Talk about coincidences. As I begin to write up this week’s #roadtorio article featuring local National Women’s Soccer League roots–what do you know–Seattle “Reign”ing Olympic goalkeeper, Hope Stevens (formerly Solo), walks into the building. What a small world!
The U.S. Women’s National Team is high-rolling, and have won all 4 of their last official tournaments, including the 2015 FIFA World Championships. Last week, they took the #SheBelieves Cup; their games spanned the country–from Nashville, to Connecticut, to Pennsylvania–and the Finals were held on March 9th in Boca Raton, FL with a record-setting 13,501 in attendance. Aiming for a 5th consecutive gold medal, they qualified for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics at the CONCACAF championships in February; the Olympic committee awarded them “Team of the Month.” And their smiles couldn’t be brighter. As they say on their most recent Twitter post, “[Winning] never gets old!”
In all of these tournaments, Stevens has picked up the Gold Glove award. Seattle’s phenom now sets her sights on being the first American to reach 100 shutouts with only 3 to go! In addition to homegrown Hope, a bunch of her USWNT teammates are affiliated with local professional football clubs; though unlike the Washingtonian goalie, the remaining 5 hail from other parts of the country. Listed below are the clubs and colorful athletes.
Seattle Reign FC (2014, ’15 Shield awards–best regular-season record.)
Hope Stevens, Richland, WA — Goalkeeper. AKA reluctant hero.
Lauren Barnes, Upland, CA–Defender. AKA newbie.
Portland Thorns FC
Tobin Heath, Basking Ridge, NJ–Midfielder. AKA vagabond and skateboarder.
Lindsey Horan, Golden, CO–Forward. AKA professional. Parisian.
Meghan Klingenberg, Gibsonia, PA–Defender. AKA 3rd degree black belt.
Emily Sonnett, Marietta, GA–Defender. AKA twin, 1st round draft pick.
Although the USWNT has a modified schedule come the Olympics in August, the 2016 NWSL season will commence in precisely 1 month.
In other local Olympic news, the IAAF World Indoor Championships are being held in Portland this weekend at the Oregon Convention Center. It is the first time this event has been held in the U.S. since 1887. Local Olympic standouts participating include Ashton Eaton, Ryan Bailey and Galen Rupp. The top 10 events to watch can be found here. This is the official beginning of the #roadtorio in the track and field world. In addition to medaling purses, athletes also have the opportunity to take home an additional $50,000 for setting a world record. Competition will be fierce! Be sure to check out #Portland2016!
You can follow the USWNT @ussoccer_wnt, and catch Olympic action, including the @IAAF, on NBC Sports Live Extra.
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