Controversy

At any major event, with any major team, there is controversy. Certainly the 2007 World Cup is no exception. Both Coach Ryan’s decision to start Brianna Scurry in goal, as well as Hope Solo’s post game comments, were at the top of the list for today’s press briefing.

I expect the journalists here to be embroiled in every detail, but Sal Ruibal from USA said that since the Brazil game, the web activity around this issue had out passed both the NFL and MLB. At least women’s soccer is attracting attention.

While Greg Ryan answered all of the questions exactly as you would have anticipated by any high-level coach; Kristine Lilly and Abby Wambach were the class act.


Hope will not be playing in the last game against Norway, nor will she be on the bench with the team. For Greg Ryan it was a coaching issue, for Kristine and Abby it was a personal issue and for all it was a significant distraction from the task at hand.


I have no doubt there will be growth as a result of the Brazil game, growth in the individual play, growth in the coaching, and growth in the individual players as well . Unfortunately as with the rest of us, it is these difficult times that define and shape us as person. It is not just the event, but we each respond to the adversity and move forward, no matter which side of the issue we are on.