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Q & A Women's World Cup with Brian Dooley
6/23/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
June 23, 2011
Boca Raton, Fla. - With the beginning of the 2011 Women's World Cup on Sunday, June 26, Florida Atlantic University women's soccer Head Coach Brian Dooley provides insight on this year's international tournament by answering a few questions.
Dooley begins his 13th season at FAU and has posted 128 victories. Seven of his teams have won 14 or more matches and guided the Owls to their only NCAA College Cup appearance in 2005. Overall, he has won 181 matches in 17 years as a head coach in the South Florida area.
FAU currently serves as the host of the magicJack of the Women's Professional Soccer league. Several United States national team members play in Boca Raton, including scoring threat Abby Wambach, goalkeeper Hope Solo and veteran Christie Rampone.
Dooley has also had a major influence in FAU's involvement in women's soccer on an international level. The college has hosted practice for several national teams, including the USA National Team. Ten former players have represented their home countries' national teams (Finland, Scotland, Jamaica and Puerto Rico), and four players have gone on to play professionally.
Below are Dooley's responses to questions prior to the Women's World Cup.
Q: What are your expectations for the United States team in this year's World Cup?
A: The expectation for the United States team is always to win the World Cup. It is like the Brazilian men!
A: U.S. women have always been dominant because women have been encouraged to play, because of Title XI rules. That has put us ahead of other countries in the development phase of women's soccer players.
Q: However, why has it been 12 years since the U.S. women's team has won the World Cup?
A: We haven't won the past two World Cups because other countries are now putting more resources towards their women's teams. We've become a victim of our own success. The U.S. women's team's success has encouraged the game globally.
Q: Is the U.S. finding a new identity after the retirements of Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy?
A: The team has a new identity with Abby Wambach leading the charge. With Hope Solo in goal, the U.S. has confidence that it can beat any opponent. They are a strong team tactically with the ability to adapt to any opponent. Christie Rampone brings experience to an overall younger team than the U.S. has had in the past.
Q: Several U.S. women's national team members also play for magicJack, which play its home matches at Florida Atlantic University. Do you see the interest level in women's soccer increasing in the South Florida region because these top-tier players are playing in Boca Raton?
A: Having these players on the magicJack team certainly gives the South Florida community the opportunity to see the world's best players right here on our campus. Role models for young female soccer players are here. It will serve to inspire the next generation of regional stars. Abby Wambach, Hope Solo, Christie Rampone, Shannon Boxx, Becky Saurbrunn and Jill Loyden understand the impact they can have as ambassadors for the game in the area.
Q: Who are some of the key players for the U.S. women's team that fans should keep an eye on during this year's World Cup?
A: Abby Wambach will have to be a consistent scoring threat, causing defenses to focus on her. This will allow Amy Rodriguez the freedom to attack space and get one-on-one opportunities in stretching the defense. Heather O'Reilly will factor in the transition and Christie Rampone will have to be dominant in the back field.
Q: What's the next wave of breakout players who could shine in the World Cup and lead the further development of women's soccer in America?
A: Watch for Amy Rodriguez and Becky Sauerbrunn to have an impact.
Q: Who are your favorite teams to win the World Cup?
A: The United States is my pick! Germany could be second, followed by Brazil and Canada.
Q: Is there a tough group in this tournament? And, assess the group for the U.S. team. Who are the toughest challengers which could keep the U.S. team from advancing to the next round?
A: The group will be tough for the U.S. team. North Korea is technical. Meanwhile, Sweden can match our team tactically and has played us recently very tough.
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