Street Soccer USA 2013 National Cup - Times Square

The women’s team played for 9th and 10th place today. The Lady Sal’s were pumped up and seemed ready to take on England. The women had previously beaten England, so this was an intense match. Fans in the bleachers chanted USA, USA, USA, as Kate, Stephanie, Jaydee and Tina came onto the pitch. 

The match was even throughout the game with every Lady Salamander playing their hearts out. Tazz who had been injured for a few games, came onto the pitch and played with intensity showing her true love of the game. Kate, who has emerged as a strong soccer player for SSUSA, proved that she is a leader for this team. 

The women remained scoreless in the 1st  half, but came back in the 2nd half with two goals by Kate. The match ended in favor of England (2-6). At the post game talk, Coach Otto told his team that he was not concerned about the outcome of game. “I have never been so proud of a group of women who have come together in such a short period of time. You have each taught me a lot, and I wish you luck as you become ambassadors of SSUSA in each of your cities.”

Congrats to the Women of Street Soccer USA

Today is the last day of the tournament, and I am so proud to have played on the USA women’s team. We played against England today and lost 6-2. Even though it was a brutal lost the English team was so positive and friendly and seriously how can you be upset with someone with an english accent. If I could change one thing about that game it would probably be getting more sleep. But bad games happen, so I am not too bummed about it. I’m really proud to be playing with all these amazing ladies. I feel that I have learned a lot from this experience, and from the the people surrounding me. I wish this wasn’t ending, but I hope I have made friends for life. I think I will keep playing soccer and pass down the things I learned from everyone. I’ve learned more about soccer from all of the great coaches. Coach Otto is a great coach and a great soccer player and I could not have asked for a better coach! 

The men’s team played Canada in their last match at this year’s Homeless World Cup. Coach Pete told the team during warm ups, “to remember what they are playing for.” He went on to express how, “The World Cup is more than just about soccer. You all play for different reasons, but in the end here at the Cup, we are all playing for our families, fans, friends and teammates.” 

After this powerful speech, the men’s team charged onto the field, as the fans chanted USA, USA, USA. Donnie from New York City scored first, putting the men up 1-0 in the first two minutes. During the match, Doudjy from San Francisco  and Munasar  worked together to play a controlled offense, passing the ball in a triangle formation, and sticking to the plan coach Pete had told them.  The Canadians came back and tied it 1-1. The score was deadlocked, as the first half came to a close. 

During the second half, the men “showed up” and fought as a team. Patience from Seattle, showed some great defensive hustle. The opponents scored in the 3rd minute of the second half, and USA found themselves down 1-2 with 5 minutes left. Leaveing it all on the field, the USA came back and tied the game with goals by Doudjy and Munasar. 

During the PK’s, the Candians won 4-3. After the match in the true spirt of the Homeless World Cup, all the players embraced and walked off the field together. The end of the match gave me, Julie Platt, goosebumps as I ackolowdged how powerful soccer can be in helping homeless men and women realize their potential, and that they are never alone. Rob Cann echoed this idea, as he told the player’s at our team dinner last night that. “we are all a family here at SSUSA. I think of each of you as part of my extended family.” 

I have been so proud of each of our players;they are role models ambassadors and truly hardworking individuals. 

(Source: final day of the HWC)

Today the U.S. women’s team made history by defeating Paraguay and becoming the most successful Street Soccer USA women’s program in the history of the Homeless World cup. Lawrence Cann, founder of street soccer USA stated,  ”this is the biggest victory in the history of the Lady Salamanders”. The Lady Salamanders were in the drivers seat for the entire match, with strong defensive play, and exceptional possession. Nathena Espinoza grabbed a total of 5 saves, quickly transitioning the ball to the attacking half. Stephanie Mueller had a total of 4 goals, a career high, while Kate Manneusa and Jaydee Lockwood each found the back of the net twice. Otto Rodriguez, coach of the women’s team said that,  ”each day these ladies’ attitudes and determination grow stronger and better. After the trashing of our first game the girls never gave up on themselves and pushed through the end. Very proud of each one of them for showing such great heart”. With this win the Lady Salamanders push to play for seventh place overall. Stay tuned in to the homelessworldcup.org to watch our final match.

 The USA team took on the number one team in their division Denmark today in a well fought match. The men started the game off slow, letting in three goals in the first two minutes. However, as the first period came to an end, the level of play greatly improved. Donnie from New York City, hustled on defense and was able to shut down the Denmark’s offense. Peterson, in goal, also did an outstanding job. The first period ended with the score being (2-8).

In the second half, the USA men’s team turned it around. Defensively the men played well, and only let in two goals in the seven minutes. On offense, the national team worked the ball around the field, and were able to score three goals in the second half.

 After the game, the men’s team enjoyed some team bonding by watching a traditional Mexican wrestling match.  

Despite the loss against powerhouse Brazil, who is ranked number one in the tournament, the Lady Salamanders fought to the end, and never gave up.   Throughout the tournament the women have been an inspiration to everyone in the  Street Soccer USA community. Lawrence, who just arrived at the Cup yesterday is, “truly impressed with the way the team has come together in just a single week. This team truly embodies what SSUSA is all about: playing with heart, relying on teammates, and resilience.”

The Brazilian team was skillful, polished and played the beautiful game of soccer. This match truly exemplified what the homeless world cup is about: meeting and forming bonds with homeless women from all around the world.  As the ladies came off the field, Stephanie from Minneapolis spoke of how awesome it was to just have the chance to play against a team from Brazil!

Although the SSUSA women started the cup with a defeat by host city Mexico, they have proven time and time again that this game did not change bring them down. Indeed, they have done the opposite, and have never looked back, challenging every team no matter how the score.  Coach Otto, could not be happier with his team, “they have become a family both on and off the field, and has made them stronger competitors.”

The women are know in 10^th place overall. Tomorrow they have a chance to play for 7^th place overall if they beat Paraguay.

Watch the game Live HERE at 11:30 (EST), and support our women’s team!!! 

Let’s GO SSUSA!

(Source: streetsoccerhomelesscup)