Comments on: Christie Rampone set to play on for USWNT

By: sfcp6

sfcp6 — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 01:42:24 +0000

Babysit for LePeilbet? Hardly. LePeilbet had an outstanding Olympic tournament and held her own. You also forget that LePeilbet is playing out of position on the flank (out of necessity) yet she still was chosen as the starter over all the other defenders that auditioned. For most of 2010 Rampone and LePeilbet played CB tandem to wonderful success and I’d love to see that resumed. LePeilbet is an outstanding CB and has two WPS defender of the year awards to prove it.

By: cleo94606

cleo94606 — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 17:02:24 +0000

There is no disputing the leadership qualities Rampone brings to the pitch but I don’t think a Sauerbrunn/Buehler pairing would be that bad. There is something to be said for the short girl winning every header near her. Both have a remarkably high soccer IQ – they are rarely ever caught out of position. This is completely hinged on neither of them having to babysit LePeilbet. Buehler’s worst games came when she got stuck on the same side as LePeilbet. Admittedly, Rampone is the only one who can manage the extra weight. But when Krieger comes back, it won’t be an issue.
I’m not ready to see Rampone go, but we suffered with the poor transitioning of the 99ers out. Instead of retiring right before the World Cup, how much better would Rapinoe been if Lilly had retired earlier?

By: bloodydamnsox

bloodydamnsox — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 05:01:41 +0000

The play of Rachel Buehler should not be underestimated. She’s a fast & fearless back who has kept many a cabbage from being dropped in the basket. The US team would miss her.