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Just For Kicks
THE selection of April Heinrichs as the head coach of the United States Women's National Team yesterday was the first step in assuring America remains on top of the women's soccer world. U.S. women’s
new coach a
proven winnerThe next step is solving the labor dispute between the United States Soccer Federation and the players who won the World Cup last summer.
Heinrichs knows it will be infinitely better to have those players available when the women open their 2000 domestic season Feb. 6 against Norway at Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
Norway is the only country to hold an all-time edge (11-10-1) over the American women.
This in no way detracts from the success of the American team that won the recent Australia Cup in place of the World Cup players who boycotted the event.
Comprised mostly of college players, the Americans averaged 19.9 years of age. They beat the Czech Republic, 8-1, tied world power Sweden, 0-0, and defeated Australia, 3-1.
The U.S. tied Sweden in the standings, but won the championship based on a far superior goal difference, plus nine to Sweden's plus four.
It showed how much depth the women have in this country.
Hopefully, when bargaining starts Monday in Los Angeles, the differences will turn into compromise.
USSF executive director Hank Steinbrecher said the USSF believes in parity between the money paid men and women on national teams, but the dispute is in the definition.
The women threatened to walk out over pay before winning the gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics.
HEINRICHS was captain of the 1991 U.S. team that won the first-ever Women's World Cup.
One of the most tenacious and competitive players in National Team history, she was the first female inducted into the U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame.
She was an assistant coach in Atlanta, has been the head women's coach at the University of Virginia the past four years and been the National U-16 coach since 1997.
"This past week has been incredibly exciting. I'm hopeful U.S. Soccer and the players can get together soon. I can't wait to put my cleats on and get down to business," Heinrichs said.
"April is an incredible leader, a gifted motivator and a great tactician," said Julie Foudy, midfielder and co-captain of the U.S. Women's Team.
World Cup assistants Lauren Greg, who coached the U.S. in Australia, and Jay Hoffman were candidates along with Clive Charles, coach of the men's and women's team's at the University of Portland.
Charles also coaches the U.S. men's Olympic team and decided to remain in that capacity.
Heinrichs, who helped North Carolina to three NCAA championships as a player, compiled a 116-70-18 record as a head coach at Princeton, Maryland and Virginia.
HAWAII STATE CUP: The Hawaii Soccer Association will conduct its Hawaii State Cup competitions Feb. 26-27 on Oahu.
There are four divisions: women's amateur, women's over 30, men's amateur, and men's over 30.
The entry deadline is Feb. 2. Entry must include payment of a $350 fee and $500 bond.
Winning teams are eligible for Region IV Cup play in May.
The region winners advance to the National Cup Finals in July at Oakford, Pa.
Further information and forms are available from State Cup Commissioner Michael Weitzenhoff at 845-7556 or 845-4955 (fax) or via email at futebolref@aol.com.
