US, Mexico win openers at Algarve Cup
It was Rachel Buehler's 100th appearance for the US, and she scored the opening strike three minutes into the second half. The story, however, will be dominated by Abby Wambach's tally to close the 3-0 victory against Iceland as it moved her within four of the all-time mark by Mia Hamm. Meanwhile, Mexico were 1-0 victors over Hungary. The surprise results from the opening games was Germany playing to a scoreless draw against Denmark and Norway topping Japan, 2-0.
Canada wins Cyrpus Cup opener
Similar to the US match, a goal from Sophie Schmidt, making her 100th international appearance, to open the scoring in a 2-0 victory against Switzerland will be vastly overshadowed by the fact it was the final game of Christine Sinclair's suspension handed down by FIFA after the Olympic incident. Among the other results were expected wins by England, New Zealand and South Korea, who join Canada as the favorites in the event.
Nigerian Nightmare
African football is often a mess and unfortunately has too many stories like the following. The Nigerian Federation is once again in the spotlight for its anti-lesbian agenda in the women's soccer programs. Although they have been warned in the past by FIFA, officials and coaches in the sport there continue to administer their discriminatory practices, barring players suspected of lesbian activities or sexuality from not only the national team, but the women's football league.
When it comes to the full-on attack of the LGBT community by the sport's leaders and administrators in Nigeria and the disgraceful taunting that occurs in stadia around Europe, it shows how much more tolerant we are in this nation - especially after the recent reactions to players like Robbie Rogers and David Testo, who have publicly announced their sexuality over the past couple years, in the men's game and the several women, most notably Megan Rapinoe, in the women's game.
No Age Limit
While teenage American ladies are focused on going to college, the NWSL will feature an 18-year-old Australian international. Sky Blue FC (NJ) signed defender Caitlin Foord, who has been playing professionally for Sydney FC in her home country, for the 2013 season as a discovery player.
'Soccer with Breakfast' is a quick recap of interesting, underreported, or top soccer news items - sometimes accompanied by some commentary - to give readers in the Inland Northwest area (or beyond) a brief look around the North American news scene.
#INWsoccernews
