A-Rod with a point blank chance vs. Jill Loyden

Training camp is going very well for the U.S. WNT with practice after practice featuring intense, competitive action, but at the same time the players are having fun. Yes, there are bodies flying and fantasice goals and saves, but also smiles around as the players participate in what has to be one of the most high level training environments a female player could experience anywhere in the world.

Welcome back, Maura Gladys

For a little more than three weeks, the possibilities seemed endless for the U.S. Women's National Team. On Oct. 27, Pia Sundhage named the 30 players headed into a two-week training camp in Arizona, to prepare for their upcoming match against Sweden.

Hope Solo of course gets the most attention in these parts of the ladies on the United States Women's World Cup squad. Some of that is due to her growing up in our state and playing for the Huskies, it is also because she's quite good. The other most recognizable name for Sounders fans that have only casually watched the games is Alex Morgan.

Sunday's final vs Japan is going to be verrrryyyy interesting!! 2 completely different teams but with the same die hard attitude! I'm torn over who I want to win, because I'm not totally sold on the US team yet. Their style is...not so attractive, but their chemistry and attitude is immense.

Lauren Cheney will need to control the tempo in midfield if the US are to defeat Japan.

Hi AC- I read your blog and enjoy your media criticisms and was wondering what you thought of their Women's World Cup coverage?
I think it's better than the men for a few simple reasons
1. No Lalas
2. Diciccio- great analyst, just wish they'd allow him more than just a few sentences a game.

Goal nabber Lotta Schelin drives the offensive bus for Sweden...

Update:

The US line-up vs. Sweden: Solo; Krieger, Buehler, Rampone (c), LePeilbet; Rapinoe, Boxx, Lloyd, Cheney; Rodriguez, Wambach

O'Reilly gets to rest her groin while Wambach makes the cut.

Predictions? Give them in the comments. This has been a low-scoring World Cup so far - 2-0 USA is my guess, and I think I'm being generous with the scoreline. To the USA, that is.
Lineups: USA - Solo; Le Peilbet, Buehler, Rampone, Krieger; Cheney, Boxx, Lloyd, O'Reilly; Rodriguez, Wambach
North Korea - Hong; Jong, Ri Un Hyang, Ho, Song; Ri Ye Gyong, Jo, Jon, Kim; Yun, Ra
I like Rapinoe's skill on the ball, but Cheney offers more of a finishing threat, so I'd guess Sundhage's move is to try to put more scoring punch into the lineup.

Predictions? Give them in the comments. I saw this has been a low-scoring World Cup so far - 2-0 USA.
Lineups: USA - Solo; Le Peilbet, Buehler, Rampone, Krieger; Cheney, Boxx, Lloyd, O'Reilly; Rodriguez, Wambach
North Korea - Hong; Jong, Ri Un Hyang, Ho, Song; Ri Ye Gyong, Jo, Jon, Kim; Yun, Ra

Our USWNT gals are set to kick off World Cup play against North Korea in about 35 minutes. Here is your game one line-up:Solo; Krieger, Buehler, Rampone, LePeilbet, Boxx, Cheney, O'Reilly, Lloyd, Rodriguez, WambachI'll be back later with highlights, reactions and perhaps a few thoughts. Enjoy the game, everybody, should be a tough one.

Here is a look at the USA's official team photo that the squad took a few days ago here in Austria (as you can see by the scenic background). This might make a cool wallpaper on someone's lap top. There will be a video of team photo day up on ussoccer.com shortly, so please look for it.
Back Row (L to R): O'Hara, Rapinoe, Heath, LePeilbet, Sauerbrunn, Morgan, Krieger, Lindsey
Middle Row (L to R): Cheney, Wambach, Barnhart, Solo, Loyden, Boxx, Mitts
Front Row (L to R): Cox, Rodriguez, Rampone, Buehler, O'Reilly, Lloyd

Meghan Rapinoe cuts under the watchful eye of Pia Sundhage


Shannon Boxx is cheered on by Kelley O'Hara

Kelley O'Hara fires a shot as Lauren Cheney tries to block

A-Rod, Lori Lindsey and Heather O'Reilly awai their turn in 4 v 4

Nicole Barnhart whips a ball out to a teammate after making a save