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There are times when one is reminded just how badass the USA Women's team has been for years, and how rarified the air can be at the extreme altitudes of reputation the squad maintains. Tom Sermanni, the coach of the distaff USA for nearly two years, got just such a reminder yesterday - after the women dismantled China 2-0 in Colorado, Sermanni was sent packing by US Soccer.
The move is a bit of a head-scratcher. True, the US finished seventh in the recent Algarve Cup for their worst showing ever, but Sermanni made it clear before that tournament that he was experimenting - as one would expect from a coach who believes himself to have a year and a half to get the team World Cup-ready. The Scotsman clearly didn't see this coming, saying he was 'completely blindsided' by the move.
Which leads us back to the business end of this story: The players didn't like him, it seems, and felt they 'weren't progressing.' Player power has caused more than one USWNT coach headaches in the past; it looks as though its had its way in Sermanni's firing, too. Whatever the truth behind the scenes is, it has left the USA women's program without a coach just 14 months before the World Cup. There's more to come from this story, surely.
MLS to Atlanta
Any soccer story where you get to use the word 'footprint' is great, right? MLS is going to Atlanta in 2017, because FOOTPRINT. (Regional footprint, that is.) And, y'know, Arthur Blank's billions.
So, to reiterate: What it takes to get an MLS franchise is 1) a soccer-specific stadium plan, 2) an active soccer community turning out to support the game already, and 3) a check for 100 million dollars. [EDIT: Update to reflect current state of play.]
Rolfe breaks out in DC debut
It still smarts that Chris Rolfe isn't playing his soccer wearing a Fire badge, but at least his debut with DC United went well. Coming on as a sub in the 63rd minute, Rolfe played on the right wing for DC and scored the second goal in United's 2-0 win over New England. Chris, we miss you, even if you're just trying to 'move on.'
DC supporters, the entire text of the proper chant is as follows: "Chris Rolfe is getting laid tonight." You're welcome.
Galaxy win LA derby
In yesterday's lone MLS action, the Galaxy suffocated Chivas USA 3-0 in the LA derby. Well-taken goals for Robbie Keane and Stefan Ishikazi sent the Gals on their way, but for Chicago supporters the name to notice on the scoresheet is one Baggio Husidic, back from Scandinavia and providing depth in the Galaxy midfield.
Most observers anticipated Landon Donovan breaking the career scoring mark in this game, but Lando's off-form continued. The record will be shared with Jeff Cunningham for another week.
Did you see Timbers-Sounders?
Well, did you? Because it's archived on NBC Sports Live, and it was awesome. SB Nation's Kevin McCauley calls it an 'instant classic,' and I'm forced to agree.
