To The Editor
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LETTERS To The Editor |
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Topics
MISCELLANEOUS COMMENTS Briana Scurry, she's our woman I am a goalkeeper and idolize Briana Scurry. I don't think it is quite fair to Scurry that Mulinix is earining the top spot because of her injury. Briana Scurry has barly been coached by Henriches, so I don't see how she made this decision. On the other hand Mullinix and Scurry play different types of goalkeepers. The question is which is the better way to play the posision. When Henriches knows the team is playing a team that requires a keeper who's strength is in the box, it is quite simple, Scurry should play. When they are playing a team like Brazil that you need to stop as soon as you can, Mullinix should be the keeper. I think that April needs to reconize that the too keepers both have different styles of play, and she should use that to an advantage, by figuring out when to play who. Last night (6/27/00) I watched the Women's Gold Cup game between USA and
Brazil on ESPN and I couldn't believe my eyes. Both teams played a
great game, and
at the end of regulation time, I was expecting overtime, or at least a
shoot out to determine the winner. To win or lose a game by the flip of
a coin is absurd!!!!
They could have tossed the coin at the beginning of the game, and saved
all that
energy for the semi-finals. Who makes us these rules? We have to be
the laughing
stock of the rest of the soccer world. Things like this don't help to
promote soccer
in this country.
Pat Sensenig Crow's experience with MLS is no surprise Rick Crow's account of comments by MLS officials is no surprise. Tim L. of the LA Galaxy has repeatedly made comments that indicate he and MLS have absolutely no respect for the women or the women's game. And not he says he has "thawed" to the idea of a women's league. Too late Tim and the rest of MLS. Hendricks has proven his genuine respect for the women and the new league. MLS needs to either cooperate constructively or get the hell out of the way. The letter is in response to an editorial you published on May 17, 2000 by Rick Crow called "A Wasted Opportunity for MLS" in Women's Soccer World. First of all, as a partner in the Maryland Pepsi Pride, I would like to formally thank Kevin Payne, the entire Front Office of DC United, their operations staff, and the staff at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC for giving our franchise an opportunity to play one of our league games as a prelude to their MLS game of May 13th. I have worked with Mr. Crow on a number of projects over the years and have a good deal of respect him and his work. The unfortunate thing about editorials, as opposed to true news stories, is that you only get half of the facts in the midst of a one-sided debate. As a promoter of Women's soccer in the United States, I can certainly understand Mr. Crow1s frustration about the perception of the Women's soccer, as compared to the men1s game. This is true for most sports throughout the world (i.e. basketball, volleyball, softball, golf, tennis, track & field, etc.). Unfortunately, the roots of this are deeply ingrained in our society, and I shall leave that debate for another time and place. Mr. Crow failed to mention that this doubleheader has been the culmination of a three year process. As a matter of fact, the first and only MLS/W-League doubleheader of 1999 took place at RFK Stadium on May 8th as DC United took on the NY/NJ Metrostars and the Maryland Pride played the New Jersey Lady Stallions. This year, as many as four MLS teams will have doubleheaders with W-League teams. This can be directly attributed to the increased interest in Women's soccer and to the cooperative nature of the MLS franchises. As far as the promotion of the doubleheader, DC United is not being paid to educate the media or the fans about the Maryland Pride. Each organization has their own media and sales departments that are paid to do their respective jobs. The responsibility to promote the Maryland Pride falls squarely in that organization1s shoulders. The fact that the local media does not pay heed to a minor league Women's soccer team will only be remedied by a professional league that has a television contract. That aside, Mr. Crow failed to mention the several thousand dollars cooperatively spent by each organization to promote the doubleheader within the community newspapers of Maryland and Virginia. (Budgets not being able to withstand the cost of advertising in the Washington Post.) Additionally, Mr. Crow failed to note the joint direct mail campaign to the local Women's soccer organizations and buyers of Women's World Cup tickets. Mr. Crow stated that only 300 fans were in attendance at kick off of the 5:00 PM game. Mr. Crow failed to note that between 1,500 - 2,000 fans were in attendance for much of the second half. For an audience that was comprised mainly of young children and their families, how many were going to sit through 5 hours of soccer? How many of these youth players had games scheduled for that same afternoon? In regards to the comments about TicketMaster and RFK Stadium, any promoter who has worked with either organization knows that you have to work within their system. The Maryland Pride was a guest in DC United1s house. The fact that an extremely violent lightning and thunderstorm, with winds clocked nearby at 103 mph, was approaching a stadium (which had people struck the previous year) may have influenced the ushers to try to get fans away from the field. In his editorial, Mr. Crow put a political spin on the viability of MLS running a separate Women's league by using this game as an example. Neither DC United, nor the Maryland Pride organization, had any intention of putting this pregame activity in that context. It is unfair to either organization to be put under the proverbial microscope while the U.S. Soccer Federation decides who to give their blessing as the sanctioned organizer of the professional Women's soccer league. In summary, this was simply an exercise in cross-promotion. This was no different than how Disney promotes a new movie opening with promotional giveaways at McDonald1s restaurants. Each organization recognizes what the other brings to the table, and together, they try to make the sum of the two parts greater. Regardless of who the Federation endorses, for both leagues to co-exist, there will have to be a certain amount of cooperation (especially in Boston, New York, Washington, and Florida). The Maryland Pepsi Pride hopes that we have started down that path with our efforts with DC United. We are extremely happy to have their support. Both organizations realize that this is only the beginning and that for the Women's game to prosper at the next level, communication and cooperation are going to be essential. Subj: WUSA League I whole heartedly agree. The WUSA is women's soccer's best chance for
success.
Attempting to establish competing Div I leagues at this point in time can only spread every one too thin, dilute an already strong fan base and generally cause confusion. I think there is something to be said for trying to, at least to some degree, link up with the MLS. If only to pull together soccer fans in general as well as take advantage of an established structure. However, I don't think the WUSA should in any way "bend" to the will of the MLS simply because they are US Soccer's men's league. At this point the women are in a better position to establish their league themselves.
So.... best of luck to all of you and I will be one of the first in
line for tickets. I'l take this opportunity to once again put in my two
cents to locate a team (ASAP) in Portland, formerly known as "Soccertown
USA". Civic stadium is in the process of being upgraded for Baseball and
an "A" league men's team. Portland has a huge fan base and pool of future
players with a very strong youth soccer community. Finally, when that
day does come (a Portland team) I would hope to see our local favorites play at home (Tiff, Mac, Michelle French, and others)
Any suggestions/directions??
See you at the games and on TV RE:Women's pro league The women's pro league must include the big names in the sport to insure the success of the league in its start up seasons. Names such as Hamm, Lilly, Chastain, Fouty, et al, will draw the fans and bring legitimacy to the league. The younger players can only benefit from the presence of the established stars both during matches and in the training sessions. It would also be a shame not to have a team in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area, the US women's soccer homeland, that comprises UNC-Duke-NC State. The on field success of the Raleigh Wings speaks to the quality of soccer in the area. Having a professional level marketing budget instead of begging for favors would fill large stadiums in the area with rabid women's soccer fans. (I worked with the Wings last season, doing their advertising, and the lack of funding really hurt reach and frequency.) Women's Soccer Rothenberg's comments Since US Soccer is affiliated with the Olympics, who supports the Federation? Is it a tax-exempt organization? Do our taxes pay these jerks? Just wondering. Are they elected or appointed? Time for a new election? After reading Rothenberg's comments in the new ESPN Magazine, it's obvious they have no respect for these women, want to get rid of this team, and want to go with the younger players. NBC should be really angry. I would think they would want the real team - that's the only one I'll watch and support. Is it just me? Working my way through the USSF homepage www.us-soccer.com (which includes
press releases through 28 Dec 99, but excludes any mention of the boycott),
I access first the "national teams." According to USSF, there are several
national men's teams, but only one women's team (apparently, the U-20, U-18,
and U-16 women's teams have been abolished). Clicking on the US Women's
team, I find one and only one page ... the roster for the '99 World Cup. It
lists Mia Hamm as having 107 goals, so it is obviously really up to date!
A previously bookmarked page on the WNT lists all their games ... through
the first eleven played in 1997. Apparently, the WNT went out of existence
at that point, or the games just weren't worth listing. On the other hand,
a USSF press release lists every recipient of SI's Sportsman of the Year
since the mid-50s.
I can't help but wonder if I am just not cyber-literate enough to find the
"real" USSF home page, and that somewhere out there in e-space is a
functioning, up-to-date USSF website that follows the post-WWC'99 Women's
National Team. I have sent numerous e-mails to the USSF webmaster address
asking about their lack of coverage of the women's national teams, but have
never received an acknowledgment let alone a response.
Any suggestions/directions??
Thanks! No, he's not alone......
USSF skewed website! What a skewed perspective they provide to us all... Where is the
Women's U21 team? Or, the Women's U18 team? I realize that the rosters
for these teams change frequently, but the same is true of their Men's
counterparts. That doesn't stop USSF from keeping a section of their
website updated about them. I asked their webmaster this same question
(politely), and received no response. USA 2- NORWAY 3 Final
word 1 Final
Word 2 As an adult, I was disappointed with the quality of play. The argument that the new coach needed to assess talent seems a manufactured excuse; substitute in the players you wish to assess after the flow of the game is established! You keep your starting team sharp, provided new players a model for their experience, and keep your support. My daughter, the soccer player, summed up the match, "Boring." Technically, she was disappointed with the poor quality of passing, the lack of creativity, and the failure to mark effectively. By the way, why did Tony quit? Is the same influences on his decision operating on the team selection and style of play? Best wishes to the new team. Staying on top is harder than making it to the top. Final
word 3 1) I sure am not opposed to April.. in principle, though it would have been nice to see Lauren Gregg.... as coach. 2) The general concensus of leadership is to begin our regimes with small victories. A victory over Norway was well within our grasp, had it not been for leadership errors. I speak of April's use of inexperienced teenagers against a perennial juggernaut. None of her younger choices distinguished themselves, unless it would have been Susan Bush. Why in the heck did she put in a 17-year-old at central defense--who did very little to impress? Where was the center-mid... nowhere!!! And why in the heck were 5 rookie players on the field at the end? I cannot for the life of me envision our World Cup women allowing the Norwegian substitute to take a rocket shot on our goal without contesting it. Total rookie mistakes. Rookie Coaching mistakes, rookie player mistakes. All needless. As it was, the victory was ours for the taking, when we were ahead 2-1. Even in spite of rookie mistakes. My fear is that April has such a desire to leave her stamp on this team, that it has become her major concern. It is difficult to imagine why a person would take paint thinner to the surface of the Mona Lisa--just so she could paint a picture of her own. Maybe the thing for April to have done for a few months is sit back and admire the Beautiful work of art that is our Women's National Team -- not to rush into painting. Of course, given that the head politicians have chosen to shake things up by not hiring Lauren--is it any wonder that April has set out on the course those dimwits started...? Sincerely, One of the most amateurish... U.S.A. vs Norway - 4-4-2 boo-boo-boo The first mistake April made was starting off her tenure with a game against Norway. Norway is much too tough an opponent to initiate a coaching change with. This was no confidence builder for the young players she choose to start. The U.S.A. team was crippled by too many personnel changes and too little time to prepare properly for a world class opponent. The four-four-two line-up does not utilize the U.S.'s greatest asset, its potent offense and is a step back from the style of play that has attracted thousands of fans (at home and abroad) to the U.S.A. women's game. Briana Scurry should be in the goal until she retires or some other super human goalie shows up. She was the real MVP of the world cup. Webber is not her replacement. She fouled in the box to create the first goal. Mistimed her run to yield the second goal, an own goal. And then she fell asleep in the final minutes to allow in a shot launched from outer Siberia that went right under the center of the crossbar (not the left corner). The performance of most of the younger players was nothing to write home about. Kramer was ineffective and looked slow. In contrast, Pryce recovered nicely from her initial blunder to make some great plays. If I recall correctly, one of our "seasoned fullbacks" had an own goal during the world cup while trying to play the ball back to the goalie. Susan Bush also performed well enough to start. Let's not forget the midfield. It amazes me that the absence of one player, Michelle Ackers, can so dramatically alter our midfield play for the worse. We need to move some big tough dominating forwards to midfielders if we are going to make up for the lack of Michelle. Michelle started as a forward initially I believe. Cindy Parlow and Danielle Fotopolous come to mind. Where was Danielle anyway? A new coach plus new players plus a new system equal a very long and bumpy road to the olympics. The U.S. women need some easy opponents to gain a little confidence before they are ready to face the powerhouses. Perhaps they should start by playing the men's team. -Ray Baumann Another view of the USA v Norway game I live in West Palm Beach, FL and I have a 10 year old daughter who plays travel soccer and adores every member of the US Women's team. She watches them every chance she gets and has posters all over her walls glorifying these women. I can't tell you how excited she was to find out that they were going to be playing so close to where we live. We rushed out and bought tickets for the whole family and made a 45 minute trip to watch her hero's play. We teamed up with other parents on her travel team and all sat together. All the girls we ecstatic to even be in the same stadium with this team and they all were sure to bring a ball, calendar, book or jersey to be signed. Our first dose of reality was that we were not even allowed to bring a camera in the stadium. We have all read that Women's soccer is trying to establish a fan base and we all know that these women were holding out for more money until just recently which is why I was so surprised at how they ignored all these little girls who adore them and snubbed signing any autographs for these kids before or after the game. My daughter would have waited all night if she thought she had a chance for even one of these women to sign her soccer ball. We finally gave up ninety minutes after the game ended and went home. she was heart broken. The people selling the tickets had told us there would be ample opportunities to get autographs both before and after the game. Apparently they forgot to tell the team. I can understand the team being upset that they lost the game, but they need to remember who supports them and why they are where they are now. My little girl still thinks they are great even after being snubbed, but as far as I a am concerned they just lost another fan and a ticket purchaser! Think about it ladies...less tickets mean less money...which means less to pay you with!! Wake up and show some appreciation back to all the kids that want to be like you or go find another job! -John H. Motzer re: another view -danielle joslin Are we reading into this game too much? To whom it may concern, Norway also played some young players yesterday, maybe realising that they too will need to replace some of their veterans after the Olympics in SYdney! The potential of these new players was a delight to see in some instances e.g. Mellgren's goal in the 90th minute. What a goal! I don't think any keeper could have saved that because of its' precision and power. Also, it was great to see Shannon McMillan start. Her making of the 1st goal was superb. I would hate to have been marking her in that instance! Why she didn't start more in the WWC beats me? I also agree with the need for a professional league but only if the right environment is available. I hope alot of research is going into it. Anyways, here's looking forward to women's soccer for the year 2000 and beyond. I wish April Heinrichs, the US women's soccer team and support staff the very best for the future. Again keep up the excellent work. Yours in Soccer, You've got to start somewhere The problem with young talent and international experience is that you have to live with that period of time during which their getting that experience. I think the telling comment came from Julie Foudy, talking about her and her teammates trying to remember what it was like for them breaking in at that age. No doubt they had a few bloopers, like the one by Nandi Pryce that led to Norway's first goal. The difference is that this generation of young stars has to go through it's learning process not in obscurity but in nationally televised games that will draw great interest. The bottom line: what difference does it make if they lost to Norway? It was a friendly, and means little. Does anyone who saw the game truly believe that if the U.S. had put its best veteran 11 out there and left them there, that they wouldn't have won the game? But if you want the new breed to learn what it's like to play against the top-line competition, you have to let them do it, and accept the mistakes that come along with the learning. True, a major competition is less than a year away, but the veterans aren't going to have to play every minute of every international between now and then to be ready. And the Olympics is really all that matters. If a few high-profile friendlies get sacrificed toward the ends of winning in Australia, so be it. April Heinrichs has got to be able to do things her way and evaluate the talent quickly. To me, starting Saskia Webber in goal made all the sense in the world. It's players like Webber and others in the same position in the hierarchy of the team about who Heinrichs has got to make some big decisions in the next few months. How can you tell who is the best backup goalkeeper, or which of the holdover reserves is best equipped to step in for a retiring veteran, unless you actually see them out there against tough competition? As anyone who follows international soccer knows, having a core of six or seven starters together for nearly a decade is an aberration. U.S. fans have been blessed with this group with which they can identify, as the sport continues to change and go through growing spurts. But it's all got to end sometime. The day after the Olympic competition is over, there will be some holes in the lineup to fill. Why wait until then to start giving the next generation playing time? Thanks for the forum, What happened? I watched the game against Norway. I was kind of dissappointed to see that some of the players who played in World Cup not on the roster. What happened to them? Did they get cut? Also, I think Scurry should be in goal and Overbeck in charge in the back. These ladies have been such an inspiration to me. I want to see them succeed in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. -Katie-San Jose, California USA VS NORWAY I thought the national team did a great job today. Some of the younger players, like Bush and Cramer, held the pressure well. I am looking forward to see future games with them in it! Lilly is great!!!!! -thanks, TONYA RITSCHEL I think you're too kind Folks, You wrote: Perhaps the lineup in this match was designed to show the many armchair critics why we need the U.S. National Team to be built around the experienced, soccer wise veterans... I think you're too kind. To me, it looked like seriously inept staffing of the game. All my own experience has been in the youth leagues, but if I had dared send so crippled a team onto the field against a top-rated opponent, I would have been keel-hauled by the team organizers, as well as everybody else associated with the team. I've always been a fan of April Heinrichs, and was glad to see her get a shot at the job, even though I had a lurking suspicion that Gregg was a safer choice. I've known Dr. Bob back in his USYSA days, and believe him to be a sincere well-intentioned person, who wouldn't have stood for an unfari selection process. Now I just hope we haven't paved the future of US international women's soccer with good intentions. Anyway, my confidence in Henrichs has taken a serious hit. It seemed clear from the first that Heinrichs wasn't taking the game or the team seriously. Understanding that she has a new agenda and wants to make her mark, whatever could have possessed her to start the game without at least fielding a defense? For example, Sobrero is a genius at putting out fires. It escapes me why a coach would want to also burden her with the general defensive organization on the field, and then make it even worse by giving her an inexperienced teenager as a defending midfielder, and a similarly inexperienced weak-side back? The *only* one of Heinrich's youngsters who seemed to pull her weight was Susan Bush, and she didn't get into the game until after Heinrichs finished off the debacle by prematurely trashing her offense near the end of the game. I do give Pryce good marks after the incredibly naive fluff pass back to Webber that resulted in a penalty. And I'll give Webber higher grades than you do in your article, but Webber is clearly no Briana Scurry. I've watched Beene and Mullinix play, and I'm not sure Webber will be able to hold her own against either of them after they get some more international experience. After Scurry, Beene may be the best "gatekeeper" I've seen in the women's game, and Mullinix, although less athletic, has a game that seems much better integrated with her defenders than either Beene or Webber. Anyway, I believe the score pretty much reflected the quality and flow of the play. The old-timers carried the young ones as far as they could, but there's not much to do when the coach seems committed to throwing monkey-wrenches into the workings. Regards, John Kinney HEINRICHS NAMED HEAD COACH A Time to Heal Change can be painful and in the case of Lauren Gregg, it was just downright brutal. There's not a week that goes by that I don't think of her and reflect on how quickly things can change. I think of her years of dedication and the incredible success of the Women's National Team both on the field and in the hearts of the American people. I think of her role and sacrifice in building a dynasty in near obscurity and then, just as its beauty is revealed and appreciated, the rug was ripped from beneath her feet. We were all shocked and horrified as events unfolded. We shook our heads in disbelief. Once we were able to catch our breath, we looked for ways to express our support for Lauren and show our appreciation for the magic of a victory in Rose Bowl Stadium filled with 90,000+ fans and a TV audience of millions. There were declarations of loyalty for Lauren and declarations of war against US Soccer on the WSW website and in letters and emails sent to US Soccer. But to no avail. Lauren fell victim to one of America's most unflattering cliches and ugliest truths -- Here today, Gone tomorrow. Lauren left mighty big cleats on the steps of the Soccer House as the clock struck midnight and her soccer ball turned into a pumpkin. US Soccer searched the Kingdom for a new heir to the Golden Boot, but could not find a fit among its Subjects. And in the Kingdom of Ugly Circumstances, there was a woman named April who didn't think it was her time to go to the Ball -- so she did not line-up at the door like the others -- and she had to be coaxed into trying to fill such big shoes. Any of us who have ever worn hand-me-down cleats know that they never fit right -- their leather and soles having been irreparably shaped by their previous owner. April was given a new look with broad powers to choose her own staff, but in our grief for Lauren, and in the confusion and haste to get the show on the road, April has had to run around the Ball in Lauren's hand-me-down cleats that slip and rub on the heels and soles of her feet leaving terrible blisters. It's time to give April her own pair of cleats. It's time to stop putting Lauren's shoes on her feet to see how she measures up and let the wounds heal. It always takes a few games and some leather softener before new cleats begin to feel comfortable. -Shasta Op/Ed: Lauren vs. April: No Need for Further Discussion By Soccer Dad-Mike Hucles I have recently read, with tremendous interest, a number of the comments thathave been sent to WSW by supporters of women's soccer concerning the choice ofApril Heinrichs as the new national team coach over that of Lauren Gregg. Clearly this is, at this point, a moot topic since April is in fact the coach. I write this not to support either April or Lauren but to make some observations based on the unique perspective of being a father of a young woman who has played for both coaches. Lauren Gregg recruited my daughter to play at UVA although she left before my daughter decided to attend. For the next four years my daughter then played for April. She did, however, have the experience of playing for Lauren as a member of the U-20/21 national pool in preparation for the Nordic Cup for a couple of years although she was not selected to go with the team. And she had one summer with the full national team having, as she puts it, her claim to fame being an assist on a goal to Brandi Chastain Clearly, both coaches, as every individual does, has strengths and weaknesses and it is important for the development of the individual player as well as the team to understand that. What I perceived in both experiences for my daughter was her need to be more proactive and come to the coaches for specific feedback. This is something that a young player may have difficulty doing and the coaches may assume, therefore, that a player understands what she (the coach) wants. The veterans on the national team have played at a level unmatched by most and therefore are aware of what it takes to be successful. The younger players who are now being integrated will need the guidance of the veterans as well as the knowledge that they must show initiative in finding out what is expected of them. For their part coaches must be sensitive to the numerous personalities and recognize that soccer players do not fit into a particular mold or pattern and therefore will lockstep react the same way given the same training. As one of those "soccer dads" that "Final Word 1" referred to, I have no intention of interferring with "high level soccer" although I believe that I do have some understanding of it. My final thought on this discussion is that I intend to take a wait-and-see attitude. Whether the sages of "high level soccer" are correct or not will become readily apparent in the future. In the meantime, why don't we all follow the example of the veterans of the national team. Rather than making comparisons of April and Lauren, or stating their preferences, they recognize that April is their coach. They, therefore, have continued to do what is important and that is to play their best no matter who is on the pitch or in the coaches box. April Heinrichs I think that it's a great idea that April Heinrich is going to take over as the coach for the girls. I think that they made a great choice on choosing her for the new head coach because she has so much under he belt when it comes to soccer, she to herself was a unbelievable player. And I think that she has alot to give to the girls. -Jenn Kerns Response to Sexism to Stupidity: Own Goal I take the strongest issue possible with the "Sexism to Stupidity: Own Goal" column. April Heinrichs is the right person for the job. Heinrichs transcends the issue of whether a woman should coach this team. She is simply the best choice, period. Several weeks ago I posted a message ("Awe-Inspiring") on the WSW message board saying that those who advocated Lauren Gregg on the presumption that she was the "last great hope" for a woman to coach the team had no reason to fret if Gregg did not get the job; Heinrichs would someday be the coach. I expressed lament that Heinrichs had taken herself out of the running. Having thought of her as the logical coaching choice immediately after Tony DiCicco resigned (and having written to Heinrichs telling her that she would make an excellent choice), I can explain exactly why I felt she should be the coach. Simply, she best fit the most sensible set of criteria for who the new coach should be. The coach's primary job is to motivate the team to win. That means inspiring the team to want to keep winning. You see, it may be tempting for members of the 1999 World Cup champions to ask themselves what they do next. The answer is, keep winning and play an attacking open field up-tempo style of play while doing it. This team has the potential to be bigger than soccer and bigger than women's sports. This is America's Team. But they have to be motivated to want to keep winning as America's Team. And they have to be motivated to realize that they will not continue to win simply because they did win this year. Who can best make this point? Someone who by her stature and personality is assured of commanding the players' respect. A former star player who was a winner and who was the current team's core players' teammate, captain and leader. A former teammate who is older than them and who exudes both confidence and composure. April Heinrichs can, because of who she is, more quickly bring down to earth any player on the USWNT who thinks that the team's laurels will carry them to their next victory. But she has the good sense to know how to avoid crash-landing any player she has to bring down to earth. And, with the players knowing that Heinrichs, too, has won a World Cup (and captained the team that included the same core of players who guided the current team to victory), they will be much more likely to avoid the pitfall of relying on laurels in the first instance. Heinrichs is a proven winner, a fierce competitor and a woman with a keen sense of judgment and perspective. Anybody can glean this in an interview with her. Undoubtedly the members of the USSF did. As often as we rightly hammer the USSF for tripping all over itself, when it does the right thing graciousness requires that the USSF get the credit. Now maybe it will negotiate a fair contract for the team so that Heinrich can have the best players from which to choose her team's lineup. The experience issue is overblown. Bill Russell had never even coached a team when he succeeded Red Auerbach as the Celtics coach (who had won eight straight titles when he stepped down). Russell won two straight titles after his first year. Heinrichs has more experience as a coach than Russell did when he took the big job. Heinrichs, like Russell, is a winner and a pioneer. She has a sensible head on her shoulders, a keen sense of judgment and perspective, and an inspirational will to win. If you want soccer examples of rookie coaches, Carlos Bilardo (Argentina 1986) won the World Cup in his first try. Heinrichs is capable of doing the same. Perhaps most importantly, she is strong enough to do her job and make her own decisions without being intimidated what us pundits may say. All the best, April. Awe-Inspiring Re: Sexism etc. But this was not to be because of the ignorant and capricious decisions of the USSF. I am heartsick over everything that has transpired since the World Cup and angry that the USSF is intentionally trying to destroy a great sport and all those who brought glory to it. Our Women's Soccer team deserves the best and most qualified coach, regardless of gender and that is Lauren Gregg. The fans and all Americans deserve the best team and that is the A team. Finally, our players and coaches deserve the best pay which can only be measured by American standards of what is fair compensation for a team capable of winning an Olympic gold medal and the World Cup. Someone should wake up the leadership of the USSF and remind them that Americans love winners and that their fear of the popularity of the women's sport is going to kill their ability to promote the men's version here in the US. Is a new federation as the governing body of Women's Soccer feasible? Sincerely, "Sexism to Stupidity: Own Goal" Now let's start with a couple of simple points, this is no knock on April Heinrichs. A tremendous player and World Cup champion captain, lifetime achievement award winner last week at age 35 (from the NSCAA Women's Committee), and coach in the highly competitive ACC, she is clearly a potential candidate for the U.S. national team position. Not yet, however. Coach Heinrichs has yet to win an ACC Championship or coach a "Final Four" college team, let alone have any success coaching at the international level. Certainly she will be a successful coach, but on the men's side it took five national championships and two consecutive pro championships to qualify for the job - April is more the equivalent of Steve Sampson than Bruce Arena. Which would be fine if there was no equivalent to Arena available to coach the women. Of course there is, though. Lauren Gregg, two time Nordic Cup champion, former "Final Four" coach, two time World Cup champion (as coach), Olympic Gold medallist (as coach) - it takes nothing away from April to say her qualifications pale in comparison. That U.S. Soccer chose to pass Gregg over simply shows the active opposition to the women's success that has the "A" team currently on strike. Unfortunately for women's soccer, a number of groups will be very reluctant to do anything but congratulate the first woman to coach the World Champions. U.S. Soccer is counting on this myopic (and clearly sexist) view of the world to help them, but hopefully people can see through it. Hiring a less qualified woman is just as condescending as hiring a less qualified man. If the issue is equality and treating U.S. Soccer's only World Championship team as a valuable commodity, passing Gregg over is a disaster second only to keeping the real team off the field. Hopefully advocates of the women's game realize the issue is hiring the best coach for the job. Gregg was clearly the qualified candidate - and any coach without her background is clearly a step backwards for the team, regardless of gender. Own goal, U.S. UNION JACKED US Soccer dispute It is reprehensible that US Soccer can handle this matter so poorly. The official response is that people who disagree with them are of little knowledge. I have been writing to companies that support US Soccer (GM, Attic USA, Quaker) . The response I received from Attic USA is that US Soccer told them the women broke a contract by doing the Victory tour. Near as I can tell the contract expired before that, and US Soccer was refusing to negotiate. What a bunch of fools. That is like making Michael Jordan a free agent the same year the Bulls won the NBA title. I think other NBA teams would have made him an offer, just as the victory tour organizers did for the US Women. The money this team makes is still pitiful. I understand the players want something around $7000 per month or slightly less. Can't US Soccer make a profit from these players at that rate. Whoever is doing the marketing should be fired if not. The victory tour paid something like $100,000 each for about 4 months work. That seems more in line with current celebrity rates. These players are the pinnacle of the sport, not run of the mill. I live in a town of about 20,000 and the local semipro baseball team has a few players making near this much. I will also look at the petition and sign on. Thanks for taking the time to read this, President of the federation is just plain stupid? Tell them where to stick it Dear Gals: Donna Fasi It's not about the money, it's about standing up for themselves, and future generations of women athletes. With everything negative that goes on in this world today, I think that the womens soccer team gave this nation something to be proud. It seems like everything positive that occurs has to be shot down, and it always seems to come down to money. That is a very stark reality. I support the women 100%, and I think it's really sad that they have to fight for the respect and equality that they've already earned. Whoever is running this show needs to open their eyes and realize how much they've done for soccer, women, and the nation, and that they don't deserve to be cheated like this. It's not about the money, it's about standing up for themselves, and future generations of women athletes. We are greatly indebted to them. Stand up and be counted Contact Dr. Bob Contiguglia and the rest of US Soccer. Tell them how you feel. Heck, we might as well let Nike, Powerbar and the rest of the sponsors know how we feel. After all, when the money starts to get thin, agreements suddenly come about. Complaining to the wrong group? Dave is right on target I think that the woman should get payed the same as men and that the
coach should stay the same because they are doing sooo good. i have met
some of the players and i think they are some really nice people. i really
love that team!!! an example would be i wrote mia hamm and asked her to
send me an autograph fopr christmas and she took her time and sent me
one! well i gotta go but there are my opinions. Mr. Morris wrote a superb article Amanda Akerley-Campaign Equals Good Luck America America needs to do it "your way" and I wish you all the luck. It was WWC that has put women's soccer on the map and I'm proud of what you have accomplished. The editorial to which I'm responding rings true for many countries around the world, but don't be too hard on the "Brits". They have done much for the sport but like their empire (Canada Too) they need to concentrate on the home shores first and leave the colonies to "our own devises". It's a sad state of affairs indeed that we ask and expect quality for a womens program from people who don't even believe in women's soccer. How can we help? Who can we go to in order to stop the degradation of a great women's program that did it for the love of the game. I don't want to see this program step backwards--my daughter may have the opportunity one day to carry on the wonderful tradition laid down by these decicated few. Thanks, Re: Union Jacked article The team has every right to boycott the Australia Tournament as they don't have renewed contracts. The team was smart into making contracts with Toys R Us for the Victory Tour. They had every right. I honestly don't know what the USSF is thinking about, not negotiating with the team or even renewing their contracts over the summer after the World Cup. Women's athletics is starting to take off and the USSF is missing out. And to not name a coach yet, that is not right. I can imagine the team's frustration. I wish them luck. Mary Hustwayte Re: the boycott Deb Dykstra Re: Jacked article Bill FIFA's SCHEDULING We agree that FIFA is simply trying to squash women's soccer by scheduling WWC to be in conflict with men's world cup and/or winter olympics. It's wrong and prejudiced against women. They may succeed, but we will continue to play and support women's soccer against all the odds, just as we have always done.
VICTORY TOUR A different view of the Victory Tour from Holland It is too bad that a lot of people and also children were disappointed that they couldn't get an autograph. But we were very fortunate and we like to give our story of a positive encounter with the US-players. Some of you may have taken a long ride. We took a long flight (14 hours). We come from Holland. And one of the reasons to go to the US was to see the US-team play at Tacoma. We had purchased our tickets before we left to the US. Unfortunately we didn't realize that we had seats on the second level. Fortunately it wasn't sold out and when the match started we could sit on the front row!! This wasn't our only luck that night. Halfway through the game a young guy came to us and gave us some post-game reception tickets. And this was our chance to meet some of the US-players. So we have autographs from 8 players and they even took time to talk to the fans. We were there about 1 hour and I think that there were at least 150 fans who had the same opportunity. So you see they do take time to sign autographs. But in this way not only the pushy and stronger people get a change to see there heros. We are sorry for all of you who didn't get an autograph or waited in vain and yes, we do realize that we were very lucky. But as someone mentioned earlier think about all the time and effort they have already spent since winning the World Cup. And believe us when we say that our national men soccer stars don't take so much time for there fans as they are arrogant and spoiled. Linda & Monique Let's call it what it really is How many Victory Tour disappointments were there? If the US women's soccer team wanted to thank its fans, it could sign a few autographs. We were at the Palace of Auburn Hills for the second match in the series, and no, there were no autographs - before, at half, or after. Nada. My friend's daughter high-fived most of the US team as they left through the tunnel, and for that she was grateful. But think about it... you're thanking us by allowing us to pay $18.50-and-up. Let's call the Victory Tour what it really is, a cash grab... a money-maker. Pure and simple. Ironically, we were also disappointed at the World Cup. After a 10-plus hour drive to Washington, not only did the team not sign autographs, but they exited a different tunnel from what the hundreds of eager fans were told. Sure, it's out of their hands (and meeting Pres. Clinton takes priority), but fans deserve a few token autographs. Had there been one or two signed, and we didn't get any, I would not be as mad. They thumbed their noses at the fans that filled the stadiums and arenas. At the Detroit venue, they should have allowed the kids on to the floor for a few autographs. How long would it take? Not long. Or how about three or four minutes as they exit the tunnel. What, they don't have three or four minutes? Instead, we were 'treated' to a Detroit-Cleveland men's game. Interesting that maybe 200 or less people stuck around to watch the pre-season game. Will we be back to watch them again? Of course. The quest for a Mia Hamm autograph continues. But don't talk to us about 'thanking us.' We're thanking you. Chris This is in response to the email from Elaine on the Victory Tour. In response to your question of how long would it take to sign a dozen autographs, think about how many autographs they have signed and how long it took for them to do that. The line has to be drawn somewhere. Yes, you and your children were disappointed, but perhaps it's not the women who were being selfish. They have given so much to the public for so many years, give them a break. Everyone has a schedule to keep. Heather Morris Another "Victory Tour" experience Hello. Children's Disappointment at the Victory Tour I'm not sure this is the correct place to send my thoughts to but not having any other address so you win. After having three days to think about whether or not to send this I decided I had nothing to lose and hopefully other fans might gain from this. On Thursday Dec. 9, 1999 my husband and I took our kids to the Victory Tour game at the Anaheim Pond. They were so excited! I never before saw them so anxious to get to a game. We arrived about an hour early, so we could watch them warm up, hoping to maybe get an autograph. During warm ups the team was not giving out autographs but they did pose for pictures when asked. As they were practicing goal kicks a ball came up over the glass and my 11 year old daughter as able to retrieve it. You couldn't believe how she lit up. She was just so thrilled to touch a ball that one of her heroes had touch. I just thought this evening couldn't get any better. I was right. The game was great! It was both fast pace and exciting, you could feel the energy and enthusiasm in the air, so it was easy to get caught up and feel as if you were a part of the team. That some how you're cheering help them win. After the game we bought saviors, then decided to wait for the team, once again hoping to get an autograph. When we got to the team entrance we weren't surprise to see that weren't to only ones with that thought. There were probably a couple of dozen kids with parents already waiting. We there about an hour when a man came out to speak to the security guard then turned to us and said that the team was interviewing and having a banquet, and probably would not be out for another hour or so. At that time half the group left. We, along with about a dozen others decided to stay. All the time believing that the team would stop and sign a few autographs, since in every interview I've ever heard they claim to love their fans. I can't begin to tell you how disappointed my kids were after waiting 2 hours. As the bus drove up the remaining kids and parents started to shout U S A waiving and asking them to stop. As the team drove by, waving at us, the look on the kids faces just broke my heart. The disappoint. My daughter just broke down and cried. She kept repeating, they're so mean, why didn't they stop. I tried to comfort by saying that it probably wasn't up to the girls, that maybe the bus driver has rules to go by that don't allow him to stop for fan. I blamed it on the coach, on the time of night. Nothing worked. I, like my kids asked why didn't they stop. How long could it have taken to sign a dozen autographs? I know it can be easy for these women with someone always wanting something a picture an autograph but, it wasn't as if these kids were coming up to them well they were dining some place with family or friends evading their privacy, it was after a game. It isn't every day a child has a chance to meet their hero. And unfortunately these 12 or 15 kids that waited for 2 hours didn't meet theirs.
THE ROAD NOT TAKEN The article by David Morris on "The Road Not Taken" raises a number of interesting issues. I feel compelled to comment on his reference to "the virtual media blackout (conspicuous most of all in Soccer America, too often the mouthpiece of the federation)." Yes, we've all but ignored the Victory Tour, but so has most other publications. It's been hard to find coverage even in WSW, the online bible of women's soccer. We have a lot of coverage decisions to make, given finite resources, and the women's tour frankly was of low interest. I haven't had anyone call or email to ask where are the stories on the victory tour. The only responses we've gotten from readers are the same letters from parents angry that their children were unable to get autographs. We could have included news on the tour in the Women's Scene section we've added to what we call our Up Front #3 page, but frankly we've found more interesting items on developments around the world. In terms of general media coverage, it hasn't helped that p.r. on the event has been sketchy. Reporters who have attended games have complained that there have been no stats available. That's no problem if the score is 1-0, but we're talking about 12-7 and 10-9 games. Unfortunately, there are all too many parallels between this event and figure skating tours. Figure skating -- Olympics and national championships -- is a big sport at many newspapers, but figure skating tours are totally ignored. (On the subject of figure skating, probably the biggest media conflict that the Women's World Cup being moved to 2002 poses is not the fact it's in a (men's) World Cup year but it could follow within weeks the Winter Olympics. The No. 1 sport for many of the biggest women's soccer advocates in the national media is figure skating.) I, too, have noticed how there's no coverage of the women's tour on the U.S. Soccer Monday news release, but I must assure you that there's no connection between that and SA's lack of coverage. We laugh when we hear -- pretty often -- that we're "too often the mouthpiece of the federation," because we get back from the federation just the opposite -- that too often we're out to get them. That's life. Regards,
I would just like to say that I would be one of the MANY faithful fans to attend many pro-league womens' soccer games if there was a league. Don't get me wrong...I think that the W1 league is ok. but we gotta kick it up a notch (pardon the pun) . Lauren Gregg should be the head coach. After all she has learned from the master and is ready to use those skills on others
I posted the following in the WSW discussion board, but I guess it should also be in the reader's opinions compilation. (In regards to plans for a pro league, you might also want to take a look at the discussion that I later discovered on bigsoccer.com at http://www.bigsoccer.com/ubb/Forum36/HTML/000248.html. It contains some interesting info on the status and content of the USSF-supported development plans for a pro league.): In David Morris' commentary, he says that a USSF official was quoted as saying, "it is not the federation's job to plan a pro league." I thought that this was contradictory to the 7/7/99 USSF press release, but looking back at it (it's available on the USSF web site), it's really not. In that press release, it seems clear that USSF sees its role as assisting and encouraging in the development of women's pro league, but not actually planning a league and definitely not funding or operating a league. I think USSF's view is that, like the rest of US professional sports leagues, a women's professional soccer league should be a private business enterprise that is planned, funded and operated by private investors. In light of this position, I wouldn't expect USSF to itself come up with "plan" or to use much of that $40MM to help start up a league, but I do think it's fair to expect USSF to do everything in its power to ensure that a viable business plan is completed and investor group arranged so that a league can get off the ground in 2001.
Another Commentary on the road not taken I think she deserves the job, as you said she did her time. Durance was the coach and decided to stay with N.C. . Lately he has had his own problems with some of the women on his own team. I don't know if any of the accusations are true but how could they consider him with this over his head? Would he even be interested again after this? My husband and I drove over 700 miles to see the U.S. National team play indoors and it was worth it. These women (both the US and World players) showed how much class and respect they have for each other on the field and off. I think that the U.S. women should be consulted as to who should take over the role of coach. At this point in trying to promote the sport and get a league started , these are the women who would be in the league when and if it were started. Their futures are riding on this decision as much as the Soccer Federation's is. I just hope that the Federation doesn't wait too long and then say it is the women's fault that the new league or continued interest failed to work. I used to play soccer about 20 years ago and the steps that have been made since then are truly remarkable. They have my support and anything that I could do to help them I would. It is time for Women in sports to shed another light on the Professional Athlete. One that is playing for fun as well as for respect from their peers.
The Road Not taken USSF is probably afraid of the sure success of the women to be able to draw 7k-10k a game and for TV sponsors to make money. What other sport has the same ad demographics as Womens Soccer. I don't think WNBA or WPSL comes close to the youth or adult numbers of womens players and ice skating and gymnastics don't compare.
The Road Not taken Is there anything that we can do (besides supporting the team)?
The Road Not taken
The Road Not Taken
THE NEXT COACH Following are unedited extracts from some of the, overwhelmingly in favor of Gregg, mail received. One of the only two opposing views received so far, both from men, wanted Durrance).
No question who should be named Coach As a woman, I am disappointed that the U.S. Federation wouldn't put Lauren Gregg at the top of its list, and insulted for her that it would even consider looking elsewhere first.
Women's USA Disaster If Laura does not get the job as the head women's coach I will be embarrassed to stand in front of my girls next season.
U.S. National Team Coach
I think Lauren Gregg is the obvious choice to replace Tony DeCicco as head coach of the US Women's national soccer team. Not only does she have excellent experience with several different women's teams, she has spent time coaching with Tony DiCicco and would make a smooth transition for an already successful program.Is there any way we can voice an opinion that the US Soccer Federation can hear? Seattle, WA
Lauren Gregg should become the next coach for the Women's National Team. It's so obvious...except to the committee that will be making the decision. Isn't there a way we can help make this happen?
It doesn't need anything but a name "Lauren".
In reading that DiCicco was resigning I thought that it would only be proper for Lauren Gregg to be the next candidate. She obviously has the experience and knowledge to be successful in the position. I recently purchased her book The Champion Within and found it to be one of the, if not the best soccer coaching manuals that I have come across. I guess she is missing just one thing, being born a man instead of a woman. This is a woman's team I feel it should be led by women whenever possible. The theme for the WWC was "This is my game, This is my future, Let me play." Are women only capable of playing, not coaching? I would like to see this glass ceiling broken. I am currently pursuing a coaching career and would like to know that with the proper tools I can be a head coach, not merely and assistant to a man.
It is ridiculous to consider anyone except Lauren Gregg for the head coachingjob. Developing players and coaching on the international level are two different scenarios. Coach Charles is a very vital asset to the US program. But let's face it, Gregg has paid more than her share of dues and will continue the program without any major disruptions.
NOW is the time, and veteran Coach Lauren Gregg is the absolute only choice to lead our WNT into the olympics. With her proven credentials it would not only be unfair to pass her by, but would also send a message to every female youth player and coach that - despite a person's lifetime achievements - positions of managerial power are not theirs for the earning. Hey America... let's stand up and do the right thing. NOW. Louisville
Even though I am a male coach of a high school girls' varsity team, I am a firm believer that we need more female coaches. I constantly encourage my graduating girls to get involved in coaching at the youth level. I think many are intimidated by the constant hassles they see me go through, from players, parents, officials, administrators, etc. I have a great deal of respect for Coach Charles, but I think Lauren Gregg has earned this opportunity. I would love to see her get the job and set an example for young girls to follow.
In my opinion Lauren Gregg should be given the coaching position left by Tony DiCicco. At this point with the Olympics approaching she has more experience with the players of this team than anyone else. She seems to be well respected and her gender should make no difference in the decision. I hope US Soccer wakes up and makes the best decision for the team which has put life into their sport!
The ideal person is Ms. Lauren Gregg even though Charles Clive is well qualified.
Lauren Gregg should get first right of refusal. She's put in the time and has the knowledge of the international game.
Without any question it should be Gregg Chicago
Lauren Gregg, the best soccer mind in the world, should automatically ascend to the top position, anyone else is a major step backward for US socccer.
I think Lauren Gregg is the obvious and best choice. Sounds like Clive Charles' only "qualification" is he isn't from North Carolina. Maybe an East/West Coast thing....
Without question-Lauren Gregg's time has come. Clive Charles is a good man, a good coach. But Gregg has earned her stripes and played a big part in the development of many present and future national team players.
IN MY OPINION THE PERSON WHO AS SERVED THE TIME AND PROVEN TO BE THE MOST LOGICAL CHOICE TO FOLLOW TONI IS LAUREN GREGG. ITS TIME FOR THE WOMEN TO HAVE A LEADER OF THEIR OWN TO FOLLOW. SHE HAS PLAYED, COMPETED, AND COACHED AT THE TOP LEVELS OF THE GAME. SHE HAS PARTICIPATED HANDS ON IN THE ACTIVE ESTABLISHMENT OF OUR NATIONS WOMEN'S PROGRAM TO THE LEVEL IT HAS ACHIEVED. SHE IS PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY WELL AWARE OF THE CAPABILITIES OF THE PLAYERS BOTH ON THE NATIONAL TEAM CURRENTLY AND THOSE AVAILABLE TO BE DRAWN INTO THE PROGRAM IN THE FUTURE. SHE DESERVES A SHOT AT LEADING THIS TEAM.
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