Just a Couple of Thoughts

First of all, how AWESOME was that USWNT game versus MexWNT game tonight?! Syd "The Kid" Leroux with 4 goals! Beauty. Wambach, Buehler, and Morgan Brian (with her first career international tally) each found the twine. 7-0.

Tonight's game was held at RFK Stadium in our nation's capital, my hometown. If you recall, my first 20 Questions interview was with a promising young keeper from the DC Metropolitan area. She's currently on Maryland's Olympic Development Team. Tonight, during the game, Briana Bagley had goalkeeper training. She was asked why she wasn't at the USWNT game tonight. Her response, "I could watch and dream to be as good as those ladies or I could be out here training to be the best I can be." Future USWNT Keeper, Briana Bagley everyone.

Other things that were awesome about the game: Morgan Brian netted her first international goal while wearing her second cap. That was absolutely awesome, but how about the Lady Cavaliers from UVA making the trip to cheer on their teammate? Women's soccer fans are so passionate. I love it. The cut to Brian's team after her goal was incredible. Every member of the team is going nuts for Brian.

Also, it was really kind of cool to see Yael Averbuch on the pitch tonight. She had some really great feeds and long balls to Abby and Syd. She was also unleashing her long shot bombs on Mexico's keeper. They may not have worked the keeper much, but they did force her to stay honest and on her line opening up more pitch for the forwards.

To sum it, Tom Sermanni: if you haven't ventured in Maryland to look at 12 y/o Briana Bagley, you're missing out on your next big goal tender. Sydney Leroux, if you're reading this, I want to do a 20 Questions segment with you, email me.

I know I've been slacking on the 20 Questions, but Christen Press sits down with Following Football this Thursday. I promise.

20 Questions Follow Up with Briana Bagley

It's Thursday, and that normally means a new edition of 20 Questions. However, life happens, and I've gotten a bit behind in getting my 20 Questions questionnaire out to the people that are participating in the interviews. Ah the curse of being a fan blogger. 

Instead of a new 20 Questions, I have a follow-up with Maryland Olympic Development Program goalkeeper, Briana Bagley. 

I received a text the other day from Briana's dad telling me I forgot to ask, or should've asked, about the injuries Briana has racked up on her path to soccer awesomeness. 

Recently, Briana was at a residential camp and suffered an injury and a significant one. While playing futsol, she dove for a ball landing hard on her right side. The collision resulted in a hairline fracture of her collarbone, a deep muscle and bone contusion. But Briana is one tough cookie. She finished the game. And she finished the camp. 

Reminder, this girl is only 12 years old. "She said it hurt the last two days of camp but it wasn't until she got home last night and was lifting her luggage  bag out of the trunk that she felt a pop and was in tears," says her dad. This 12 year old girl sucked up two final days of camp to hone her craft. 

This is the heart and determination of a professional athlete. And it's packaged in a preteen. In her interview, Briana said she had to hike up her skirt and do it. This is her attitude toward the beautiful game, her position as goalie, and playing through pain:

Strained neck

Deep contusion to the growth plate in her foot

Concussion

Played an entire tournament with a broken finger

Dislocated thumb

A wound on her knee that re-opened EVERY game for two seasons and is now a permanent scar

Deep bruise with cleat imprint on her inner thigh that lasted almost an entire season

Several other nasty bruises and bumps.

If this isn't the tenacity needed to earn a USWNT, NCAA, or an NWSL scout, I don't know what does. This girl is going to go places. The USWNT has "Hope," but we believe in Bri. (Trademark pending)

I hope to get out and get back my next round of 20 Questions by next Thursday. Interviews with Yael Averbuch (USWNT), Kaylyn Kyle (Seattle Reign/CanWNT), Taryn Hemmings, Julianne Sitch, and Adrianna Leon (all of the Chicago Red Stars). 

Thanks for Following Futbol.