Milly Released?

So a rumor has surfaced on the WPS Fan site that former US WNT player Tiffeny Milbrett has been released from the FC Gold Pride.

The rumor is based on the fact that Milly's name is no longer on the Gold Pride's online roster. (To be honest, I'm not sure if it ever actually was.)

The Gold Pride has a preseason game tonight against the LA Sol so we shall see...

(For Gold's sake, let's hope the rumor is wrong!)

Player Spotlight: Kelly Smith

Many would consider Kelly Smith to be the best female footballer in England. Some would say she is one of the best in the world.

Growing up in Watford, England, Smith surrounded herself with soccer. At the age of 16, she became a member of the English National Team. Earning 74 caps and 30 goals, she has been a constant stronghold in the team's offense.

After Smith's freshman year of college in England, she transferred to Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ. While at SHU, playing under head coach Betty Ann Kempf, Smith became the first athlete in any sport to win the Big East Conference's Offensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year awards...in the same year. The following two seasons, Smith took home Offensive Player honors yet again, and was the leading scorer among all NCAA Division 1 teams. Smith became the first athlete (in a sport other than basketball) to have her number retired for the Pirates.

In 2000, Smith was drafted by the WUSA's Philadelphia Charge where she teamed up with current WPS players, Cat Whitehill and Heather Mitts. Due to several injuries, Smith only played one full season with the Charge though she was on its roster from 2000-2003. Smith then transitioned to New Jersey's W-League team, where again she was sidelined by injury.

In 2004, Smith left the States and headed back across the pond to play for Arsenal Ladies. Again, Smith was injured, therefore, delaying her start. In 2005, she returned to the pitch, and has since scored 103 goals in 114 appearances for Arsenal Ladies. In 2006 and 2008, Smith was a top five finalist for the FIFA Women's World Player award ( 2006 honors went to Mia Hamm, 2008 honors went to Marta). This March, Smith, and teammate Alex Scott played their last Arsenal game before leaving to join the Boston Breakers in preseason training camp.

Good luck Kelly! I'd say break a leg, but with you it may be just a bit too literal. ;-)

The Hope Solo Show

Here are some highlights of this week's Algarve Cup Final. Eventhough the US lost this one, Hope Solo had an award-winning performance. Check it out!

This Just In...

Thank goodness for Facebook Updates!!

I was just informed that The U.S. Women’s National Team will be back on home soil facing Japan, the 2008 Olympic semifinalists on Saturday, May 23 at Rio Tinto Stadium. (That's Utah people!)

The game will kick off at 4 p.m. MT. And for all those not dedicated enough to make the trip to Utah, the game will be broadcast live on Fox Soccer Channel.

Now stop reading and go get your tickets!!!

She's Over It?

Last night, the San Jose Mercury News broke the story that FC Gold Pride cut Watsonville waitress Priscilla Meza.

Meza's response, "It's all right, I'm already over it."

Really??!!

I've got to be honest, though I've read other positive comments from Meza regarding her experiences with the WPS preseason, the "I'm already over it," comment really rubbed me the wrong way.

"You're over it"? Well that was quick.

I think the comment begs to ask the question of whether or not she really wanted it that bad in the first place.

Coach Albertin Montoya, who was saddened to let her go, is actually going to bat for Meza by speaking with other teams in the league about their potential needs for a midfielder. The question is, would Meza go to bat for herself? Does she really want to fight for this dream of hers? Or is she just "over it"?

In reading about Meza's story, I of course can't help but feel for her. She came from a tough upbringing (that's an understatement!) and has made something of herself. She is a role model and shows everyone that you alone control your future. However I wonder, is Meza really passionate about playing professional soccer or is she just looking for something more than life as she knows it now?

"I need to get something out of this," she said to SJ Mercury News. "If things don't work out, I am going to look for other doors."

I am not trying to downplay any of her accomplishments. I'm sure many will think I am. I just have never gotten the feeling, since the first word of Meza hit the media, that soccer was her passion. To play at the professsional level, I think it has to be. It's not something you just walk into lighlty and do on your free time. You do it because you can't imagine doing anything else. You do it because for you...soccer is life.

Don't get me wrong, I wish the best for Meza and hope that I have misunderstood her comments. If I have, I apologize. No matter what, I hope she continues to fight for her dream...whatever it may be.