Sorry to be a little late on the uptake, but I was away … so just watched the USWNT vs. Australia game last night. The game ended in a 5-4 win for the US and included some moments of offensive brilliance (many, actually) and some pretty scary miscues on the defensive end.

Angela Hucles scored the game-winner in stoppage time, one-touching an Abby Wambach header into the net from @ 8 yards out. (Abby’s header came off a beautiful, booming free kick by … Cat Whitehill, whose own-goal at the start of the match was the first score for Australia … and in the game.) Pia’s take on giving up four goals (two of which were own goals) was: “We’ve got to work on that, including possession just outside our box and the pressure on the ball has to get better. It’s not a big deal, and we just have to work on it.” If she’s not worried, I’m okay with it!

Meanwhile, a further perusal of the quote sheet shows that Hope Solo has learned some diplomacy in the months since the World Cup. Her comments on Australia’s comeback … “No team, defense or goalkeeper likes to give up that many goals, so we’re going to go back and watch the game and see where we need to make corrections.” I did think that Bri looked off during the game – and actually kind of scared for a lot of it. With Pia coaching, I doubt that there were any surprises (in terms of her going into the game). So nothing that happened can be chalked up to a “crazy coaching move.” Sadly, I come away from this game feeling like it’s time for Bri to hang up her cleats … before she’s cut.

I was searching for a great picture I have of Pia with her guitar just now, and found this old story about her career, from Women’s Soccer World. Love the analogy she makes between soccer and music … and the scene I imagine as she gets a rock and roll party going!

Finally – on a REALLY positive note – I hear that Beulah is going to be posting about this match. I’ll get you the link as soon as it’s up!