Replacing A Legend

Hello soccer lovers and friends alike.

Because I am still trying to cope with the loss of our dear coach Pia Sundhage(not dead, just gone), this blog is both a peek in the past and a flash into the future.

Let us start with an AMAZING video of some of Pia's accomplichements.  Every moment on this video gives me goosepimples-and if nothing else, watch Pia's celebratory dance at the end. Enjoy.
Actually I am just kidding...the video I really want to show you will not connect with blogger.
So here is the link! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4ZmpM2Fu8o
If you enjoy Pia and would like to see the highlights of her career (including that sexy goal by Rapinoe to Wambach when the women beat Brazil in the World Cup) then this is a must watch. 
Or if you just want to see her rock out at the end of the video that is awesome too!

Now that you are all hyped up on Pia vibes, I shall share with you updates on the search for a new coach.  U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati addressed several media personel on the progress and process of the search for a new coach earlier this month.  Jill Ellis, Pia's assistant coach and a key player as the Youth Development Director for the women, will be filling in for the month of October or at least until they find a new coach.  She has a ton of experience working with all of the players and will do a great job.

Interviews have been held in Chiicago, and the process is in full swing.  International coaches, domestic coaches, US college-based coaches, and some coaches already in the US team mix are all on the table to be interviewed.  The hope is that a new coach is found by the end of November.  There are 10 markets and 11 investor operators who are involved in the process to make sure that the coach hired is up to the level needed.  They will play a large role in this process.  It is going to be a process and some of the coaches being interviewed are under contracts that won't be up until the end of the year.  Either way we can expect a new coach for the USWNT by the end of the year 2012.

Pia will never be able to be replaced, and her legacy will live on in the hearts and souls of the fans and players of the women's national team.

More to come on other changes in the women's professional soccer league to come in up coming blogs! 

Stay tuned!

Love the Business.  Love the Game.

~Jule