Top 5 moments in U.S. women’s soccer history
By Nicole Bosco
5. 2011 World Cup
The 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup took place in Germany from June 26-July 17. The U.S team had come into this World Cup having finished third in 2003 and 2007. The “Fab Five” which was made up of long time players, Mia Hamm, Joy Fawcett, Kristine Lily, Brandi Chastain, and Julie Foudy, had all but left the game.
The torch was being passed to a new breed of players led by a young Abby Wambach. The U.S. was looking to get themselves back on the winning track and they knew the place to do it was on the biggest stage in soccer, the World Cup. Having struggled coming into the World Cup the U.S. was put into a very difficult group, where they were matched up against Sweden, North Korea, and Columbia. After having squeaked out of the Group Stage, the U.S. found themselves faced up against a very
Having struggled coming into the World Cup the U.S. was put into a very difficult group, where they were matched up against Sweden, North Korea, and Columbia. After having squeaked out of the Group Stage, the U.S. found themselves faced up against a very well-rounded Brazilian team in the first match of the knockout stage. The United States found themselves down 2-1 at the end of regulation time. Going
The United States found themselves down 2-1 at the end of regulation time. Going into extra time the U.S. needed a miracle, and that is exactly what they got. In the 122nd minute, Megan Rapinoe launched a pass from about 45 yards out and Abby Wambach, who was in perfect position, was able to head it right past the Brazilian goalkeeper.
The American’s eventually won the match in penalty kicks but lost the final match to Japan. This opened the door for the next generation of players to begin their dominance in the world of soccer.
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