On Tuesday, the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team was barely able to advance to the knockout stage of the World Cup tournament after a 0-0 tie with the team from Portugal. It is clear this team is talented enough to win a third straight World Cup, but they have to be a lot more intense on the offensive side of the field and take advantage of their scoring chances. Unfortunately, I think they took the game against Portugal too lightly and it almost cost themselves the chance to advance. They were inches from being eliminated in the last 10 minutes of the game when a Portugal shot hit the post!
The overall improved level of competition is actually a good thing for the tournament's future. Most of the 32 teams are very good now. The next game for the U.S. is against Sweden at 5 a.m., Sunday.
If the Phillies want two create a gap between them and the rest of the wild card contenders, they need to go 5-1 in the next six games at home against two of the worst teams in Major League Baseball – the Kansas City Royals and the Washington Nationals. Phillies shortstop Trea Turner, our free agent acquisition this year, really needs to start living up to the hype. I was also surprised when the Phillies acquired Detroit Tigers ace pitcher Michael Lorenzen right before the trade deadline. This should help the team in a big way. At least, I hope it does.
The NFL preseason started Thursday night with the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns playing in the Hall of Fame game. Hard to believe that the regular season starts in about a month. Sadly, there has already been one significant injury. Quarterback Joe Burrow from the Cincinnati Bengals has a calf injury and will not play in the preseason. Let’s hope nothing like that happens to the Eagles to affect their season before it even starts.
Go USA women!
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A 2002 Cape grad and 2007 UD grad, Lewes resident Sumner Spence is one of the Cape area's biggest sports fans. Although he’s used a wheelchair his entire life, he has lived vicariously through his sports-playing father, brother, and friends, who gave him his love of sports. He hopes to provide new and interesting perspectives on the sports stories and issues of the day. Email Sumner at sumspence@gmail.com.
