1. They Put Women Sports On A National Scale:
It's a simple fact, women's sports are not nearly as respected or watched as men's sports. Often, they are the rude butt of jokes. However, the 1999 U.S. Women's National Team revolutionized the name of female sports and changed what they meant to the rest of the world. On July 10, 1999 over 90,000 fans filled the Rose Bowl stadium in Pasadena, California to watch the United States clench the most prestigious title known in the soccer world. This was the most attended women's sport event in history at the time. The scale has only grown since then. This 1999 squad boasted notable players like Mia Hamm, Briana Scurry, and Brandi Chastain who became role models and inspiration to many young girls. These women were the originals—some of the first famous female athletes that led to the United States' first women's sports dynasty. They are role models who show girls that they truly can do anything, including compete on a world stage of sports. They were deserving of our adoration and affection in 1999 and are still today.
2. Brandi Chastain's Sports Bra:
When you type Brandi Chastain's name into Google, the image above and similar pictures flood the screen. This remains a somewhat controversial moment in the United States Women's National Team's nearly flawless history. Nonetheless, it was one of the most iconic moments in sports history. Some say this changed U.S. soccer forever. When Chastain perfectly placed and netted the fifth penalty kick in 1999 against China, it was a done deal. After 90 minutes of regulation play and two segments of overtime play, the United States had won the World Cup in penalty kicks. Chastain wasn't even supposed to be the fifth kicker; she was sixth until a last-minute change. Though some think this was a poor decision, I personally think it was badass.
3. Abby Wambach's Head:
Abby Wambach is one of the greatest of all time. She currently holds the all-time international scoring record. She is a part-time captain but a full-time great for the United States. Through her numerous goals, her most memorable have been her coveted headers which lead to championships. Her game-tying header against Brazil in the final seconds has gone down as #9 in Sports Illustrated's "10 Most Significant Goals in U.S. Soccer History." We were down to ten players, and we were seconds away from the earliest elimination the U.S. women had ever faced since the inception of the Women's World Cup. The game had already caused a whirlwind of emotions, and we just wanted vengeance for the 2007 loss to Brazil. However, the outlook was bleak. I was beginning with my prayers, only to have them answered by one of Abby Wambach's headers. It went from Carli Lloyd's foot, to Megan Rapinoe's, to Wambach's head, to the back of the net. It was glorious, and I was enamored.
4. The 2011 Final:
These women's faces practically sum up how I felt on July 17, 2011. This was the World Cup that truly made me fall madly in love with the Women's National Team. After a draw from 90 minutes and two overtime periods, we went to penalty kicks, which is literally the worst way in the history of the world to decide a soccer match, especially such an important one. When I re-watched these series of PKs against Japan, I was upset, yet again. After a lucky save from the Japanese keeper, a miss from Carli Lloyd, and another save of Tobin Heath's ball, it was simply over. Though Hope Solo made an incredible save, it simply wasn't enough. It was a true American horror story. Though this was a devastating moment, it just proved what a deep connection many other Americans and I felt with this team. As their hearts broke, ours did as well.
5. When Alex Morgan Looked Better Mid-Game Than You Did At Prom:
Alex Morgan is practically a household name at this point. Between her beauty, brains, and superior athletic ability, she is one of the greatest female athletes. Did I mention she is stunning? I couldn't even be mad when she looked better after 90 minutes of intense play than I did at my senior prom. Just look at her—is that even legal?
6. The Rest Of The Team Is Beautiful As Well:
Though Alex Morgan is known as one of the most attractive athletes ever (she is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful women in sports), the rest of the team is just as good looking. Beauty and athleticism is a deadly combination that the United States has plenty of. Hope Solo, Megan Rapinoe, Julie Johnston, and Sydney Leroux: all beautiful. Actually, it would be easier just for me to post the roster and let you just look at that. In fact, I've taken the liberty to include the link. Though this is indeed superficial, you can't help but love their pretty faces.
http://www.ussoccer.com/womens-national-team/latest-roster
7. July 5, 2015:
Hell yeah, #USWNT!
