Yeah, but the Siri fans will still be unhappy... Guess this means Hope Solo goes back to Sweeden. Looks like the last 2 rosters, so I think it is safe to say that the majority of the roster goes to Athens
That, of course, is only if Mac gets to start or at least play most of the game. I can remember a game earlier this year where she started warming up around the 60 minute mark and never got into the game. I guess that this lineup might also mean that O'Reilly has a lessening chance of making the Oly team...
Yes, it is beginning to look like that. But -- a big but (with one tee... or maybe two) as April has proven before! -- we cannot forget that our fearless ladies still have 3 Int'l friendliess between the Japan match and Athens with which April gets to keep us guessing, unless of course the upcoming rosters continue to look like the Japan one. Schedule (from ussoccer.com) Date Opponent Venue; City Kickoff (Local) / TV June 6 Japan Cardinal Stadium; Louisville, Ky. 4 p.m. ET / ESPN2 July 3 Canada The Coliseum; Nashville, Tenn. 7 p.m. CT / ESPN July 21 Australia National Sports Center; Blaine, Minn. 6 p.m. CT / ESPN2 Aug. 1 China Rentschler Field; Hartford, Conn. 3 p.m. ET / ESPN2
Very good roster, IMO. This kind of confirms at least 75% of the Oly roster has been decided. The remaining bubble players look like Mac, O'Reilly, Chalupny, Wagner. Woulda liked to see Heather O instead of Wagner, but Ape doesn't seem to impressed with her right now. Like Tsunami said, Mac needs to get at least a half in, preferably more. She needs a chance to show that she is fully recovered and can contribute for more than 30 minutes at the end of a game. Would like to see her and Abby up front, with Mia as the attacking middie. Doesn't look to good for Siri.....again, a mistake I think. Good to see Joy back to 100%, from what ussoccer said. Interesting to see if she looks shaky or tentative at all.
Can someone refresh me (or point me to a link) describing a historical relationship between Wagner and April? I'm wondering how exactly it was that Aly earned a spot in April's heart -- I mean, it seems to be a general consensus (on these boards at least) that there are other players more worthy of a roster spot.
It's true that there are three friendlies left, but it's not true that they have time. The final roster is supposed to be chosen in early July, I think. It might even be late June. So I would bet that the final two friendlies are with the final 18. It wouldn't surprise me if the 18 we're looking at for this match isn't the 18 we're looking at in Athens.
Fawcett fans should be even happier, if she really is fully recovered. So should team fans in general. As great a player as MacMillan is, Fawcett is the most underrated and underappreciated player on the team (and one of its most important).
Joy is most certainly the most underrated player on the team. I hope those magical recouperative powers of hers kicked in. We need her. I wish some sports writer would have the balls to ask April point blank why Luckenbil is even in consideration. Any way you paint it Siri is the better keeper.
The people at the PTP boards are saying Siri reinjured her shoulder two weeks ago. Anybody know if its true?
So what has happened with Heather O'Reilly? Anyone know? Wasn't she all set to make the team before she was hurt? (Sorry is this has already been discussed!)
It was pretty much a courtesy call anyway for Solo; I'd put her as the alternate OG goalie, based on her strong Swedish League performances. But Luckenbill? Good thing France isn't in the tournament, since Pichon owned Lucks and then some when WUSA was in session. Paul
She fell out of favor with the coaching staff. I think that's the majority of it. Having to choose between Hamm, Wambach, Parlow, MacMillan, Welsh, and O'Reilly also adds to the decision.
Still NO TR I don't like the Lucks thing, too many internationals have seen her good and bad, plus there is the experience thing. O'Reilly is a pure striker without the Height of Abby. She is pure skill and speed (Think Millie, only quicker) April does not want one dementional players on the team... But I wish she would release her so I can see her play live with Kelly Smith and Marinette Pichon (YES, I am thinking of myself) Especially since she will not make the final roster. Think about how she will terrorize the college ranks even more after learning from Pichon and Smith.... I won't be able to see the game at all, because I will be seeing Pichon, Smith and Makinen play
I'm a little surprised Chalupny is out and Wagner is still there. And I guess I'm surprised Mac is there. I thought O'Reilly was in: Mac had lost a step, go with the youngsters etc. I still think Mac has to do something great in this game to convince April she should be in Athens. But I'm guessing she will just get to play the last 20 min. (again) and not really have a chance. Her roster spot is still (and seems always has been) up for grabs. O'Reilly isn't out of it. Anyway, I think Japan will be a good test/match--they could beat us. But just for fun I'll say; US 3 JP 1.
Don't forget Sawa is out with a knee injury. That will hurt Japan. If what M9 said about Siri's shoulder is true, the Lucks selection makes more sense. Either way, if Lucks is close to the no. 2, she's gotta play (I'd hope start...) in this game. While I am suprised that she seems to have beaten out Siri (in April's mind, anyway), Luckenbill was underated her entire WUSA career. I'd still take a healthy Siri but I won't panic about it--unless April doesn't get her onto the field before the Olympics. There are only 5 players listed as midfielders. I know we all think both Mac and CP can (and maybe should) play midfield. However, when was the last time we saw April put CP in the midfield? I don't remember it happening during the WWC and not since but maybe I missed it. I'm a bit worried that we'll end up being thin in the middle, again. Especially if Wagner can't get her game together.
I totally agree. If indeed Siri is injured AND Lucks has proven herself, as reports have indicated, then I'd like to see her get a full game of Int'l experience worked into her gloves. Give her a game, maybe two, and then resort back to Bri to keep the starting team together and out on the field as much as possible while utilizing subs at will to blend in the experience and help those not deemed starters to continue to gel.
Hey you know what? I never saw Siri chicken out of a 1v1. Too bad i can't say the same thing for Luckenbil.