U.S. women performed with great skill, character

Yesterday could have been it for the U.S Women's Soccer Team. They were down a goal to Brazil in the second minute of stoppage time of extra time in the quarterfinals of the FIFA Women's World Cup. All Brazil had to do was play 'keep away.' Everyone thought the run was over. Well, everyone except the Americans themselves. The match could have been called at any time, but they kept playing. And in the second minute of stoppage time of extra time, Abby Wambach literally got her head in the game and tied the match 2-2. The U.S. would go on to win on penalty kicks and advance to the semifinals. Have a look at the post-match interview with Abby Wambach and Hope Solo in the video below (email subscribers click here).



This video is also available at SportsmanshipTV.

People will obviously laud the skill and determination of the American team. They showed plenty of both, but their tremendous character and sportsmanship should not be overlooked either. If you watched the match, you know there was a referee who interjected herself in the contest quite often. There were some controversial calls made that went against the U.S. However, you never saw the Americans lose their cool. Hope Solo didn't stomp around the goal line like somebody stole her bike. The coach didn't run on the field and shout expletives at the officials. No one threw a tantrum when it became clear that Brazil was doing a lot of flopping to waste time toward the end.

They conducted themselves like champions and continued to play hard until the match was over. This is a great lesson for our kids. You don't have to perform to have a great performance. Just continue to work hard and play like you practice. While you may not coach an Abby Wambach or Hope Solo yet, make sure you give your kids the tools to be successful. First, RSVP for the Coach It Right! Soccer Clinic on Tuesday, August 2. We will begin at 6 p.m. at St. Rose Philippine Duchesne School in Florissant. Admission is free and every coach who attends and completes the course will receive their "F" license from the Missouri Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) free of charge. Just click on the following link for the Coach It Right! Soccer Clinic to register. Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol