Kid's Column: Chicago Red Stars Home Opener-4-17-2010

The home opener for the Chicago Red Stars reminded me of last season in many ways, but some things are different.

For instance, WHO GOT TO ELLA MASAR?! She’s a little firecracker! In my opinion, she and Cristiane were the only people doing anything out there.

Then there’s the goalie. I really didn’t like Caroline Jonsson last season. We took a huge step up with Jillian Loyden. She let 1 goal in, but the rest were caught just in time, or never made it close to the goal. And, she had a way more awesome uniform than the St. Louis goalie. She is one of the few people orange looks good on. Lucky girl.

But I have to say, Julianne Sitch did not get on my good side. I am definitely not a fan, so far. I will be watching her very closely. My favorite call of the game by the coach was putting Karen Carney in for her. I was happy at that moment.

Happy moment number 2: when Casey Nogueira scored the one and only goal. She also won player of the game, but I wouldn’t have voted for her. I say Ella all the way. I do give her kudos for the goal, though.

One thing they really need to work on for next game: PASSING! They need non-stop pass training. They have really bad accuracy. I’m no mathematician, but those were definitely bad statistics. If I were coach, the first day I would make them do 20 laps around the field in 5 lap intervals with 5 minute water breaks after each one. Then I would have them sit down and read the rules of soccer. Word for word. Because a lot of times in pro soccer they bend the rules a little bit. Then for every rule they broke during a game, 1 lap. And, yes. I would make note of who broke a rule. I would be a good coach. Definitely. I already know I’m a terrible player. You know what they say: those who can’t do, teach.

Final score was 1-1. And this was great, for both the team and for me, because I made a bet with my dad that that would be the final. I won, obviously.

Another happy moment for me was finding out Asllani Kosovare’s birthday is the day after mine!

Looking forward to another great game.

My current favorite players: Megan Rapinoe; Natalie Spilger; Ella Masar; Cristiane.