I know it's not really that big a deal, but if both Rampone and Abby decide to retire before the Olympics, who do you want to see become the next captain?
Duh. Didn't you see the handoff of it back to Wambach when she came on in the final? Who handed it to her? Lloyd will be the captain until she retires. After that, if she continues to improve, I predict Johnston will be the next captain.
I was wondering who else saw it. Speaking of Johnston, here's a fun quiz. What does her own goal have in common with all the other own goals USWNT players have committed in World cups?
All right, I am taking the bait. However, I am trying to recall other own goals by USWNT players and only one readily comes to mind (Chastain against Germany in 1999). Based on what I know about that one, I will say the USWNT scored again after each own goal and won each game in which they conceded an own goal.
The obvious answer here is Carli. The more interesting question will be who will be the co captain with Carli? I'm guessing either Solo or Sauerbrunn. When that generation is gone, it'll start getting interesting
After this WC I thought to myself, which US player would likely start on every single top 10 team. It won't be the forwards since they're either old, injury prone and just not scoring a lot of goals. Teams like France and Germany pride themselves on their midfield play, so even someone like Lloyd would have a hard time being integrated into their system. Solo is great, but some teams may pass based on her off-field antics........which leaves us with the defense. JJ has the potential, but may need a little more seasoning for some teams. Krieger lacks a bit of offensive skill, and Klingenberg is still making a name for herself. The only player I see being slotted into every single starting top 10 line-up, is Becky Sauerbrun. Hence, why I think she should be captain.
We're so gonna use that against Santa Clara in recruiting (Santa Clara responds: Our grads play in WWCs -- that is all --)
Sauerbrunn was extraordinary this WWC. If she had started in the 2011 final we might have been looking to repeat this tournament. She and Johnston were the key to the USA getting to the point where Lloyd took over. On playing merit and temperament, she is a worthy choice. But, she's 30. Lloyd will be the captain until 2019. Sauerbrunn will be 34 then. Johnston will be 27. So, based on that, again, ask yourself, who's going to be the captain if Lloyd's last WWC is '19?
Yes, she was. I've had that fiasco of a game burned into my head ever since it happened. Brazil took a corner kick and Osborne attempted to clear it, but inadvertently headed it past Scurry into the goal.
With France's inablilty to finish in big games, I'm sure they'd jump at the chance to play someone who is known for that particular skill.
No doubt, but I'm basing my decision on every top 10 team. I'm sure there are some teams that would trade their first born for Solo.
I agree with much of this. Except that leadership capabilities and talent, while not mutually exclusive, are not the same thing. It also comes down to personality and experience. Becky may have all those traits necessary to be a good captain. But team captains are not necessarily always going to be your best or most valuable player.
I like having ur center back be captain because they have a better perspective on matches then anyone on offense. I do think it would be Lloyd however and Im ok with that. I was again struck during the post match presser that she was the voice of reason for the team thruout the WC and an excellent spokesperson.
I would not be opposed to having the Captain's Band permanently tattooed to Carli Lloyd's left bicep.
In my opinion your captian should be steady, smart and present. Becky Sauerbrunn is the player who best fits this bill on the current roster. She is level headed, rarely makes a mistake, can see the whole field from her position, is intelligent, and plays every minute. Argument can be made for Lloyd too, and she's riding on cloud nine right now. She's the star of the moment. But let us remember she is quite streaky and has a moody/reckless side to her game. Becky has more of a captain's temperament. Julie Johnston for captain in 2023.
No one thought Lisa De Vanna would be a good captain, and yet it seems to have had a very positive effect on her.
Morgan Brian might be a good captain. But whomever is chosen, it depends who sets the tone on the practice field, the game pitch, and in the locker room.