Mention Women’s Soccer in the USA and the first thing that comes to many people’s mind is Mia Hamm. For as long as i can remember Mia Hamm was the face of American Women’s soccer and rightfully so because the 38 year old former striker’s career is one of the most decorated not only in the women’s category, but in the entire history of the sport.
Yeah i know that thats a pretty bold statement but once you consider Hamm’s achievements, you will realise just how talented she was. Hamm’s international career spanned 17 years where she scored 158 goals in 275 appearances for the United States.
Her club career is equally impressive as she scored a total of 128 goals in 144 appearances for North Carolina Tar Heels and the Washington Freedom (a club she founded). Hamm also won the first two editions of the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year in 2001 and 2002.
Moreover, she holds the record as being the only player to have scored the most international goals ever in the history of football. She is also the second most capped female player in history.
If you thought that the accolades end there, you are wrong. Pele, named Hamm as one of the games 125 best living players. Hamm retired from soccer in 2004 and industed into the Texas Hall of Fame 4 years later on March 11 2008.
Now, the reason why i gave you that information is because i think another star is emerging in Women’s soccer. Well sure there is Marta, Kelly Smith, Cristiane and Brigit Prinz however if you have been following the ongoing Women’s U-20 World Cup you will be in agreement with me when i say that Sydney Leroux is a player to keep an eye.
Despite missing a penalty that knocked them out of the tournament, Sydney Leroux has the ability to become a dominant force in Women’s football. Sadly though, yesterday’s game against Nigeria was to be their last as the defending champions were knocked out 4-3 on penalties in the quarter finals after their game ended 1-1 in normal time.
In Sunday’s other match,Sweden lost 2-0 to Colombia to set up a semi final fixture with Nigeria. On Saturday, hosts Germany beat Norht Korea 2-0 to move into the penultimate stage of the competition where they will face South Korea who beat Mexico 3-1.
The semi finals of the tournament are scheduled for Thursday this week .
Photo credit: from RandomAg09
