US Wins Algarve Cup Championship

The USWNT won its eighth Algarve Cup title with a 4-2 triumph over Iceland. However, for the first time in the tournament, they had to come from behind to do so.

Carli Lloyd opened the scoring just eight minutes in, dribbling to her left and then hitting a laser of a shot back across to the upper right hand part of the net from over 20 yards out.

But just when it appeared that the United States might be settling in, Iceland struck for two quick goals just past the midway point of the first half. Nearly back-to-back, Katrin Omarsdóttir and Hallbera Gisladóttir scored and the United States found themselves down 2-1.

The United States was able to draw even in the closing seconds of the half. Megan Rapinoe got the ball outside right and hit a low cross that Lauren Cheney volleyed into the net from just inside the six-yard box.

Ten minutes into the second half, it was again Rapinoe, this time down the left side that sent the ball into the middle. After Amy Rodriguez dummied it, Shannon Boxx got off a hard shot that Icelandic goalkeeper Gudbjorg Gunnarsdóttir was able to stop. However, Heather O'Reilly pounced on the rebound and knocked it home for a 3-2 lead.

Alex Morgan finished the scoring in the late stages of the match, outbattling two Icelandic defenders for the ball and hitting a sliding shot into the net for the final margin of 4-2.

The United States outshot Iceland by a 24-8 margin for the match. Next up for the USWNT will be England in an international friendly scheduled to be played on April 2 at Leyton Orient.

3rd Place: Japan 2, Sweden 1

Japan completed a fairly successful run, defeating Sweden 2-1 in the 3rd place match. Japan's only blemish in the tournament was a 2-1 loss to eventual champions, the United States.

Things looked promising early on for the Swedes, as Therese Sjögran scored the game's first goal in the 14th minute of play. But just as in the match against Iceland, Sweden was unable to hold their lead.

Megumi Kamionobe and Nahomi Kawasumi scored in the 21st and 32nd minutes respectively, giving Japan a 2-1 lead before intermission, a score that would stand up as the final.

The game wasn't without milestones for Sweden, as Therese Sjögran played in her 167th match for the national team, which now stands as the all-time best for Sweden. Sara Larsson competed in her 100th match for Sweden.

5th Place: Norway 0, Denmark 0 (Norway 5-4 in penalty kicks)

Norway took 5th place over Denmark at Algarve. After playing to a scoreless draw, Norway took the penalty kick decison by a margin of 5-4, with Lindy Wiik getting the deciding goal.

Goalkeepers Ingrid Hjelmseth for Norway and Tina Viskær for Denmark kept the opponent off the scoreboard.

An injury forced Norway to play the last 20 minutes a player down after coach Eli Landsem had used up all of his substitutions.

7th Place: China 2, Wales 1

China got out to a 2-0 lead with a goal in each half and held on for the 2-1 win over Wales. Chinese striker You Jia scored just three minutes into the match. Gu Yasha tallied a goal in the 53rd minute.

Wales bounced back with a goal by Helen Lander in the 57th minute and had a chance to tie the match in the closing minutes, but Emma Jones' penalty attempt was stopped by Zhang Yanru, which preserved the victory for the Chinese.

9th Place: Portugal 2, Finland 1

The host team won the 9th place match by a 2-1 margin over Finland. Portugal took a 1-0 first half lead on another goal by Edite Fernandes. Fernandes deftly dribbled past a defender a hit a low shot that Finnish goalkeeper Minna Meriluoto attempted to kick save, only to have the ball deflect behind her into the net.

It stayed that way until Essi Sainio tied the match in the 75th minute on a deflection. The tie lasted only a moment as Carla Couto notched the game winner in the 76th minute.

11th Place: Chile 1, Romania 1 (Chile 6-5 in penalty kicks)

Chile avenged an earlier loss to Romania, winning by 6-5 in penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

After a scoreless first half, Chile struck first on a goal by Rocio Soto in the 68th minute. 15-year old Alexandra Lunca scored the tying goal in the 87th minute. But Chile was able to take the match on penalties for the victory.

US Defeats Finland; Will Meet Iceland in Algarve Final

The USWNT made it three straight in group play, shutting out Finland by a 4-0 margin. The US, which already had Group A clinched, will now meet Group B winner Iceland in Wednesday's final.

Coach Pia Sundhage showed little tendency for change, sending eight starters out for the third straight match. Tobin Heath got her first start at Algarve in the midfield and Sundhage went with the forward tandem of Alex Morgan and Lauren Cheney for the first time in the tournament.

The US opened the scoring in just the eighth minute. A Carli Lloyd corner kick found Shannon Boxx, who was just able to get over the Finnish defender to head it solidly on frame. Goalkeeper Minna Meriluoto couldn't quite react quick enough and it was 1-0.

Just a few minutes later, it was Lloyd scoring one herself. After a turnover in the midfield by Finland, Tobin Heath was able to outmanoeuvre two defenders in the box and send the ball square to Lloyd, who buried it in the left side of the net from 15 yards out.

Alex Morgan got on the board right before intermission. She did a wonderful job of chesting down Ali Krieger's long distance serve into the penalty area and then finished with the outside of her left foot from six yards out, just beyond Meriluoto's reach. Morgan added another in the second half, knocking in her own rebound following a Meriluoto save and some shabby clearing by the Finnish defense.

The US outshot Finland by 24-1 margin and goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart was rarely tested. They will return to the Algarve Cup final, which they won last year over Germany. This year's opponent will be Iceland.

Iceland 1, Denmark 0

Iceland made it a perfect run through Group B with a 1-0 shutout victory over Denmark. It marks the first time that Iceland has reached the championship match of the event.

After a scoreless first half, it looked as though Denmark would strike first. They were awarded a penalty, but Line Røddik Hansen's shot was stopped by Iceland's keeper, Thóra Helgadóttir. After that, Denmark hit the bar off of a corner kick, but still could not score. Iceland's counterattack produced a goal by Dóra Larúsdóttir.

Japan 1, Norway 0

Yuki Nagasato's second half goal led Japan to a 1-0 win over Norway. Ayumi Kaihori got the shutout for Japan.

Japan's victory in the battle for 2nd place in Group A means they will play Sweden in the match for 3rd/4th place on Wednesday. Norway will meet Denmark in the 5th/6th place match.

Sweden 1, China 0

Lotta Schelin's goal pushed Sweden into second place in Group C, as Sweden defeated China 1-0. There was some dispute as to whether Schelin was offside for the goal, but the goal was not called back. Schelin had come in as a second half substitution for Jessica Landström.

For Sweden, the victory avenged a loss to China earlier this year at the Four Nations Tournament. Hedvig Lindahl posted the shutout for Sweden.

Portugal 1, Romania 1

A late goal thwarted Portugal's chances to win Group C, as they played to a 1-1 tie with Romania.

Edite Fernandes put Portugal in front 1-0 late in the first half. But Stefania Vatafu evened the match in the final 10 minutes, forcing the draw. Andreea Corduneanu received a second yellow card late in the proceedings, but it was too late for Portugal to take advantage. Plaudits were given to Neide Simões for her play in goal for the Portuguese.

Portugal finished Group C play with a win and two draws, but were nosed out in the standings by Wales, a team they defeated on the tournament's opening day.

Wales 2, Chile 1

Wales won their second straight match and captured Group C with a 2-1 win over Chile. Jessica Fishlock's brace, one goal in each half, sparked Wales to the victory. Chile got a goal from Daniela Zamora in the 74th minute to pull to within one goal, but were unable to score further.

Final Standings
Group A: USA 3-0-0, 9 pts; Japan 2-1-0, 6 pts; Norway 1-2-0, 3 pts; Finland 0-3-0, 0 pts.
Group B: Iceland 3-0-0, 9 pts; Sweden 2-1-0, 6 pts; Denmark 1-2-0, 3 pts; China 0-3-0, o pts.
Group C: Wales 2-1-0, 6 pts; Portugal 1-0-2, 5 pts; Romania 1-1-1, 4 pts; Chile 0-2-1, 1 pts.

Wednesday's Final Round:
Championship: USA vs. Iceland
3rd/4th Place: Japan vs. Sweden
5th/6th Place: Norway vs. Denmark
7th/8th Place: Wales vs. China
9th/10th Place: Finland vs. Portugal
11th/12th Place: Romania vs. Chile

US Gains Final after 2-0 Win over Norway

The United States has secured a berth in the Algarve Cup final by defeating Norway 2-0 on Friday. Lindsay Tarpley and Carli Lloyd scored the goals for the United States. The United States have clinched Group A because they have defeated both teams that could catch them in the standings.

Pia Sundhage started virtually the same lineup on Friday as she did two days ago, with the exception being Tarpley at forward instead of Lauren Cheney.

Tarpley opened the scoring in the 33rd minute as Rachel Buehler started the play with a long pass over the Norwegian defense from the back. Amy Rodriguez, who timed her run perfectly, got behind two defenders. With Nora Berge bearing down from behind and goalkeeper Ingrid Hjelmseth coming out, Rodriguez was able to win the ball and tap it back to Tarpley. Tarpley was able to left-foot the ball into the open net while falling backwards from nine yards out.

Lloyd's goal came after the break in the 63rd minute. Megan Rapinoe was able to get the ball to Lloyd in the middle, about 40 yards from the net. Lloyd dribbled first right and then back left to give herself space. She then released a low shot along the ground from 25 yards out that appeared to catch Hjelmseth leaning the wrong way. The ball went just inside the right post to make it 2-0.

The United States outshot Norway 17-5 and held the edge in shots on goal by a 7-2 margin. Nicole Barnhart gained the shutout in goal.

The US will face Finland on Monday in the final group stage match, but it will have little meaning on the final standings. They will then face the Group B winner on Wednesday. Iceland leads Group B with two wins and will be the opponent if they win or tie. They will face Denmark, who could also win Group B with a win, as could Sweden depending on goal differential.

Japan 5, Finland 0

Japan scorched Finland with five goals on Friday, easily winning their second match of the Algarve Cup. They evened their record after losing their opener to the United States.

Shinobu Ohno and Nahomi Kawasumi scored first half goals to give Japan a 2-0 lead at the half. FFC Turbine Potsdam forward Yuki Nagasato pushed the lead to 3-0 in the opening minutes of the 2nd half. Second half substitution, Mami Yamaguchi, completed the scoring with a late brace. Ayumi Kaihori earned the shutout.

Japan will now face off against Norway on Monday, in a match that will decide second position in Group A. Finland will finish in fourth place in Group A.

Iceland 2, China 1

For the second straight match, Iceland was able to earn a 2-1 victory, this time over China. And for the second time, it was a come-from-behind victory. Margrét Vidarsdóttir was again one of the heroes, scoring both goals for Iceland.

China was able to take the early lead on a goal by Ma Jun in the 21st minute of the match. But Vidarsdóttir was able to tie the match just six minutes later, as she was able to get the ball past Chinese keeper Huang Luna, who was making her debut. Vidarsdóttir gave Iceland the lead early in the second half with her second goal.

Iceland will now face Denmark on Monday, with a chance to secure a place in Wednesday's final with a tie or win.

Sweden 3, Denmark 1

Sweden was once again able to get the best of Denmark with a 3-1 victory on Friday. Jessica Landstróm scored twice and Josefine Oqvist was able to score her second goal in as many games.

Landstróm opened the scoring in the eighth minute of the match, with the ball apparently going off of her hip into the goal. Kristine Pedersen answered for Denmark just two minutes later. The match went into halftime tied.

Oqvist scored in the 53rd minute, followed by Landstróm's second of the match in the 60th minute as Sweden played a strong second half to earn the victory. Sweden will now face China on Monday, a team they lost to earlier this year at the Four Nations Tournament.

Portugal 0, Chile 0

The host team, Portugal, played to a scoreless draw against Chile. Neide Simões posted the shutout for Portugal, while Christiane Endler had a stellar match in earning the shutout for Chile.

Portugal can now win Group C with a victory against Romania on Monday or a tie combined with a Welsh tie or loss to Chile.

Wales 2, Romania 1

Wales was able to come from behind to defeat Romania 2-1 on Friday. They were able to bounce back after an opening match loss to the host team.

Cosmina Dusa once again scored giving Romania a 1-0 lead in the opening half. Wales came back strong as Jessica Fishlock tied the match and then assisted on Helen Lander's game winner a few minutes later.

Wales now has a chance to win Group C with a victory over Chile and a Portugal tie or loss against Romania.

USWNT Open Algarve Cup with Victory

The United States started the 2011 Algarve Cup on a high note, defeating Japan by a 2-1 margin. The US scored two early goals and made them stand up. The match between two of the world's top five teams was one of six matches played at the Algarve Cup in Portugal on Wednesday.

The US opened the scoring just seven minutes into the match. Nicole Barnhart sent a long free kick from the back which Lauren Cheney headed forward to Amy Rodriguez. From about 20 yards out and with her back to the goal, Rodriguez turned left (her right) and drilled a perfect shot into the right side of the goal.

Just a few minutes later, the US struck again. Cheney laid the ball off to Rodriguez about 40 yards from the goal. Rodriguez sent the ball wide to Heather O'Reilly on the right side. O'Reilly dribbled at the defender into the box, then cut wide. She then sent a low cross from just inside the right side of the penalty to area to Megan Rapinoe, who touched the ball into the net from about eight yards out amid several Japanese defenders.

Aya Miyama got Japan on the board in the 29th minute. After O'Reilly had taken down Yuki Nagasato, the Japanese were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area. Miyama struck it perfectly into the corner of the goal, cutting the lead in half.

Both teams had several other first half chances, but there was no more scoring in the match. Japan pressed hard for the tie late in the match, but were unable to solve the US defense.

Norway 2, Finland 1

The 2-1 score seemed to be the order of the day as Norway won the other Group A match over Finland by the same score.

Laura Kalmari opened the scoring in the 28th minute of the match, assisted by Tuija Hyyrynen. The lead lasted just a minute, as Norway answered quickly. Elise Thorsnes tied the match at one and then ten minutes later set up Isabell Hervlovsen for what proved to be the game winning goal. As in the US/Japan match, there was no second half scoring.

Iceland 2, Sweden 1

In yet another 2-1 match, Sweden was upset by Iceland, making it three losses already this year for the world's fourth ranked team.

Sweden seemed to be on track, scoring the game's first goal in just the 2nd minute of the match. Josefine Öqvist did the honors and the Swedes looked to be on their way to victory. But, in spite of several chances, they were unable to increase their lead, leaving the door open for Iceland.

Iceland tied the match in the 38th minute as an uncharacteristic error by Sweden's back line handed Margret Lara Vidarsdóttir a great opportunity. She took advantage of the mistake to tie the match at one, which was the halftime score.

Iceland took the lead just 10 minutes into the second half. Hedvig Lindahl stopped a free kick from 30 yards out, but was unable to control the rebound and Iceland's captain, Katrín Jónsdóttir knocked it home. Iceland was able to hold off Sweden for the rest of the match to seal the victory. It marks the first time that Iceland have ever defeated Sweden in international competition.

Denmark 1, China 0

Denmark took advantage of a deflected own goal to defeat China 1-0 in their Algarve Cup opener. The lone goal was scored when Zhang Yanru appeared to have Theresa Nielsen's shot covered, but the ball deflected off of Wang Dongni and rolled past the Chinese goalkeeper to put Denmark up 1-0 in the 20th minute.

Portugal 3, Wales 1

The host Portuguese opened the tournament with a 3-1 victory over Wales. Carla Couto's brace led Portugal to the victory.

Couto and Edita Fernandes gave Portugal an early 2-0 lead, before Loren Dykes scored late in the first half to cut the lead to one. Couto scored her second of the match in the 56th minute to finish the scoring.

Romania 2, Chile 0

Cosmina Dusa's brace sparked Romania to a 2-0 victory over Chile. The 20-year old striker continues to impress after she scored five goals in UEFA World Cup qualifying. Mirela Ganea posted the shutout for the victors.

Algarve Cup - Group A Preview

The Algarve Cup has been an annual stop for the United States, Sweden, and several other northern European countries. The tournament generally offers top competition in a somewhat relaxed setting. Missing from this year's tournament is the 2010 runner-up, Germany. Taking their place in the first two groups is Japan.

Of course, the importance of this year's competition is that it is a World Cup year, meaning that some roster spots for June may be won or lost based on play at Algarve. This year's field features four World Cup teams, the United States, Sweden, Norway, and Japan. Also in Portugal are four other teams that came close, but fell just short of qualifying. They are Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and China.

On paper, Group A is the toughest, with three of the world's top seven teams, plus a strong side from Finland. Here is a preview of Group A:

Finland
Coach: Andrée Jeglertz
World Rank: #16
World Cup: Failed to qualify after finishing 2nd in UEFA Group 7 behind Italy.

Latest Results:
Friendies: Defeated Russia 5-4.
UEFA WC Qualifying (Since July, 2010): Lost to Italy 1-3, Defeated Slovenia 4-1.

Algarve Cup Roster:
Goalkeepers: Minna Meriluoto, Tinja-Riikka Korpela, Katja Kankaanpää.
Defenders: Tuija Hyyrynen, Susanna Lehtinen, Maija Saari, Tiina Salmén, Petra Vaelma, Katri Nokso-Koivisto, Elina Syrjälä.
Midfielders & Forwards: Laura Österberg Kalmari, Pernilla Nordlund, Essi Sainio, Jaana Lyytikäinen, Emmi Alanen, Annika Kukkonen, Annika Sjölund, Marianna Tolvanen, Linda Sällström, Leena Puranen, Anna-Kaisa Rantanen.

The Finnish team certainly had to be disappointed at missing the World Cup. They were in good position to advance out of the group stage, but lost an important match to Italy at home by a 3-1 margin.

Finland's best play in several top leagues around the world, including Sweden and Germany. One name on the roster will stand out to American soccer fans. Laura Kalmari played the 2010 season with Sky Blue FC, scoring five goals. She was also Finland's leading scorer in World Cup qualifying matches with seven goals. She has 40 career goals as a national team player.

While Kalmari is probably Finland's biggest scoring threat, they have other offensive options. Linda Sällstrom, who plays club soccer in Sweden for Linköpings, scored five goals in qualifying. She is just 22 years old. Annica Sjölund also notched five goals in qualifying matches. Midfielder Anna-Kaisa Rantanen is nearing 100 career caps.

Defensively, the Finns are led by Tiina Salmén, Maija Saari, and Susanna Lehtinen, who can play both defender and midfielder. The goalkeeping duties are shared by Tinja-Riikka Korpela and Minna Meriluoto.

Finland has the misfortune of being place with three World Cup qualified teams in this group, but they can certainly hold their own against any of them.

Japan
Coach: Norio Sasaki
World Rank: #5
World Cup: Qualified by finishing 3rd in the Asian Cup, defeating China by a 2-0 margin.

Latest Results:
Asian Games: Defeated Thailand 4-0, Tied Korea DPR 0-0, Defeated China 1-0, Defeated North Korea 1-0.

Algarve Cup Roster:
Goalkeepers: Nozomi Yamago, Miho Fukumoto, Ayumi Kaihori.
Defenders: Yukari Kinga, Kyoko Yano, Azusa Iwashimizu, Aya Sameshima, Yuki Sakai, Saki Kumagai, Akane Saito.
Midfielders: Homare Sawa, Aya Miyama, Nahomi Kawasumi, Megumi Kamionobe, Mizuho Sakaguchi, Asuna Tanaka, Rumi Utsugi.
Forwards: Eriko Arakawa, Kozue Ando, Shinobu Ohno, Mami Yamaguchi, Yuki Nagasato, Megumi Takase.

Japan, always regarded as one of the best technical teams in the world, is ranked 5th in the world. They survived a mild upset at the hands of Australia and still managed to qualify for the 2011 World Cup.

Several Japanese players have graced the WPS including Homare Sawa, Aya Miyama, Eriko Arakawa, and Mami Yamaguchi. Sawa and Arakawa are the veterans of the squad, along with goalkeeper Nozomi Yamago. Sawa is nearing 80 international goals, quite a record for the former Washington Freedom midfielder. Arakawa, probably unfairly known more for her flamboyant hairstyle, is a very skilled player that can run at defenders or feed teammates.

Meanwhile, Miyama might be one of the best in the world at placing free kicks and corners. She was the WPS assist leader in 2009. Yamaguchi, who has played professionally in both Sweden and the US, has a world of potential. Shinobu Ohno is a top notch forward and has over 30 international goals to her credit. Kozue Ando is another top veteran for the offense.

With many of their top players reaching their prime, will this be the year that Japan breaks through and wins the World Cup? A good tournament at Algarve would be a step in the right direction.

Norway
Coach: Eli Landsem
World Rank: #7
World Cup: Qualified by winning UEFA Group 2 and then defeating Ukraine by 3-0 aggregate.

Latest Results:
UEFA WC Playoff Round: Defeated Ukraine 1-0, Defeated Ukraine 2-0.
UEFA WC Qualifying (since July, 2010): Defeated Slovakia 4-0, Defeated FYROM (Macedonia) 7-0.

Algarve Cup Roster:
Goalkeepers: Ingrid Hjelmseth, Erika Espeseth Skarbø, Caroline Knutsen.
Defenders: Maren Mjelde, Hedda Strand Gardsjord, Runa Vikestad, Nora Holstad Berge.
Midfielders: Lisa-Marie Woods, Lene Mykjåland, Guro Knutsen Mienna, Gry Tofte Ims, Trine Rønning, Lene Storløkken, Madeleine Giske.
Forwards: Leni Larsen Kaurin, Lise Klaveness, Isabell Herlovsen, Elise Thorsnes, Cecilie Pedersen, Lindy Melissa Wiik, Ingrid Ryland.

Norway has made it to at least the quarterfinals in every World Cup played. They are trying to build back to the level of the 1995 Championship team. They had a relatively easy time winning Group 2 of UEFA World Cup qualifying, beating out Holland by five points. They then won both matches against Ukraine to earn their berth in the World Cup.

Absent will be two long-time stars for the team. Solveig Gulbrandsen retired last year after a wonderful career and Ingvild Stensland is nursing a back injury. That leaves midfielder Trine Rønning as the most capped player for Norway at Algarve.

Isabell Herlovsen was Norway's leading scorer in WC qualifying with nine goals. At age 22, she already has 18 in her career for Norway's national team. WPS midfielder Lene Mykjåland is one if the top players in the tournament. Young Cecilie Pedersen could be a player to watch for the future.

The defense is a relatively young group, but there is a veteran at goalkeeper in Ingrid Hjelmseth. Hjelmseth gave up just two goals in qualifying matches, both to Holland. It will be interesting to see how Norway fares at Algarve, especially since they are missing one of their top players.

United States
Coach: Pia Sundhage
World Rank: #1
World Cup: Qualified by finishing 3rd in the CONCACAF region, then defeating Italy in a playoff by 2-0 aggregate.

Latest Results:
Four Nations Tournament: Lost to Sweden 1-2, Defeated Canada 2-1, Defeated China 2-0.
WC Qualifying Playoff: Defeated Italy 1-0, Defeated Italy 1-0.
CONCACAF WC Qualifiers: Defeated Haiti 5-0, Defeated Guatemala 9-0, Defeated Costa Rica 4-0, Lost to Mexico 1-2, Defeated Costa Rica 3-0.
Friendlies: Tied Sweden 1-1, Defeated Sweden 3-0, Defeated China 2-1, Tied China 1-1.

Algarve Cup Roster:
Goalkeepers: Nicole Barnhart, Ashlyn Harris, Alyssa Naeher, Hope Solo (not active).
Defenders: Rachel Buehler, Stephanie Cox, Whitney Engen, Ali Krieger, Amy LePeilbet, Christie Rampone, Becky Sauerbrunn.
Midfielders: Yael Averbuch, Shannon Boxx, Tobin Heath, Lori Lindsey, Carli Lloyd, Kelley O'Hara, Heather O'Reilly, Megan Rapinoe, Lindsay Tarpley.
Forwards: Lauren Cheney, Alex Morgan, Amy Rodriguez, Abby Wambach.

The United States appeared to be in top form last May, easily defeating the world's number two team, Germany, by a 4-0 margin. Since then, there have been some bumps in the road. They nearly lost to China on their home turf, pulling out a 1-1 tie in the final 10 minutes. They then lost to Mexico at CONCACAF. They managed to squeak by Italy twice by 1-0 margins, with the first being a goal well into stoppage. They then lost the opener at the Four Nations Tournament to Sweden. They did manage to rebound with wins over Canada and China.

Judging by her selections for this tournament, Pia Sundhage just about has her mind made up about the 21 players that will head to Germany in June. There are probably only three or four positions up for grabs, with one of them being the third keeper. Speaking of keepers, Hope Solo will be making the trip, but it will be strictly for training purposes as she is still recovering from shoulder surgery. Nicole Barnhart has the number two spot nailed down, leaving it to Ashlyn Harris and Alyssa Naeher to battle for the final spot.

There is very little new with this roster, except Whitney Engen on defense. The young defender who played her rookie season with the Chicago Red Stars, should see some action in this tournament. The rest of the back line is made up of experienced players like Christie Rampone and Amy LePeilbet.

The midfield should see the biggest competition for WC positions. Tobin Heath, just returning from her injury, is looking to make her mark on this team. Lindsay Tarpley has played well since her reemergence on the national scene.

At forward, it's power and speed. Abby Wambach and Lauren Cheney provide the power, while Alex Morgan and Amy Rodriguez provide the speed. Morgan has been especially prominent lately, scoring very big goals against China and Italy.

The US team got a wake-up call at Cancun. We'll see if they can rebound and be a major force at this year's World Cup.

Friendly Matches

Finland beat Italy surprisingly 3-2 in a friendly in Finland on Thursday.

Ukraine won 2-0 at home against Russia in a friendly on Friday.

Both matches are warm up for Euro 2009.

Czech Rep won 2-1 against Poland.