Some familiar faces are returning to the USMNT, and another familiar face is retiring from the USWNT.
USMNT
Long time USMNT players Howard and Beasley return to the mix. DeMarcus Beasley, who had previously retired for the international game, has been courted by Jurgen Klinsmann to make a return. Beasley has had a long standing career on the International level, and most recently rejuvenated his career by moving to solidify the left back position, something he did will relative success. Known for his speed and pressing mentality, he made a wonderful compliment to Fabian Johnson, his counterpart on the right side. Klinsmann wants his outside backs to make runs down the flanks, and Beasley has that ability and knowledge of when to go.
Tim Howard, nicknamed the “Secretary of Defense”, after his incredible 16 save effort against Belgium in the World Cup, is back after a yearlong sabbatical to spend time with his family. Howard is coming back into the mix with the understanding that Brad Guzan, long time USMNT number two keeper, holds the number one spot on the depth chart. Competition between the two English Premier League Keepers is nothing new. Over the years Howard and Guzan have worked to make each other better, and it is completely expected that will continue into the buildup for the matches against Peru and Brazil.
The upcoming friendlies against Peru and Brazil will provide great preparation for the important match against Mexico and World Cup Qualifying. The match against Peru, who placed third in Copa America, will take place at the luxurious venue of RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. on Friday, September 4th. Luxurious is a bit of an overstatement, but ask any die hard US Soccer fan, and they will tell you that RFK has a special appeal to it. Should house a very good crowd and atmosphere. Brazil, let by Neymar, will meet the USMNT inside the confines of Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts four days later on Tuesday, September 8th. The American Outlaws always show up, but it seems like the crowds in Foxboro are always a little louder. I expect this to be the case with this match.
USWNT
Not a lot of news on the USWNT side of the federation, but one big announcement is the retirement of the Rachel Van Hollebeke. Van Hollebeke, who many fans will remember her as Rachel Bueller before she changed the name on her jersey to her married name in 2014, leaves the game of soccer all together to pursue her dream of going to medical school. While with the USWNT she earned 113 caps and 5 international goals. She also earned the nickname “The Buehldozer” for her hard, yet legal, tackles and fearlessness that a defender needs to have in today’s game. Her style of play has rubbed off on the newer generation of defenders such as Julie Johnston. So while “The Buehldozer” might be heading off to medical school, her legacy will remain within the USWNT.
Much like the men, Brazil is coming to the US to play the USWNT as part of the Victory Tour. The game in Orlando will pit a stronger opponent for the women than their previous two games against Costa Rica. Brazil has some very good individual players, and play an aggressive attacking style.
