The University of Portland will have four alums competing at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany. PortlandPilots.com is excited to have two of the four on board as World Cup Bloggers throughout the preparations and actual competition this summer. USA National Team and Boston Breakers (WPS) defender Stephanie Cox and Canadian National Team and MagicJack (WPS) defender Sophie Schmidt will share experiences periodically over the next three months, so make sure to bookmark http://www.portlandpilots.com/WorldCupBlog to follow their journey to Germany.
You can send Stephanie and Sophie any questions, comments or feedback that you might have by clicking HERE.
Training in Italy (May 31, 2011)
It’s hard to believe that the opening game of the Women's World Cup is now only a very short month away. Canada is set to play the opening match of the tournament against Germany in front of sold out crowd in Berlin. Crazy, yet so exciting! I can still remember the day of the draw, being in Portland, freaking out about how unfortunate we were to draw Germany, France and Nigeria; especially after winning CONCACAF. Garrett gave some good perspective that stuck in my mind… in order to win you have to beat the best at one point or another… and that the reason our group was thought to be the group of death was because we were a part of it. Every day since, the thought of Germany has been a great source of motivation, if needed.
Here is a little recap of the past few months: following the Cyprus Cup, Team Canada has been in residency half way across the world in Rome, Italy. We shall remain here until our departure prior to the World Cup. For those that do not know, the majority of our coaching staff is composed of Italians… therefore they have access to some pretty great resources here in Rome. The majority of the team has been centralized here; training together, living in very close proximity, playing some matches, also traveling together a little during the breaks to venture out and see the beauty that Italy has to offer. It's an amazing lifestyle to be a part of. When in Rome (just outside) we stay at a hotel that has everything necessary at our disposal. There are two soccer fields on the grounds (a little guy, and full sized one), a gym, and a nice pool. Oh… I can’t leave out one of the most important high points, which is the food! It’s fantastic and sooo fresh…. mmm.
Training has been tedious at times with double days, changing sessions that test our character, and home sickness creeping in now and then… but with the event fast approaching there is urgency and purpose behind everything. Not only the training sessions and games… but sleeping, eating, ensuring the team morale is not influenced by outside factors, having the proper equipment (very important J … I blew out a pair of my boots last game but just a little… close call). Don't get me wrong though… fun times have been had. Perhaps some of those will be shared next time!
Random Fact: According to the City of Rome, nearly 700,000 Euros worth of coins get tossed into the Trevi Fountain each year!!! Wow… and to think that I contributed. I have peace of mind knowing that the proceeds are donated to charities that help the needy.
Ciao tutti,
Sophie
PREVIOUS ENTRIES
Steph Entry #1: Countdown to Germany (May 26, 2011)
