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| The Immortal Kelly Smith |
I might have mentioned it once or twice a few posts ago that Kessler was the ultimate favorite for the World Cup. The Wolfsburg captain was rock solid in her 2014 season and won every tournament that came her way except for the domestic cup -DFB Pokal- for both club and country, being an impact player as well in all of them. Marta came second after being nominated for the 10th straight time and Abby Wambach was third in the voting order.
I decided to design the header of the blog in honor of one of the best players that would ever graze the pitch, England's Kelly Smith was truly one of a kind. The announcement of her retirement came just a few days before England's squad to play the USA was announced. Smith retires as the Lionesses record scorer of 46 goals in 117 caps for the country, she could have gotten more but for the recent hampering of injuries in her career. Smith however has signed a new contract with Arsenal Ladies, so as for WSL teams it wouldn't be the last they see of Mrs. Arsenal.
Her career high generally would be coming third at the 2009 FIFA Women's Player of the Year award, behind the likes of Birgit Prinz and Marta. A Once in a life time player, and in terms of trail blazers she's up there with the likes of Mia Hamm.
A true great.
Red, white and blue? Who?
The tide seems to be changing in terms of the ultimate power house in International Women's Football. USA lost their number one spot to the Germans after a string of lackluster results in recent favorites, but does it make them any less dangerous? Members of the USWNT team have spoken out that it doesn't matter who is number one on the ranks, all that counts is who is lifting the trophy in July, they are right. USA especially have been under the microscope recently, even people who take occasional interest in the women's game every four years.
If Jose Mourinho thinks there's a media agenda on him he hasn't seen the Jill Ellis situation, the USWNT coach has been heaped pressure on by the likes of some 99ers, coach Tony DiCicco and Michel Akkers definitely haven't sounded positive regarding the selections and decisions of Ellis and let's not forget the twitter analysts and USWNT bandwagon.
I might have mentioned a few things Ellis has been criticized of in past blogs however, despite the dire status of the USA I think it's all an overreaction, they might not be as good as they were in 2012 and might still be in transition with all the old guards being blended in by the new generation but never count out a team that can score a quarterfinal equalizer in the 122nd minute.
NCAA Philadelphia
Finally, I went for the NWSL draft which held in Philadelphia and it was amazing. I managed to get Seattle Reign's coach, Laura Harvey's autograph and the holy grail for me was meeting Chelsea Ladies manager, Emma Hayes. Emma and I had a little fan/coach chat about Chelsea Ladies, her letting Yuki Ogimi go and how she was disappointed to lose out on Asisat Oshoala to Liverpool. Emma also had good things to say about the Nigerian national team and I may or may not have teased her about her considering to coach us sometime in the future after we win a quadruple. Rounding the day off with a picture and an autograph, I was already way excited for the new FAWSL season. Domestically, I'm focused on supporting Sky Blue FC for the new season, so I guess 'Once a Blue always a Blue.'
Personally, I'm just so hype for women's football this year!
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