A Pre-Olympic Rivalry!

The world now gets ready for a Super Sunday of competition followed by the 22nd Winter Olympics to be played in Sochi Russia.

Fans of the 2010 hockey were treated to some good play between Canada and the United States.

Let it be said that the rivalry will be equally strong on both sides of gender.

If we are to see a prelude to what kind of physicality and tenacity awaits then look no further than what transpired at Toyota Stadium Friday Night.

20,862 fans would fill up the soccer arena to watch the United States Womens National Team (USWNT) take on Canada. The largest crowd to watch a game in over a decade. The fans were not disappointed as both teams played a rugged match. 

Canada was assessed three yellow cards and nine fouls. In the 13th minute it appeared that US would draw first blood when Megan Rapinoe provided a perfect feed to Sydney Leroux who was all set to knock a goal home only to be denied by Goalkeeper Erin McLeod.

A second shot attempt in the 21st minute of play via a header by Leroux was aimed directly at McLeod.

Right before the first half ended Canada had its opportunity to get on the board when Diana Matheson had a clear shot on Hope Solo. Her kick went wide as the first half ended scoreless.

In the 58th minute Sydney Leroux had another scoring chance in the 58th minute. Her cross shot from the left would fly wide right.

Not to be denied Leroux would hit paydirt in the 79th minute when Becky Sauerbrunn would successfully cross a pass that went box length before being easily knocked in by Sydney Leroux for a 1-0 lead and ultimate final score.

As 20,862 fans filed out happily the win for the USWNT was their 40th in a row and extended a win streak in Texas all time at 11-0-0.

With FCDallas now one month away from starting a new season on March 8th it made sense to discuss soccer from the female perspective. The US Womens team now play two games with Russia on the 8th and 12th of February.

With 2014 being a World Cup year this was one rivalry worth checking out!

Over and out in Big D.

Mr. Will