September 28, 2007

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  Brasil 4      USA 0

   

   

  A huge problem is, why is Greg Ryan, whose most recent head coaching position was at Division III Colorado College, where he was a rather lackluster 40-28-6, making decisions for the Women's National Team? Whose brilliant idea was it to hire him when other, more qualified candidates were interested in the job?

   

  Ryan benched goalkeeper Hope Solo, who was undefeated in this World Cup with three shutouts, in favor of backup Briana Scurry because he felt Scurry's style gave the Americans a better chance against the Brazilians. Scurry is arguably the greatest goalkeeper in U.S. history, starting on teams that won two gold medals and a World Cup. But she also hasn't started a game since June, and she looked rusty. Probably because she is rusty.

   

  Two of Brasil's goals slipped right through her hands, and there appeared to be a communication breakdown on the 20th-minute own goal by midfielder Leslie Osborne on a Brasil corner kick that opened the scoring floodgates. From the angle I had on the replay, had Osborne done nothing, Scurry could have easily caught the ball.

  “I don't think that move affected the game,” Ryan said afterward. “I think Bri played a great game.” You're kidding, right? That's right up there with  "You're doin' a great job, Brownie," which have to be six of the stupiest words ever uttered.

  Solo was understandably upset on the bench and in the postmatch interview area.

  “It was the wrong decision, and I think anybody who knows anything about the game knows that,” Solo said. “There's no doubt in my mind I would have made those saves. The fact of the matter is, it's not 2004 anymore. It's 2007, and I think you have to live in the present.” So true.

  Ryan tried to shift the focus to Swiss referee Nicole Petignat and her yellow card on midfielder Shannon Boxx in first-half injury time. However, just because Petignat was blind does nothing to absolve Ryan of his blatant incompetence. 

  Replays indicated Boxx accidentally tripped Brazilian forward Cristiane, but it was her second yellow card of the game and two yellows mean automatic ejection. They were both bad calls. The first yellow was issued when Boxx tackled Brasilian player Formiga. I must've watched the replay of this 20 times and it was ALL BALL. The second yellow card and the one that saw Boxx ejected from the match occurred when Brazilian striker Cristiane tripped Boxx from behind  --  Boxx never saw the player! It would be fitting if Petignat never officiated another game at the international level.

  UPDATE: October 2007, Ryan is sacked. I guess we'll just have to wait and see who the next coach is. Mia Hamm is on the search committee so that is a good sign.

   

   

  • 7:07 am
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