The U.S. WNT recently won the 2007 Algarve Cup in Portugal, moving them to a #1 FIFA Ranking. A big reason for all this success is 24-year-old center midfielder, Carli Lloyd. At the Algarve Cup, Lloyd scored four goals, earning the Top Scorer Award and also MVP honors.
Do you still have to pinch yourself to check to see if this is all happening or do you feel pretty comfortable in that US jersey now?
Yeah, I achieved a lot at the Algarve. It was nice to get on the score board and play like I know I can play. I was more excited that we won the tournament and came together as a team on and off the field. Yes, I am becoming more and more comfortable in the US Jersey. Every time I put it on, I am so proud to be apart of the US National Team.
You have always been willing to shoot for goal, from long range, and often had bad luck (with shots coming off the crossbar and posts) or near misses. Did you ever start to lose confidence and think you should quit shooting and pass the ball instead?
No, I always knew the goals would come. It was only a matter of time. I never got discouraged or frustrated. I told myself to keep working hard and keep plugging away. I work on my shooting all the time and I knew that once I get one, more will follow. I hope that it continues.
Can you think of any reason why suddenly things started going so well for you — it’s not just that you scored great goals in each game — you played well and made a big impact on games too?
It was a combination of things. All the work I have put in over the past 4 years with my trainer James Galanis (Universal Soccer Academy), the success at the Peace Cup, the never ending support of my coaches and the confidence my teammates give me.
Where will you put your top scorer and MVP trophies?
Right now my trophies are in my room on a shelf. I think that these two trophies are probably the most valuable trophies I have ever received in my soccer career. These trophies are the only trophies in my room at the moment along side of my “first cap” ball.
Who was your room mate in the Algarve and did they do anything nice, or did the team, to congratulate you on your four goals? If they didn’t, would you like to make any requests so that they know how to pamper you and encourage you to keep it up in future games?
Hope Solo was my roommate in the Algarve. We had a lot of fun together. She had an awesome tournament. Hope and my teammates congratulated me on my goals and awards. They were really supportive and cheered for me when I went up to accept my awards. It was exciting having all the support I did. Every time I scored I looked over to the bench and my teammates were going crazy! I actually have one request. Marci Miller Jobson did not get me a best friend charm and I am quite upset so maybe next time we see each other or she reads this she will get me one.
In your US Soccer profile it says your best goal was a 30 yarder against Notre Dame in your freshman year. Might your rocket against Denmark pip that to top the list?
Yes, the goal against Denmark will be a goal I will never forget. This one definitely tops all other goals I have scored in my career.
This is the second year you have enjoyed Algarve Cup play, what’s your favorite thing about the trip?
I enjoyed the weather this trip. Last year the weather wasn’t as nice, but this year the sun was shining the entire trip. It was nice to walk down to the stores and restaurants. I also enjoyed going down the American Diner with some of my teammates and getting good food.
What was your celebration when you scored each goal... was there something you wish you had done... since it’s hard to think after goals like that?
I think I put my hands up in the air on most of my goals, but I just let the celebration happen. I don’t plan anything. I was just so happy that we as a team were winning and I was contributing.
What is the goal you dream about scoring?
I dream of scoring a full volley, upper 90 off a cross or a corner kick.
Who was your favorite teammate on the U-21 WNT?
Tiffany Weimer (She didn’t have much of a choice on that one! - Tiff.)