MARCH 08, 2007
|
Lopez Assist Lifts USA to Algarve Cup Win
Silves, Portugal - University of Portland
junior All-American Stephanie Lopez continued her impressive international play by helping the U.S.
Women's National Team to a win over China in the opening match of the 2007 Algarve Cup. Lopez started
in midfield and assisted on the game-winning goal.
|
I don't think anyone needs three guesses as to why I'm giddy with joy today! It was reported last month that UP's Stephanie Lopez would not play for the U.S. Women's National Team in the Algarve Cup because Steph couldn't get time off from school, and I worried that missing the Algarve would negatively affect Steph's chances of making the World Cup squad. But then what did I read today? Not only is Steph playing in the Algarve, but she made the game winning assist against China yesterday! How sweet it is!
I'm not sure who reported that Steph wouldn't be playing in the Algarve, but thank god they were wrong! Me thinks Steph's chances of making the World Cup roster just got a lot better, especially after reading this commentary on ESPN's Soccernet:
|
Coach Greg Ryan has three defensive stalwarts available in Heather Mitts, Christie Rampone and
Cat Whitehill, but if Lori Chalupny isn't playing outside back, it sets up an interesting three-way battle to
impress between Stephanie Lopez, Tina Ellertson, and India Trotter.
Based on recent history, Lopez enters as the early favorite.
The only player on the Algarve roster with college eligibility remaining, Lopez played 210 of a possible
270 minutes at the Four Nations tournament. Ellertson and Trotter combined to play a total of 99 minutes
in the team's 3 games at that tournament.
If Stephanie Lopez continues to emerge as mature beyond her years in providing another option to
push forward from the back line, she could all but lock up a spot on the World Cup roster.
|
Tis the kind of news that makes a UP footy fan very, very happy! And now the U.S. faces Finland in the next round of the Algarve Cup, so let's keep our fingers crossed for a U.S. win and Steph's continued success. And even if you don't like soccer, I'm sure most people have big enough hearts to at least root for a young college kid who's playing her heart out in hopes of making it to THE World Cup.
|
listening: U2 . reading: on beauty |
| walk: 0 minutes . weight lost: 7 pounds |
HOME | ARCHIVES
|