rapinoe's & Holden's)
• Has played for three domestic teams (if you don't count her recent transfer to magicJack)
• Or Holden being plagued with injuries during his short time at Sunderland
• Baby faces
• Blondes
• Americans (duh)
• Pale whiteys
• Crowd favorites
•  Silly personalities

It's only a matter of time before they find out they have super powers and are adopted by a millionaire who wants them to blast open Witch Mountain.


Images: Rapinoe - ussoccer.com; Holden - fifa.com


Kayla is a writer, co-editor & co-founder of The Captain's Armblog.  She enjoys eating too many sweets, writing, and defending Fernando Torres. Send her digital candies to thecaptainsarmblog@gmail.com

The Morning After: US vs. Japan Women's World Cup Final

The Morning After is a recurring piece highlighting matches the morning after or whenever we get around to posting it. This edition of Morning After focuses on the Women's World Cup final between the US and Japan.

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By Kayla


No matter which side you were cheering for, everyone was treated to a wonderfully entertaining World Cup final today.


Another dramatic game from the US brought about a different result for the #1 ranked team in the world.  Gaining and losing the lead twice and losing to Japan in the penalty shootout placed the Lady Nats in second in the Women's World Cup.  The game stayed 0-0 through the first half and into the second, with several close goals on the US's part.  Alex Morgan, who substituted in for an injured Lauren Cheney after the half, was responsible for the first goal for the US in the 68th minute.  Aya Miyama of Japan then scored in the 80th minute to equalize and keep hope alive for Japan.  After the game rolled into extra time, Abby Wambach put another goal into the net with another deadly header to pull the US back into the lead at 2-1 in the 104th minute.  Homare Sawa then responded in the 117th minute with a wonderful goal that put the game into penalty kicks.

Unfortunately for the US, this was not the same team that took penalty kicks against Brazil in the quarter finals.  The ladies that were calm, cool, and confident just a week ago today, seemed tired, rushed, and unsure.  Shannon Boxx took the first penalty kick that was easily blocked by Japan's keeper Ayumi Kaihori.  Carli Lloyd followed Boxx and launched her kick above the cross bar.  Tobin Heath failed to convert her kick in a similar fashion as Boxx, leaving Abby Wambach to show the only ounce of composure as she slotted her kick into the goal.  Hope Solo managed to save one kick by Yuki Nagasato, but it was not enough to save the US.  Japan claimed the title for the first time for their country, and no one can deny that it was well-earned after eliminating the hosts Germany, Sweden, and finally the US.

Despite the disappointing penalty effort from the US, the US ladies played an excellent campaign and managed to rally a country behind their efforts, including the Commander in Chief himself.  The Lady Nats have nothing to hang their heads about, and after the outpouring of appreciation and support, I'm sure they will return to the US with their heads held high.

Any monumental tournament like World Cup captures the attention of people who normally would not pay attention to the sport.  Soon after, it fades away from the forefront of the minds of society and things return to normal.  Let's hope in the case of the US ladies, they have gained new loyal fans that will not only continue to cheer them on, but also help bolster the financially suffering domestic league here in the US.


Images: Getty

Kayla is a writer, co-editor & co-founder of The Captain's Armblog.  She enjoys eating too many sweets, writing, and defending Fernando Torres. Send her digital candies to thecaptainsarmblog@gmail.com

The CAB's Video of the Day: Pia Sundhage Singing Simon & Garfunkel

It's self-explanatory. The video of the day is a footy video for your enjoyment.  Enjoy!

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By Kayla

Ahead of the Women's World Cup final, the US ladies have been making the rounds with the media.  In a press conference in Frankfurt Pia Sundhage talked about her laid back approach to coaching.  To demonstrate this, Sundhage began singing Simon & Garfunkel's "Feeling Groovy".

Now if we could only get Bob Bradley to sing at press conferences.


Video: YouTube 


Kayla is a writer, co-editor & co-founder of The Captain's Armblog.  She enjoys eating too many sweets, writing, and defending Fernando Torres. Send her digital candies to thecaptainsarmblog@gmail.com

The Morning After: US vs. France Women's World Cup Semi-Final

The Morning After is a recurring piece highlighting matches the morning after or whenever we get around to posting it. This edition of Morning After focuses on the US's World Cup semi-final over France to send them through to the final for the first time since 1999.

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By Kayla 

After the dramatic match against Brazil, the US were ready to take on France.  Although probably not as challenging as the Brazil match, France still put up a great fight and had the US play hard for the entire duration of the match.

The scoring started early for the US as Lauren Cheney found the back of the twine, but France were not ready to give up.  France gained the upper hand as the first half waned, forcing Hope Solo to make some crucial saves to keep the US ahead.  Particularly in the 30th minute, France had several close chances to equalize early on, while Abby Wambach had a headed attempt that was just off the frame late in the first half.  Persistence paid off for the French ladies as they equalized in the 55th minute with a Sonia Bompastor goal.

Just as the US ladies looked to be in trouble, Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe were subbed in and brought fresh legs to the squad, helping the US gain control of the game once again.  Shortly after Abby Wambach came through for the US and put them in the lead with a headed goal in the 79th minute.  Alex Morgan set the US victory in stone with a third goal only three minutes later.  They held on for 10 more minutes to win the match 3-1.

Japan also won 3-1 in their semi-final match against Sweden.  Japan and the US will face each other in the final on Sunday, the first ever for Japan and the first for the US since 1999.

Many people will have their eyes focused on the final on Sunday to see if the US ladies pull out another win to take home the Cup, but it seems they want a particular person to be present for their potential win.  In the midst of the US ladies partaking in many telephone and video interviews, the ladies revealed they have invited President Barrack Obama to be present for the festivities on Sunday. 

I'm sure if Obama does attend, he will not be disappointed with this talented group of ladies.  Oh, and at the request of Megan Rapinoe, make sure you have plenty of room for the sqaud on Air Force One for the ride back home.

Images: Getty

Kayla is a writer, co-editor & co-founder of The Captain's Armblog.  She enjoys eating too many sweets, writing, and defending Fernando Torres. Send her digital candies to thecaptainsarmblog@gmail.com

The Morning After: US vs. Brazil Women's World Cup Showdown

The Morning After is a recurring piece that highlights matches the morning after they occur. Or whenever we get around to posting the damn thing. This edition focuses on the riveting match between The US and Brazil that resulted in the US moving to the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup currently going on in Germany. 

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By Kayla & Jacen


If you missed yesterday's quarter final match between the US and Brazil in the Women's World Cup, you're definitely kicking yourself by now.
The US ladies treated us to one of the most heroic and surely historic matches in a World Cup. A match full of ups and downs for both teams and some controversial calls ended in a dramatic penalty shootout that propelled the US Women to the semi-finals and to the forefront of the minds of Americans.

Brazil's Aline taking on Abby Wambach

The match started great for the Lady Nats 74 seconds in when the Brazilian defender Daiane scored an own goal in a failed attempt to deflect a Shannon Boxx cross.  The 1-0 lead was held through the first half as the US dominated Brazil.  Brazil started showing signs of frustration at the end of the 1st half and both teams returned from the 2nd half just as they left in the 1st.  Trouble struck for the US in the 65th minute, when Rachel Buehler was sent off with a straight red card for a phantom foul on Brazilian standout Marta in the box.  Cristiane stepped forward to take the penalty, which was saved by Hope Solo.  The celebration of the wonderful deflection was cut short by the referee Jacqui Melksham calling what appeared to be encroachment on the US's part and resulting in a Hope Solo yellow card due to her arguing vehemently.  Marta stepped up to take the second penalty which she coolly slotted by Hope Solo to even the score 1-1.  The composure of the US started to slip as the Brazilian's began dominating in possession.  Playing with only 10 players started taking its toll as the US began showing signs of exhaustion as the clock wound down to end regulation time.  Extra time began and two minutes in Marta scored the goal that seemed to be the end of the US's World Cup campaign, a controversial incident since it appeared Maurine, who made the pass to Marta, was offside.  The goal was followed by desperate attempts to equalize from the US and time-wasting tactics from Brazil, including a feigned injury from Erika that resulted in a yellow card after she hopped off the stretcher and ran back on the pitch.

Time ticked away quickly as we saw more failed attempts by the US to score.  Then the latest goal to ever occur in a Women's World Cup match came from a moment of brillance from a Megan Rapinoe cross to a Abby Wambach header into the twine.  Abby Wambach's equalizer mirrored the same moment of genius from Landon Donovan's equalizing goal last summer in the final group stage match against Algeria that placed them at the top of their group and sent them to the knockout round of the Men's World Cup.  After the last minute of extra time, the score remained 2-2 and the game continued into penalty kicks.

Rachel Buehler's Red Card

Any penalty shootout is a nerve-wrecking experience, but it felt especially so for the US fans who sought justice after a match that was anything but fair.  The US ladies were confident as Shannon Boxx, Carli Lloyd, Abby Wambach, Megan Rapinoe and Alex Kreiger each stepped forward and successfully converted each penalty kick.  The first two penalty kicks from the Brazilian ladies came low and left, and once Daiane stepped forward and kicked hers in a similar fashion, Hope Solo quickly dove to deflect it.  Alex Kreiger's converted kick sealed the victory for the US as cheers erupted in the stadium and all over the world.  Quite the way to celebrate the 12 year anniversary of the US women winning the 1999 World Cup in similar fashion when they defeated China in penalty kicks.

Abby Wambach and Hope Solo were the heroes of the match, but Hope Solo had more at stake than any of the other Yankettes.  Hope Solo was benched in the 2007 Women's World Cup semi-final against Brazil in favor of Brianna Scurry, despite the fact that Hope Solo had only allowed two goals in four games in the campaign up until that point and keeping a clean sheet in the previous three matches.  Brianna Scurry was selected for the match because of her experience even though she had not played a full match in three month's time.  The result was a 4-0 loss that eliminated the US from the competition.  Hope Solo gave an emotional interview after the match that she issued an apology for the following day as her response to the match came across as criticism directed at then coach Greg Ryan and Brianna Scurry.  A backlash occurred and Solo's international career appeared to be over.  Fate had other plans for Solo as a new coach brought a new chance.  In the four matches between the 2007 and 2011 World Cup meetings with Brazil, Hope Solo held clean sheets all four times and proved she is worthy of facing the Brazilians.  Yesterday's match cemented that fact as she showed confidence and poise in the penalty shootout and contributed to the hard-fought victory for the US. 

Hope Solo's saving Daiane's penalty kick

The victory not only keeps the US women's World Cup dreams alive, but also gives a much needed boost to US Soccer as a whole.  After a disappointing Gold Cup final from the men, when they lost 4-2 to Mexico after gaining a 2-0 lead, the Lady Nats have pumped up the spirits of US soccer fans everywhere.  The ladies will face France in the semi-final on Wednesday, and the winner will proceed to the final on Sunday.  After the match that was fit for a final, the US are more than ready to face France. 


Kayla is a writer, co-editor & co-founder of The Captain's Armblog.  She enjoys eating too many sweets, writing, and defending Fernando Torres. Send her digital candies to thecaptainsarmblog@gmail.com
 

Kissing the Badge: Megan Rapinoe of USWNT

Kissing The Badge is a recurring post where we take a look at some of the best goal celebrations from the previous week's matches. Today, we look at the post penalty kick celebration from USWNT's Megan Rapinoe.

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By Jacen

The 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup has not been 100% smooth sailing for the United States. A 2 - 1 loss to Sweden in the final group stage match meant the Yanks would be facing Brazil in the Quarter Finals. USA Brazil history aside, the match was a back and forth affair with several good plays, and several bad calls. The dramatic, late, late goal from Abby Wombach (which Rapinoe assisted) sent the game into penalty kicks, which the USA won 5 - 3.

Rapinoe was the 4th of the US ladies to take her spot kick, and she delivered it in fast and to the left, beating Brazilian keeper Andréia. She then celebrated by doing 3 celebrations in 1.  First she cupped her hands over her mouth and called out, before sucking her thumb (the well known celebration signifying the goal scored was for the players children) and racing back to her team mates, head bobbing and tongue hanging out of her mouth.

A quality goal and a quality celebration!

The CAB's Spotlight On The Adventures of Jay Demerit

The CAB's Spotlight is a recurring piece on hot topics in the football world. This edition is on Jay Demerit's courageous journey to the EPL, along with the adventure of the filmmakers who are out to tell his tale.

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By Kayla

Too often in life, people are discouraged from following their dreams.  Whether out of concern or spite, we're talked down from the ledge just as we're about to spread our wings and take flight.  Most people comply, stepping down back into their safe comfort zone.  And then there are people like Jay Demerit, who refused to let any limitations stop him from chasing his dream, whether it be limited amount of funds, rejections from clubs, or lack of a steady place to sleep.

Jay's story starts around the year of 2001. Contrary to the fact that he played for Chicago Fire Premier, Chicago Fire's development team, Jay was not drafted for any Major League Soccer teams after his college graduation.  He spent the time after working at a bar.  Then he did what any sane individual would do: take the advice of a former teammate (Kieren Keane), take advantage of European Union work status, and move to England.  All with only $1,800 to his name.  All for the quest of finding a team to play for because Jay Demerit was not ready to give up.

He crashed in the basement of Kieren Keane's mother's home and embarked on tryout after tryout.  Eventually, Demerit found a spot on Southall's squad in 2003, where he made £40 a week playing for the ninth tier team in England.  The following year Demerit moved up to seventh-tier Northwood.  In the second pre-season match they met up with FC Watford.  Demerit managed to impress Watford's manager Ray Lewington and thus earned a two week trial with the Football League Championship squad.  The result of the trial was a one year contract for the 2004-2005 season.

In Demerit's first season with Watford, the team fought relegation from Championship to League One.  The same was expected for the 2005-2006 season, but the new manager Aidy Boothroyd led the squad to finish third in the league.  This earned them a spot in a playoff where the winner would be awarded the third and final spot for promotion to the Premier League.  In the play-off final on May 21, 2006, Jay Demerit scored the first goal of the 3-0 Watford victory over Leeds United, earning them promotion to the Premier League.  As a result of Demerit's header, he was named Man of the Match and earned a contract extension to the 2008-2009 season.  
 
Demerit was released from Watford in June 2010 after his expired contract was not renewed.  November later that year he was the first player signed for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC for their first foray into the MLS for the 2011 season.

Jay Demerit's incredible journey to Europe in pursuit of a chance to play in top flight football is the focus of a documentary entitled Rise and Shine: The Jay Demerit Story. Strangely enough, a story within a story has emerged from the pursuit to have Jay's story told to the masses by means of film. Nick Lewis and Ranko Tutulugdzija are the co-directors and co-producers of the documentary.  A lawyer and an acupuncturist by day, both men set aside their jobs to take on the task of having Jay's story told after they recruited their one-man crew/director of photography Zach Salsman (a 24-year-old fresh out of college that Lewis and Tutulugdzija found online). 


The project took approximately a year and found the crew exploring three different continents as they chased down the people close to Demerit and those who encountered him along his journey to the Premier League.  They also managed to capture Demerit's last match with Watford and Salsman traveled to South Africa on his own to film the 2010 World Cup action, where Demerit started each match, even playing the US's final match against Ghana with a split tongue that later required five stitches.  


The filmmakers have now encountered another hurdle to jump before they can put the film into mass distribution.  They must raise $215,000 to pay for the rights of the World Cup and Premier League footage used in the film.  In their haste to put the project together and their lack of film experience, Lewis and Tutulgdzija did not realize what a hefty price they would have to pay for Donovan's game-winning goal in the US's final group stage match against Algeria ($50,000) and footage from Premier League games runs upwards of $30,000.


This Spotlight is not only to highlight the wonderful drive and motivation of Jay Demerit and the film makers who are desperate to spread the word of Demerit's feat, but to also bring attention to everyone that the film makers are only a few days away from their deadline and are still about $80,000 short.


You can visit the Kickstarter page to pledge any amount of $1 or more.  If you pledge $25 you'll receive the DVD of the film, and the more you pledge the more prizes you'll receive.  You can also check out the official site for the project for more information.


Jay Demerit's story is a rare and wonderful tale of what hard work, motiviation, and endless drive will get you if you never give in. Now it is up to us to ensure the film makers not only have a chance to share Demerit's story but also have a chance to chase their dream just like him.

A History Lesson: Landon Donovan's 2010 World Cup Goal

This is the fist installment of what will become one of our recurring pieces here at The Captain's Armblog:
A History Lesson.

A History Lesson will feature a particular part of Footy History that we feel is relevant and timeless. It can feature players, club victories, title wins, goals, heroic moments, etc. Since today is the one year anniversary of this particularly historic moment, we felt it as an appropriate first piece.


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It was June 23, 2010.  After two draws in two matches, the United States were mere minutes away from elimination from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.  However, one minute into injury time, a save from Tim Howard put in motion a game-winning play.  With all of his might, Tim Howard flung the ball down field where it was picked up by Landon Donovan.  Following a speedy run and passes between Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey, it was Donovan himself who struck it home.

This goal not only won USA the match 1-0, but it captured the imagination of an entire nation.  At least for another three days before they were eliminated by Ghana 2-1 in the knockout rounds.  But that's another story for another day.

Today we focus on that goal, as well as what that goal has come to represent.

During that time, America stood and took notice.  And it was about damn time.  That one goal changed not only changed American's perception of the sport, but it also changed Landon Donovan's perception of the sport.  For the longest time, Landon Donovan was known as the arrogant, shit-talking hothead who aired his dirty laundry with David Beckham (and this was just one effrontery), but with that strike it all seemed to melt away.  Donovan came out of that World Cup a changed man.  Maybe not 100% but it was enough to make a difference.  His reputation as an asset to the US Men's National team is likely to be cemented in USMNT's history forever.

Also included is the video of the reactions of those watching the game, and it's well worth a watch. It sends chills down the spine of anyone who supports The Stars and Stripes. You can still catch me getting drunk and watching these videos, weeping with joy from the memory.

And it all started with this one goal. (USA! USA! ... just kidding.)