Tag: Ali Krieger

Around the World of WoSo: FAWSL Winners and College Soccer

Posted on by RJ Allen

FSU & UVA couldn’t beat the elements:

  In a top three showdown between Florida State (2) and University of Virginia (3), I expected goals and plenty of highlight reel material. Both teams did manage a goal, but the game was called in the 100th minute due to excessive lightening. This ACC matchup gave us an early goal by way of Alexis Shaffer in the ninth minute to give UVA the lead. The Cavaliers held the lead for the next 59 minutes until FSU took advantage of a turnover which led to 1v1 opportunity for Freshman Kristen McFarland. She calmly found the back of the net after shaking off the UVA keeper to salvage the draw. The Seminoles travel to Pitt on Saturday and UVA host North Carolina on ESPNU on Sunday.

South Carolina notches 10th consecutive win:

The Gamecocks are playing some serious team ball right now, evidence of that came Sunday when they earned their 10th straight victory. With second half goals from Sophie Groff, Kaleigh Kurtz and Lindsey Lane, South Carolina cruised past Kentucky. The eighth ranked Gamecocks only allowed two shots from the Wildcats, clearly putting extra work on the defensive end to ensure a win. It was also the sixth shutout on the year, matching last season’s total in just 11 games. Looking to remain undefeated, up next for them is a powerhouse SEC matchup against Texas A & M on Thursday night at College Station. As for Kentucky, they ended what was a tough week, adding on a loss to Missouri a few days ago and a less than impressive 1-1 draw with Alabama earlier in the week. They hope to rebound on Saturday at home against Ole Miss.

Nebraska hat-trick defeats Ohio State:

    Nebraska Senior Jaycie Johnson scored three goals (29, 37’, 60’) to lead her team to its eighth win on the season. This was her second hat trick of her career, and the first since 2013. Johnson now leads the team with seven goals, all coming in the last six games. Her last goal on the night was special, as it was her 38th of her career, putting her eighth in program history. It should be noted that Ohio State was without starting Goalkeeper Jillian McVicker, who suffered an injury over a week ago. The Buckeyes drop to 7-4-1, slowing down considerably after starting the season with six wins in a row. Nebraska faces off with Indiana Friday while Ohio State hosts Northwestern on Saturday.

NWSL playoffs are set:

Heading into the final regular season games on Sunday, the 2016 National Women’s Soccer League playoffs were already a lock. Washington, Portland, Chicago and Western New York all made the cut. Washington have made the playoffs three consecutive years while Portland has won the championship (2013) and last made the playoffs in 2014. Meanwhile Chicago made history last season when they secured their first ever trip to the playoffs; they are back once again in hopes of winning its first ever title. Western New York started off the franchise strong, meeting Portland in the Finals in 2013, but since then, hasn’t finished better than seventh. All that changed this season as they finished fourth to grab the last playoff spot by winning their last regular season game against Boston. Certainly each team has strong leadership; Ali Krieger for Washington, Tobin Heath for Portland, Christen Press for Chicago and Jessica McDonald for WNY. The first semifinal is set for Friday, September 30th. The second semifinal is Sunday, October 2nd.

Lianne Sanderson done for the year:

The England international and WNY midfielder will miss the playoffs after tearing her ACL in a friendly against Thailand last week with the Flash. After being acquired from Orlando late in the season, she appeared in nine games for WNY, scoring three goals and contributing to an already bolstered attack led my McDonald, Lynn Williams and Samantha Mewis. Sanderson only lasted 13 minutes before suffering the injury to her right knee. The 28 year old has played for a handful of clubs throughout her career, finding some form of success at each. After this kind of injury, it will be interesting to see what happens next.

FAWSL champions crowned:

For the first time in program history, Manchester City Women are champions of England. After beating rivals Chelsea on Sunday on two goals, the title officially belongs to the women of Manchester, even with two games to play. With a record crowd of 4,096 on hand at Academy Stadium, it proved to be a worthwhile matchup. The first goal came by way of veteran Jill Scott, tallying her third goal of the season. The title-clinching goal in the 49th minute was scored by Toni Duggan on a Penalty given from a foul on teammate Lucy Bronze. It was Duggan’s fifth goal in her 15th appearance. After the match, the team received congratulatory wishes from the Manchester City men’s side, from players like Vincent Kompany and Kevin De Bruyne. I think it has shown that in just a few short years, Manchester Women have built something special and are deservingly being recognized for it.

Grading USWNT Clothing Lines

Posted on by RJ Allen

It seems that more and more athletes are creating their own clothing lines lately and the U.S. Women’s National Team is no exception. Even though many players have had clothing lines in the past, most have since discontinued them. Currently, only four players have clothing lines that are available through their personal websites or through a direct affiliate website. Of the existing four, I have examined each of the clothing lines and in my unprofessional fashion opinion and professional fan opinion, graded them on a scale of A-F.  During the process, I will keep in mind each line’s marketing strategies, options, and overall appeal.

 

Grading Scale:

A- Great job. Might only need one or two slight improvements.

B- Overall good. Could improve in a few areas.

C- Not the best. Could significantly improve in many areas.

D- Clear flaws. Needs a lot of help.

F- Why did you do this?

 

For each clothing line I will be doing an “initial grade” and a “final grade”. I did this to show that my perception of each line changed after analysis and overall comparison.

 

Ashlyn Harris

 

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Initial Grade: A-

 

I was aware that Ashlyn had a fairly popular line. I had seen a few of her items on Instagram, but I wasn’t aware of the extent of her line. 

Overall, her items are great. They are trendy, unique, and refreshing in a non-traditional sense–the clothing isn’t limited to articles simply featuring her name and number. 

Currently, her items are only available through her page in Sqor Sport’s Sqor Shop. And at first, this turned me off. I felt that Ashlyn having her own personal domain would be more advantageous for her as a brand. But, after browsing through Sqor Sports’ website, I realized how much foot traffic they get. They also carry other items from athletes like Odell Beckham, Jr., Peyton Manning, and Cristiano Ronaldo. This has to be helpful for her in terms of exposure and accessibility.

Ultimately, Ashlyn’s offbeat and eclectic line remains as one of the best among the four and receives a final grade of an A.   

 

Final Grade: A

 

Ali Krieger

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Initial Grade: A

You have to give Ali Krieger credit. Her clothing line, available at AliKrieger.com, is always sold out. Always.

I joke that it’s harder to get her snapback than it was to buy tickets to Hamilton when the original cast was still intact.

I also obviously have a massive amount of respect and love that she is receptive to fan’s critiques, but at what point does the unavailability of her line become more inconvenient than exclusive? Her brand also only carries one hat, one T-shirt, and one cinch bag.

While all of these items are popular, I can’t give a higher final grade than a B for a line with only three items. Even if they are, apparently, topnotch.

 

Final Grade: B-

 

Hope Solo

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Initial Grade: B

 

I’m not sure if the recent events that have transpired around Hope make her ineligible for this article (I’m trying to stick to current and active players), but I’m going to include her because her line is still available through her website.

All in all, Hope’s clothing line seemed pretty traditional. Shirts and hoodies with her name, “Hope.”, are in the forefront of her website’s store. Even though this seems pretty standard, Hope does include other items that are more sentimental and amusing.

One of my personal favorites (that I didn’t realize was a thing!), is the #GetTheGoals T-Shirt. Any true Hope Solo fan knows this is a reference to a quote from her late grandmother, who was arguably the biggest national team fan in the country. Hope gets bonus points for this alone. But, in the long run, even though her line defied a few of my expectations, I can’t give her more than an A- for a clothing line that lacks a little excitement.

 

Final Grade: A-

 

Megan Rapinoe

rapinoe

Initial Grade: C

 

With the catchy hashtag of #BeYourBestYou, and a logo that is both simple and smart, I’m sure you’re wondering why I initially rated Megan Rapinoe’s clothing brand so low.

My reasoning is this: Social. Media. Spamming.

At first, I couldn’t handle it … “Made the Olympic Squad! #BeYourBestYou,” “Flying to Madrid! #BeYourBestYou,” “Getting my hair done! “BeYourBestYou,” “Tore my ACL! #BeYourBestYou.”

Okay, the last one clearly didn’t happen, but you get my point. Like those friends you have on Facebook who sell body wraps through pyramid scheme companies, I couldn’t help but feel that she has overcompensating for an under-performing clothing line.

One day, I finally took a leap and clicked one of her many posts on Twitter …  and guys … her clothes are actually kinda cool. I respect that not all of the items have her name plastered across the front. Most of them have her message: “Be Your Best You.” It may sound campy, but it carries a meaning that is universally understood. She also carries an assortment of items from tanks and tees to beanies and track jackets.

I also love that every item is unisex and can be worn by whatever gender you may be. So, ultimately, I’m going to apologize to Megan Rapinoe. I judged your clothing line pretty harshly, but then bought my husband and myself one of your tanks and we can’t deny that they are both very soft and very versatile in terms of appearance.

I am upgrading you to an A+.

 

Final Grade: A+

Five Questions with Ali Krieger

Posted on by RJ Allen

Editor’s note: This interview was conducted on 8/31. 

When living in the DC, Maryland, Virginia area – the DMV as we call it – it’s hard to talk about soccer without mentioning one particular name, Ali Krieger. It’s also hard to mention her name and not have whoever you are talking to smile, because that’s the kind of effect she has.

As hard-nosed and brash as she can be on the field, she is as kind and soft spoken off of it. She cares about her fans, her teammates and her sport. When you see pictures of her being the last player on the field signing autographs, that’s not for show, that’s just Ali being Ali.

For as popular and talented as she is, you could forgive her if she was cocky and a bit egotistical, but anyone who has had the pleasure of spending five minutes with her would tell you, that is the last thing that she is. I happen to be one of those people who have been lucky enough, on a few occasions, to speak with Ali.

Backline Soccer (BS): With the Spirit in 1st going into the playoffs this year, a little different than the last couple of seasons, how is that mindset and what do you think have been the changes that have put you in this position?

Ali Krieger (AK): I think we have a team this year that is all on the same page, we all respect each other and we really, really care about each other and get along so well. I think there’s constant support and everyone knows their role and gives it 100% everyday, not that there wasn’t in previous years. I think that there’s a certain communication and understanding that everyone is just here to work hard, to play well and be a good teammate and to want to win, most importantly. That’s the way that we’ve become so successful, I think that each game that we’re winning with that mindset, we’ve built confidence off of that. I think that that is the few keys and mainly the reason why we’ve been having success.

BS: As Captain and knowing how well the team was playing going into the break, did it make it easier to concentrate and be away, knowing the national team players didn’t have to be there, whereas other teams really needed their national team players?

AK: Absolutely, we have such depth within in this team and you couldn’t even tell we were away, at times I was thinking to myself, “do I even need to go back, I could just chill on the bench the whole time and cheer them on.” Not that I wanted to continue to do that.

In all seriousness, I love this team so much, we have such depth and great players with great attitudes who just want to work hard and get better and the willingness to learn and get better every single day has improved since day one. I think that just goes to show you that everybody who gets the opportunity to play and fill in those holes, we had 5 starters unavailable for the break, I think that players have been doing so well with just filling in and playing their role and possibly even doing it better than we were before. It makes it more difficult for us to join the team and come back in now, but that’s the way it should be, players should want to take that opportunity and run with it. I think that a lot of our teammates have done that and have done a great job. It’s a battle every single day and everyone has a fire underneath them and that’s the type of atmosphere you want at the professional level.

BS: With the growth of the NWSL into a 4th season, what changes have you seen making it possible for the 4th season and what could keep moving it forward?

AK: Obviously the addition of more teams has helped. The team in Orlando, which has been a tremendous addition because it’s so professional there, right from the start. Having the connection with the men’s team has helped them and they’ve only been in the league for 2 seasons. I think it was such a great addition and very professional and I think that that’s the way it’s going to be from now on. I think that is the key to automatically have a team that has a set up in some way.

Also, just really good support, having a great manager and a great owner who really loves women’s football, who really wants to see the game grow and the players happy. We have Bill Lynch and the Washington Spirit organization that has cared for women’s football for over 25 years. I remember, Bill, he always tells me that he used to watch me when I was so young, growing up and now I’m here playing for his club. That’s the way it should be, giving back to the women’s game. I think, in order for the NWSL to grow, we need owners like Bill and more support for the women’s game. But obviously, to have that professionalism that we have and some of the other teams that are connected with a men’s team. Obviously every team and owner that you see, in the NWSL now after 4 years, is all in and full go. I think that’s something that will help the NWSL to continue to grow as long as you have that support, I think it will continue to be successful like it has been.

I also think the more money we get into the league and the support from US Soccer, that needs to continue for it to be stabilized. It’s having great owners, good managers and staff that want to be here and want to see the women’s game grow and not because of the money, that’s just the idea you have to have coming into this.

BS: IF there was a NWSL All-Star game and you were the starting right back…

AK: Yes, I wish that was coming back, one of these days.

BS: Who would your other 4 of the back 5 be?

AK: Oh gosh, that’s a tough question. I would want all of MY teammates to be the back five, for sure, hands down. I love my teammates so much and I think that they’re some of the best players in the country. I think that I would love to just continue to crush with them, we’re so comfortable with each other, we’re doing really well. I don’t know how many goals against we have, not too many, it’s fewer than some other teams. I would love to just continue to play with my teammates. In all seriousness, to have an All-Star backline, I would have to sit and think about that and look at the other rosters. I’m just so focused on paying attention to what we have in our little bubble.

BS: In keeping with the Olympic Spirit, if you could take one athlete from any other sport and convert them from another sport and bring them to the Spirit, who would it be and what position?

AK: I think it would be either Allyson Felix or Simone Biles. That girl is so good she could probably do anything. If you put the pace of Allyson Felix with Simone Biles, if you mix the two I think you’d have an even more incredible athlete. I’d throw a jersey on her and put her up front with Crystal. I think her and Crystal could do the damn thing, wheeling and dealing.

A Conversation with Ali Krieger

Posted on by RJ Allen

For those of you that are new to women’s soccer, Ali Krieger is one of- if not the- best right backs in the world.For those of you that are new to women’s soccer, Ali Krieger is one of- if not the- best right backs in the world. A veteran of two World Cups, she was part of one of the greatest backlines to every play the game,  and gave us one heck of a summer last year, not to mention that epic penalty kick in 2011 and a load of amazing memories in between.

I was lucky enough to get to snag a few moments of her precious time, after training last week and got to find out what her answer to the most important question ever was, what’s her favorite Penn State ice cream. Ok, I may have asked her about soccer and the Washington Spirit and their awesome start to the season, which are pretty important too.

Backline Soccer (BS): How does it feel being back at right back?

Ali Krieger (AK): So good. I think that playing other positions as well has helped in playing my natural position, because I get more touches on the ball, like playing in midfield last season, I thought that was really fun for me. It was a different experience for me so I think having that, I can apply what I usually do at right back to those positions and get more touches on the ball and get better at that in other positions that I played and kind of get more experience. Of course I’m going play wherever my coach wants to play me and do the best I can. It feels much better to be playing in my natural right back position now.

BS: It seems like you’re becoming more confident in taking shots. Have you been given more freedom with that or is it just the flow of the game?

AK: It’s kind of flowing, I feel like I want to get into attack more and it’s been difficult in this league because the run of play is go-go-go. We’ve tried to calm the game down a little bit, to have possession, in order for me to get forward and I’ve just been finding myself more into the attack recently. But I don’t plan it, no. Against Portland I maybe could have put a couple of headers in. It’s nothing new that I’m doing or changing. I get too excited when I get up there, it’s fun. How to stay calm now, I’ve got to figure that out.

BS: The backline is starting to look like they’re starting to gel together, how do you feel about the progress, especially since game one? With Stephanie being back there now, how is that affecting the adjustments?

AK: It’s good, obviously we only have 2 out of our back 5, as we call it, are the same from last year, so it’s been an adjustment. The other 3 have stepped in and done a tremendous job and we haven’t skipped a beat. I think we’ve moved a few steps forward from where we were last year and having Shelina in there, as well – being a young experienced Canadian National Team player, has really helped. We’re really building off of each game and only allowing one goal in right now has been really great for us and we kind of iron out the details as the game goes on and then we take a look at film and we’re like look this needs to be cleaned up before next game and moving forward in this long season that we have. I think we’ve done a good job so far and now it’s just kind of getting use to each other and getting comfortable playing next to each other, kind of sticking together as a unit, that’s really important. If one of us makes a mistake, we all make a mistake, it’s not one person is leaving the other person out to dry, we’ve really done a good job at being a unit and making sure all of us are on the same page because we do know there are new faces in the backline and it’s so important to be that connected back 5 and that’s huge for any team.

BS: This may be the Penn State kid in me, what is your favorite Creamery flavor?

AK: Mint Chocolate Chip. I haven’t been in a while, it’s newer I think. I have to go back and take a look and stay on top of the flavors and the names, but mint chocolate chip for sure.

(I looked this up, there is Mint Nittany or Bittersweet Mint.)