With the rumor of SD signing/going to sign Christine Latham, what's going to happen to Julie Fleeting or Zhang Ouying? I don't see you keeping three international forwards, along with MacMillan.
From what I've heard, Zhang is not coming back (or is not going to be invited back.) I think that Latham would split time with Fleeting in the middle (I'm not sure if Rohbock is still completely in the picture, as she has been practicing and competing as the driver in 2-women bobsleds.) Having each go all out for 45 minutes might be just what is needed...
Nebraska's Loss is Spirit's Gain From this morning's Union-Tribune: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/uniontrib/fri/sports/news_1s7spirit.html "I'm really excited to move to the next level of my career," Latham said on Nebraska's athletic department Web site. "I will get to play with girls that I used to look up to, such as Julie Foudy, Joy Fawcett and Shannon MacMillan." There is also info on cuts being postponed.
In an interview on "Soccer Spotlight" Wednesday night, an internet radio show out of LA, Omid said he expected Zhang back for the entire regular season, but not the playoffs. (I love hearing coaches talk about the playoffs as if they expect to be there) He also commented on Fan's lack of speed and athleticism, and sounded as though he didn't want her back, or at least that she didn't figure into his plans. (too bad) I beleive Zhang, Mac and Latham all have enough versatility to pay up top as well as on the flank. Fleeting is strictly a forward, but I expect she will have a greater impact this year with a full pre-season to prepare. With all these additions (and subtractions) it looks like Mascaro is the odd woman out right now. Latham's size and versatility give her the edge. I wouldn't discount a 3-4-3 alignment for the Spirit this coming season, especially if Susan Bush is as good as advertised. I'm still not sure.
Spirit press release on signing Here is the emailed release... *** Latham Has Played 18 Times for Canada and Scored 69 Goals for Huskers in College Career SPIRIT SIGNS CANADIAN CHRISTINE LATHAM AS DISCOVERY PLAYER; POWERFUL STRIKER IS NEBRASKA'S ALL-TIME LEADING SCORER SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Spirit have signed forward Christine Latham as one of its Discovery Players for the 2003 WUSA season. The 5-foot-9 striker finished her senior season at the University of Nebraska last fall as the leading scorer in Huskers history with 69 goals, 23 of them game winners, and a total of 167 points. Release Summary Ø Calgary, Alberta native was honored as an NSCAA All-American three consecutive years. Ø University of Nebraska's all-time leading scorer (69 goals) is a three-time All-American. Ø Powerful forward is in the running for a spot on Canada's 2003 Women's World Cup Team. The Calgary, Alberta native was honored as an NSCAA All-American for the third consecutive year and was also a finalist, for the third year in a row, for the M.A.C. Hermann Trophy, signifying college soccer's top player. She finished her college career with 17 multiple goal games and an amazing 400 total shots. She was the Big 12 Conference Tournament Offensive MVP in 2002 and was also honored as a First-Team All-Big 12 Conference selection for the third consecutive season. She was the Big 12 Player of the Year as a sophomore and junior. "Christine brings some great qualities to our team," said Spirit head coach Omid Namazi. "She is strong, very tough and extremely aggressive inside the penalty area. She has valuable international experience which will help her adjust more quickly to the WUSA and she has the enthusiasm of a young player to come in and make a difference in this league." The 21-year-old Latham has scored five times in her 18 games for the full Canadian National Team, facing China, Germany, Sweden, Norway and the United States, among others, in her international career thus far. Latham also played four years with the Canadian Under-21 National Team. She is the first-ever Canadian on the Spirit roster. "This is a tremendous opportunity and I'm going to try to make the most of it," said Latham. "It can be difficult for Canadians to break into the league, but hopefully more will start to get the chance. I've heard great things about San Diego and the stadium and I can't wait for March to come." Although Latham has signed a player contract with the WUSA, her signing is contingent on the finalization of her official work visa.
Re: Spirit press release on signing true 'dat! lol...NAFTA PEOPLE!!!! lol breanna boyd is also working on getting her official work visa too...and trust me, after spending my xmas renewing my green card it was quite a lengthy process with lots of waiting! lol... looking forward to seeing how things go!! elaine
This was the North County Times article on the signing. http://www.nctimes.net/news/2003/20030208/53250.html More than the info on Latham, what interested me were the last two paragraphs: "The team is close to finalizing a contract with Brazil's Daniela, who would replace the departed Shannon Boxx as holding midfielder. That would give the Spirit six international players, a number that must be pared to four before the season. Scottish forward Julie Fleeting is sure to stay, and the Spirit will retain one from among Nigerian forward Mercy Akide and its two Chinese players: forward Zhang Ouying and defender Fan Yunjie." If Daniela would be the holding mid and Aly the attacking mid - where would Julie be put?
in a 3-4-3, as a right-sided mid, where she often spent much of her time last year. not as an out and out winger, but simply on the right side of midfield in a diamond arrangement. if mac is "up top" on the right in a 3 man striker formation, you don't need an out-and-out winger.