Don't Stop Believing!

Associated Press, Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP

Pressure Makes US - The Nike ad that’s been running for a few weeks now depicting strong, focused, and determined women competing on the world’s greatest soccer stage.  Twelve years ago today, Brandi Chastain scored the shot heard ‘round the world and of course celebrated by flaunting her envious six-pack.  That day was like a dream for any young girl who wanted to be the next Mia or Brandi or Briana….it’s the same dream the US Women's National Team has been chasing for 12 years. 

Yes, on paper USA is ranked #1 in the world, but it’s been Germany who has won the past 2 World Cups and it’s been Brazil that’s produced young phenoms.  The spark in the American women's soccer program has been missing for 12 years….until today.

I sat frantically texting my family and fellow Dudettes, and screamed at the television because once again I felt that the referees were taking the game away from us.  Déjà vu, just like last summer…when bear hugging became legal and in 2006 when the refs were card happy and the Italians (2006 WC Champions) got away with murder. 

In the 66^th minute, the Australian ref pulled out a red card, and I was certain she was headed over to Marta for diving in the box (she already had 1 yellow for language and getting all up in Wambach's face).  But no, it went to Rachel Buehler, after competing for a 50/50 ball.  Although shocked, I was still confident, and Hope Solo came up HUGE for her team saving the penalty kick.  Then, for no apparent reason, Brazil was rewarded a retake and Marta put it in the back of the net.  It was by far the worst call in Women’s World Cup history, well maybe except for this.  You would think that FIFA would field referees in the most prestigious tournament in the world that actually know FIFA Rule #14 !!

All tied up, and a player down, the American girls fought tooth and nail. They outplayed Brazil on multiple levels - fitness, possession, and grit.  The US had the momentum going into overtime until...the refs struck again.  The assistant referee missed a blatant offside call and once again Marta flicked the ball on and it just happened to beat Hope Solo on the back post.

The referees were dictating the outcome of this game…My heart was in my throat….I was outraged.  And then I heard it….the boos every time Marta touched the ball or set up for a direct kick.  She lost the respect of the crowd for her antics and cheap goals that should never have been.  The Brazilians were flopping around like fish out of water and time was ticking down.  It appeared this undeserving team was about to go on to win the entire tournament.

The US needed a bit of brilliance and a lot of luck.  I reflected back to last year when Landon Donovan scored the most important goal of his career.  I was watching with my favorite soccer player and mentor, my brother, and beautiful pregnant sister-in-law, bracing for yet another early exit from the World Cup when magic happened.  Donovan became a hero and America officially had futbol fever!  I jumped up and down on the couch and watched Sportscenter for the rest of the day reliving the moment.  Two months later the most special little dude was born, my nephew, Landon.

In the third minute of stoppage time, and what appeared to be the last chance for the USA, the most brilliant cross came off of  Megan Rapinoe’s left foot and onto Abby Wambach’s head. GOOOOAAAALLLLL! MAGIC! I couldn’t believe it…it was Landon Donovan all over again….

The game was tied, and a penalty shot showdown was on the horizon.  I acted just like I did when I was 12 years old in 1999, curled up on the couch, hands covering my eyes, I couldn’t watch.

The US beat all the odds, all the pressure.  They could’ve caved, they could’ve hung their heads….They had a country to come home to that would understand that they were robbed by bad refereeing.  But they never quit - they kept pushing, fighting, stayed focused, and didn’t point fingers….They believed.

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Writing their own future.  Congratulations to the United States Women’s Soccer Team!  We believe in you!!