Uhhh wasn't too sure about what to do regarding a pre-game thread for Saturday's game. Ehhh it's the start of a new season. I'll figure it out one of these days. My starting 11 --- Siri (wo)manning the nets. The back four will consist of everyone's second fave punching bag Skylar "no it's my sister that is dating Rimando" Little. Carrie "Pichon is scared of me" Moore. Jen "Grandma" (inside joke) Grubb. And Emmy "Yes my dad played pro baseball" Barr. Stealthwhacker and Matlock Steffi are the defensive midfielders. L-Squared and Mo as the other midfielders. And of course newly converted BoSox fan Mia and "Getting the USWNT shaft" Abigail up top. I don't expect either teams to be playing at midsummer form. Probably still have some bugs and kinks to work out. The Courage are going with their #2 GK cuz Luckenbill hurt her thumb or something during the preseason and will be out for several games. Hell I don't even know who their #2 keeper is. Luckenbill played every game for the Courage last season I believe. Beard and Noftsinger are eligible to play in the match cuz Golebiwhatever and Bai Jie are gone correct? If so I wouldn't be suprised if Beard is subbed in with 20 minutes remaining in the match. Here is a CyberSoccerNews pre-game article: From the Freedoms perspective: Founders Cup revisited as Freedom face Courage on opening day Washington start season with confidence despite uncertainties by Katherine Minarik
Based on the lineup in the Charge scrimmage, I was thinking that the starting lineup might have Mia in the midfield in place of Mo with Jacqui up front alongside Abby, then Mo starting the second half with Mia moving up front and Jacqui coming out. But the writeup on the WUSA website makes it sound as if your lineup is the one they'll go with. I agree that I wouldn't be surprised to see Flo or Jacqui come in late. I don't think Mia's going to go 90 minutes.
game time and this game starts at 2:00 pm est, correct?? this was confusing for me (but it's good because mls fans will be free and such to watch the game) this should be a fun game, but i guess that means that i'll have to finish watching the founders cup tonight (hasn't taken me long to finish watching the last 10 minutes or anything, has it??) see you all later for pre/halftime/post game chatting.
Does anyone else think Beard and J. Little are better than Monica Gerardo? I certainly think so, and I've always wanted Beard to get more than 15 minutes to show what she can do.
Some articles from the Post: Washington Post special on Mia: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A6158-2003Apr1.html A general Freedom article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A30815-2003Apr4.html
I'm just excited to see Stoecker "the stealthwhacker" back. I think she's really going to benefit from playing along side of Jones all year. Not to mention, their height alone in the center of the midfield may pose a problem for some teams. Hopefully the rain will hold off as they're calling for afternoon showers. I really don't want to be soaking wet at the first game this season. And, I'll be sure to cheer as loud as I can for all of my fellow Freedom fans who are unable to attend.
Today's Game Right now, it is a sunny 68 degrees in Cary, hope that stays. Shmigle, you were here for a couple of the rain games last year. First to the question as to who the Courage backup is, it will either be Meghann Burke from the University of St. Louis, or Maite Zabala, who backed up Melissa Moore in Philly last year. Both are good keepers. My prediction. There is a first time for everything. Mia has never lost a game in Carolina, that, I believe will change today. Either way, it will be a good match. K~ ps, shmigle, check your pm's
Good morning shmigle08!!! ----- From today's Washington Times: Healthy Freedom slip into role of favorites By Ken Wright MLS, WUSA upbeat despite troubles By Eric Fisher
OMG I'm so excited. I'm not holding for anything too spectacular given it's opening day, but I believe we can win.
All I know is, that this dirt-bike whatever escapade that is on ESPN2 right now, BETTER be all over with at 2:00pm exactly!