I know that a few team forums have sort of addressed this topic on its own, but figured that there should be one handy spot where everyone could talk about this. Who do you think will be hurt the worst, and who would be hurt the least by national team callups? The Spirit, for instance, have 4 players currently as regular members on the US team; have Christine Latham who could get callups to the Canadian team now that her full-time commitment to the University of Nebraska is finished; have Julie Fleeting who is the star of the Scottish team; and have (at least for right now) the two Chinese players who could be called up. Assuming that one of the two aren't kept, it's rumored that Daniela, a young veteran starter for Brasil, would replace her. And if there is a rash of injuries to the US top keepers Pags could get a call... *** So, what about your favorite team?
3/4 of the Courage midfield are internationals (Riise, Lehn and Roberts), a situation that made things very difficult when the US and Norway played in a friendly last season the same weekend as a Courage/Charge match. We could also lose a key defender (Slaton), as well as someone who is expect to have a huge impact on our backline (Breanna Boyd). Then there's the team's best pure shooter (Prinz). It doesn't look like our other starting forward (Fotopolous) is going to get anymore looks by Heinrichs. Neither is our goalie (Luckenbill). Guess we should be grateful for small favors. But still, Tsunami, I think I'd rather be in the Courage's position than the Spirit's.
Boston has 5 US players who are regularly continued to be called up (it'll be interesting to see if that trend continues. I suspect at least 3-4, maybe all 5 will continue.), in addition to two Norwegians (magnificent Mellgren and gee-we'll-get-to-see-her-this-year Gulbrandsen!).
Re: Boston Just thought I would let you know that Ragnhild played 15 minutes for Norway today against Denmark and had a couple of shots. Dagny Mellgren has been on fire lately for Norway and she scored another goal today in Norway's 3-3 draw Denmark. Since you are a fan of "Inside Soccer" I thought I would also let you know that I have posted a partial transcript of last Saturday's show in the Courage Forum.
Re: Boston And Boston has the Candian WNT 'keeper in LeBlanc, plus the new French WNT player, and Mexico's Monica Gonzalez. When you say "five" USWNT players, I assume that you are counting Lilly, Sobrero, Kluegel, Hucles, and Hawkins. Is there any chance for Borgman to get back into the WNT pool?
Atlanta will lose Bri, CP, Hooper, Nonen, Sawa, the new Mexican (wait they did make it right? I hope so), and the new German, but we have great replacements in all those positions, that just my view, maybe another Beat fan can add in.
NY will lose Milbrett and Pearce(now that shes back in the mix) and Anita Rapp for Norway. We are supposedly getting Cheryl Salisbury from Australia along with Swede Jane Tornqvist. It doesnt look as if Boxx will be called back into camp, and Ormen from Norway is predicted to be leaving the team. If Christie Welsh ever gets back with the national team, we lose her too. So thats 6 for NY(2 forwards, 2 middies, and 2 defenders).
Re: Re: Boston nsa, thanks for the additions of LeBlanc and Gonzalez...the snow ate my brain. We will ever really know with April (re: Borgman)?? Since Boston seems to be a feeder filter system for the USWNT, I suppose so.. (Off topic.... Breakers' new forum subtitle "USWNT player pool.." or "Ape's club team")
For the Charge, Scasna and Smith (Euro 2005 stuff); Solo, Mitts, Benson, Fair, Pichon (friendlies, WWC, Algaarve Cup). There's one missing from that list that deserves a callup, but as long as Ape thinks she's got a handle the keeper situation, it's pointless to discuss it. Paul
And I believe that the AFC is MUCH stronger than CONCACAF after the top two so I believe that Mexico will get soundly beaten making the Mexican players available for the entire WUSA season. As to the original question: Given the balance of the league the team that will be hurt the most will be the one whose coach does not use the first part of the season to get the reserves REALLY ready by giving them large chunks of time in meaningful game situations. The big risk takers among the coaches may be the big winers this year as it will be risky to put games in the hands of the reserves when the regulars are available but that very move could easily win the league.
You guys should be getting Aussie Joanne Peters but I am unclear as to whether or not she is still on the Australian WNT.
It would probably help if we had schedules for all the NT's so we can see who leaves when during the season. Freedom: Mia is a definate call up unless Jimmy throws a hissy fit to the feds so that she can stay on her club team. Siri sort of too. Abigail is on the outside looking in with the USWNT. We have loaned Pu Wei for the entire season. Bai Jie is with us until late July. Steffi Jones is retired from the German WNT. Sandra Minnert still plays for the German WNT. And then there is that Kelly G. person (I still can't play her name) that plays for Australia. As far as I know there are three USWNT matches during the season. No clue about the other NT's.
Canadian Schedule As I understand.... Feb 10-20 Training Camp in Florida Mar 7-13 Algarve Cup Camp Mar 14-20 Algarve Cup Jun 18 Friendly vs S Korea @ Toronto Jun 20 Friendly vs S Korea @ Montreal Sep 1 Friendly vs Mexico @ Edmonton Sep 4 Friendly vs Mexico @ Vancouver Sep 23 - Oct 11 WWC China There will likely be some additional camps...(June, August, September?) Don't know about other Friendlies
USWNT's *tentative schedule* https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=25756 4/23 - USWNT vs Iceland, tbd 5/17 - USWNT vs England, Atlanta, GA 6/14 - USWNT vs One of the Koreas, Salt Lake City, UT 7/13 - USWNT vs tbd, Long Island, NY
Maren retired from the German WNT about two years ago so she won't be called up. Bettina Weigmann has decided to stay in Germany and not renew her contract with the WUSA.