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.
View comments (3)