I had a chance to speak with new U.S. Women’s National Team head coach, Pia Sundhage, between matches at the semis of the 2007 NCAA Women’s College Cup last night. I found her to be a warm and candid interview. She hedged on a few things, mostly regarding details of how her coaching staff is shaping up, but was generally forthcoming. I’ll post the interview in Q&A format next week after I get back from College Station, but here are a few tidbits to chew on until then.
As to the mini-camp roster and the World Cup players that aren’t on it:
- Stephanie Lopez is getting married next week. (As a side note, Lindsay Tarpley is also getting married next week, but will participate in some of the camp.)
- Angela Hucles is on a humanitarian aid trip in Africa and will miss the mini-camp with Pia’s blessing.
- Pia joked that Kristine Lilly was old and needed the extra rest. She expects her in the January camp regardless of her plans for 2008. She “absolutely” wants Lilly on this team.
- Marci Jobson has taken the head-coaching job at Baylor University and has officially retired. I am scheduled to talk with her later today.
- Tina Ellerston is expecting her second child. She has not retired and will attempt to come back after her child is born.
Sundhage indicated that we could see a few personnel changes from the Word Cup roster, but that there is not time for a complete overhaul.
Her perspective on the team’s play in the World Cup was that the attack was too direct and one-dimensional. She said there was discussion amongst the international coaches that shutting down Wambach would neutralize the U.S..
Greg Ryan has been very helpful in the transition and has provided insight into the player’s she has inherited. She is getting input from others more familiar with the college ranks and youth players as to who deserves a look.
That’s all for now. Check back next week for the full transcript.
U.S. Soccer has announced the the Women's National Team will hold it's last camp of 2007 and first under new coach Pia Sundhage next week. Click here for a peek at the full roster. Kristine Lilly's name is missing along with a few other members of the World Cup team. A team staff is also listed that includes Mark Krikorian, Erica Walsh and Phil Wheddon.
As tempting as it was to look into my crystal ball and offer some speculation as to what it all means, I got in contact with Aaron Heifetz, the WNT's press officer instead to get the facts. Here's the scoop:
- The coaching staff listed is for this camp only. Sundhage will put her permanent staff together before the next camp in January. That doesn't preclude anyone on the list from becoming part of her permanent staff.
- Nothing is to be read into Lilly's name not being on the roster other than Lilly is tired and is taking a break. She has yet to decide if she will compete for a spot in 2008.
The only tiny bit of speculation I will offer is that I suspect the reason why none of the "final four" players are on the roster is that Sundhage will have an opportunity to see them play this weekend during the semi-finals.
It's official. Pia Sundhage is the new U.S. Women's National Team head coach. We "stopped the presses" at Fair Game in anticipation of the announcement so you'll find an article on the hire in Issue 10. It might just arrive in your mailbox a few days later than you were expecting. We spoke with Kristine Lilly today to get her reaction to the news for the article and offer this sneak peak at her response.
What is your reaction to the announcement today that Pia Sundhage is taking over as head coach?
I think it’s exciting. When they didn’t resign Greg, I knew there was going to a process to find a new coach. Choosing Pia and starting to move forward is very exciting. The Olympics are going to be here before you know it and it’s great to have a coach in place. I like Pia and I think she’ll do a great job.
Having played for her, what do you think she brings to the job?
The main thing she brings is she loves the game of soccer. Any way she can make an impact on it she will. Being this coach now, she’s going to add her passion for the game, her tactical awareness, and her experience on and off the field. She has experience coaching against us. She coached in the WUSA. She’s just going to bring so many different dimensions and newness. We’ve never had someone outside of our system so that’s something that’s exciting.
How does this announcement play into your decision about retirement?
You’d think it would make it easier. I don’t know if it makes it easier or harder. I do like playing for Pia. I do like her as a coach, so it does add another dimension to it. I think in the end it’s going to come from what’s inside me. I’m still battling with that. I’m excited because I know she’s going to do great. I think the players are going to like her and I would love to be on the field for her again. That would be fun.
So you’re not just holding out on us? You really haven’t decided?
No I haven’t.
How did the team respond to Pia requesting a mini-camp in December since you’ve already broken for the year?
I think they’ll be ok with it, especially if they want to play soccer (laughs). Just kidding. I think with the transition, she wants to get to know players and to get a little camp in before the year ends. I think it’s probably a good thing because she’s got January and then we’ve got qualifiers. There’s quick stuff happening so I think she wants to get a four day or so camp in and get acquainted with some of the players so its not a whole shock in January and do what we can with the numbers that come in.
Photo by Robyn McNeil
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