Hope Solo on Dancing with the Stars

Hope Solo was recently in the news for the women's soccer World Cup in Germany. Even more recently, the USA goal keeper was in the media limelight for a picture of her nearly naked in a fountain as part of a clothes-less spread in ESPN's 2011 "Body Issue".

In the name of women's soccer, here it is.



The picture features Solo cavorting around in a robe with an unidentified female. Her twitter account (which I follow, embarrassingly) had this to say of the photo, "Being naked outside is very liberating....at least I hope it will be @ESPN and @ESPNMAG!!! GAMETIME BABY! Ball up!".

Ugh whatever.

Now, Hope Solo is a contestant on the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars. I believe fans of the show simply refer to it as 'DWTS' which makes sense because not only is it easier to say, it is easier to type. And that's a good thing because everyone I know is either speaking about or writing about DWTS. Wow, look at how easy that was.

Back to the story at hand. Hope Solo DWTS. After I heard the news that the greatest goal keeper in the world was closeting the cleats and slipping on stilettos, I logged on the ol' Twitter and found out why.

Solo's spin on it? She is participating in naked photo shoots and dancing on a stupid show all in the name of women's soccer.

Stupid me. I should have known. Hope Solo is doing everything she can in the name of women's soccer and has discovered that the best way to promote women's soccer isn't by being the best keeper in the world. It's by being super hot. Duh.

ABBY WAMBACH! United States and the World Cup

All day, baby.

I love watching the U.S. knock out team after team as they make their way to the World Cup final for the first time since 1999. I watched today at the office, which was slightly difficult with the TV to my back -- I've mastered the reflective surface on my computer screen.

Abby Wambach. Once again she was the hero to cut the intense tie between the U.S. and France in the semifinal match. And once again, she did it with a monstrous header. I couldn't have been more mammoth! With the Wambach goal being her third of the tournament, she is now tied for third on the all-time World Cup scoring list with fellow American Miichelle Akers.

Shortly after Wambach's shot, teammate Alex Morgan added an insurance goal in the 82nd minute. The goal was especially impressive because Morgan is a rookie and the ball actually bounced off of the goalkeeper's hands. Later, Morgan almost came up with another in extra time.

The Americans haven't made the final since Mia Hamm, Julie Foundy and Bandi Chastain won the whole kitten-kaboodle in 1999. Pressure is on. It seems that Hope Solo, Abby Wambach and Christie Rampone wouldn't have a chance if there weren't that pressure... that's what the commercial tells me anyway.

I'll see you on Sunday for the final match against Sweden (who is currently beating Japan) or Japan. I might be a bit tired after going to HP 7 Saturday night. What a great weekend...

FIFA Women's World Cup

I've been really in to the FIFA Women's World Cup lately, thanks to Mara. Its addicting. Everything from the commercial where the U.S. cites pressure as their driving force to the drama-filled history of the No. 1 goal keeper in the world, Hope Solo. Its addicting.

The US-Brazil game on Sunday was beyond any expectations I ever had for soccer. Now I don't know much, but what I do know is the US came back to defeat the Brazilians 5-3 on penalty kicks after finishing extra time 2-2. The Americans had been reduced to 10 players (soccer plays 11 on the field) in the 66th minute of the 123 minute performance. The elimination of Rachel Buehler came off a controversial red card. When Marta, 5-time Women's Player, scored her second goal in the second minute of extra time, it seemed like the US might just have to fold up shop earlier than they ever have in FIFA Women's World Cup History.

Then cam Abby Wambach. She is one confident and resolute chic. Abby Wambach thumped a header in to the goal in the 122nd minute, bringing the US equal with Brazil and surging the two teams into the penalty shootout. This is where Mara and I both leaped out of our seats screaming. It was very cool.

It was Marta and the Brazilians against Solo and the Americans. Marta, who came second in the penalty kicks scored the second of the PKs by Brazil, making it even 2-2 in PKs for both squads. Solo then delivered an awesome one-handed save from Daiane in the third round, with Ali Krieger slotting the game winner.

The winning shots by the US were made even more impressive given the number of terrible breaks the Americans endured. The US team was leading 1-0 midway through the second half and playing an intense defensive game. In the 66th minute, courtesy of referee Jacqui MelkSHAM (like that emphasis?), the US dominance changed. Buehler was judged to have fouled Marta, who was put forth a particularly strong acting pedigree throughout the match, in the penalty box. The contact looked to be shoulder-to-shoulder, which is acceptable.

Even worse to follow was when Solo saved Cristiane's ensuing penalty kick only for MelkSHAM to indicate the kick should be retaken. TV replays showed that yes, there was an American player who ventured into the box before the kick was taken, but that it was hardly enough to issue a re-kick. Additionally, Solo didn't stray off her line before the incredible block.

The US went on the win 5-3 on PKs. Had the game ended 2 minutes earlier, the US would have suffered its earliest loss ever in the World Cup. Now the tournament, with powerhouses Brazil and Germany absent, is there for the taking. I'm liking our chances.

That is a lot of soccer lingo, I get it... I had to look up most of it just to understand it. But maybe that's the point of this post. I've never been a huge soccer fan. I've even thrown the term 'soccer fairy' around a time or two back in the day. I was soo wrong. Those girls could throw a heavy beat down and deserve the recognition they're missing. Take the time to look them up. US soccer is in my sights; I'm a fan of US soccer.

The next game is Wednesday at 11:30 am CST. Watch it.