Remember Soccer in the Circle last year for the FIFA Men’s Cup? No such luck this year, but the USA Women’s Soccer Team plays France in the semifinals of the Women’s FIFA World Cup Championships. The game is Wednesday at 11:30 am and you can watch on the TV. (Luis Gomez Photos)
From Laura Herman and Scott Leibowitz. Follow Laura on Twitter @Lmhhabs and Scott @Lebodome.
Preview From Lebodome
This is it for Team USA, two games to go, one game at a time: we’re playing France today in the semifinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011. Anything but the championship trophy at this point would be a major disappointment as the other major soccer powers are gone (Germany, England, Brazil). Many pundits have called this the “redeem team” so the expectations are lofty. If Team USA wins, they’ll play the winner of the other semi between Japan and Sweden.
In my mind, the biggest stumbling block for Team USA is themselves and having an emotional letdown after such a miraculous win. Scoring early has been key and will be again against a crafty French team. It will be interesting to see who the local German fans support in this match, but Americans have been loud all tournament. For more insight try either this ESPN preview or this one (actual soccer strategy ain’t my expertise). Enjoy the game. USA! USA!
Details, Where We’ll Watch the Game
Team USA faces off against France at 11:30 am EST on Wednesday, July 13. Remember that player Lori Lindsey lives here in Borderstan when she’s not playing with the Philadelphia Independence.
We all know how sub-par watching a game via livecast from your desk is, so duck out during lunch and catch the game at your local sports bar.
Our pick is Touchdown (1334 U Street NW), which has quickly become one of our favorite soccer bars in the city. As part of their commitment to moving beyond just American football and baseball by showcasing sports like soccer and cricket, as well as WOMENS SPORTS (gurrrrlpower!), they’ll be opening EARLY today and showing the women’s soccer game on the flatscreens throughout their two main floors.
To make your (extended) lunch break even better, they’ll be offering food and drink specials: $3 beers and $1 fish tacos.
If this watch party is anything like Touchdown’s Cricket World Cup Party, you won’t want to miss it. Check out Laura’s review from earlier this Spring for a preview of what to expect.
We can’t wait to beat France just before Bastille Day…
I walk the line: Sunday afternoon at Meridian Hill Park. (Scott Leibowitz)
From Scott Leibowitz. Find Scott on Twitter @Lebodome.
Scott Leibowitz
Backyard Sports to the Sound of the Drums at Meridian Hill Park
Welcome back to the Lebodome…
There are many essentials that make up a true summer in D.C. Going to a Nats game to enjoy the food (instead of the baseball), jazz at the sculpture garden (where you at least know one random person) and, of course, the drum circle Sunday at Meridian Hill Park.
As I have already checked off the first two from my list, I decided it was time to sweat for a few hours outside, listening to some beats. Last week, Editor Luis Gomez wrote a great article on the park’s diversity. And I found this Washington Post article explaining the tradition of the music, so I won’t go too much into the actual drumming as I ain’t Ringo. I was at the park to enjoy the activities, the people watching and the music.
The main green on the north side of Meridian Hill Park. (Scott Leibowitz)
One of the very first things you notice in this park is it is long, meaning plenty of green space for all kinds of outdoor/backyard games — but there is a bit of a risk. There is a lovely string of benches on both sides of the middle green, so if you are playing anything, you are part of the showcase (which is amazing for people watching).
For most of the afternoon, I found myself watching Frisbees fly around while enjoying the great variety of dogs taking walks. The park is also great for bocce — a section is just dirt, making it perfect for good rolls.
I also saw fantastic jugglers, a competitive game of Bolo Toss (Ladder Toss) and, my personal favorite of the day, the gymnast/Cirque De Soleil group climbing on top of each other. My roommate also tells me later in the afternoon when it cools down the park has very competitive short field soccer.
