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| Revisiting America (September 2003) |
By Janet Rayfield
Who would have ever predicted that just four years after the unbelievable experience of the 1999 Women’s World Cup, that the greatest women’s soccer teams in the world would once again visit U.S. soil. I commend U.S. Soccer for doing what was right for Women’s Soccer. With the SARS threat in China, it was critical that someone take a risk and step in for the sake of the game. The timetable was tight, and the needs were significant. FIFA had to have an alternative.
By agreeing to host such a global event on such a tight schedule, U.S. Soccer demonstrated its faith, not only in its own ability to organize and manage the event, but also in the American soccer community and the fans who make up that community. USSF has stepped up to the plate, confident it can put on a great show and that we (the soccer community) also will step up to the plate to make this event a success.
I must admit, my initial reaction to the decision to host the games in venues much smaller than those used in 1999 – especially for the final – was one of disappointment, even though I can understand the conflicts during that time of year and I am sensitive to the political scenarios that would warrant such decisions.
Smaller venues will mean fewer fans get to witness the extraordinary event in person and those that do get that chance will more than likely pay a premium price for their tickets. With school in session, college football and college soccer in full swing, it will be more difficult for fans to travel to games than it was in 1999. But tickets may be more of an issue than travel or time.
However, the smaller stadiums provide an opportunity for the soccer community to once again make a statement. In 1999 the naysayers were silenced by 90,000 people who showed they were willing to travel from all over the nation and the world to see one of the greatest women’s sporting events ever held in the U.S. I believe that 2003 must be the World Cup where we not only fill the stadiums (even when the U.S. is not playing) and clamor for tickets and autographs, but at the same time we must send the TV ratings through the roof. While there may only be 30,000 able to witness the final in person in the Home Depot Center on Oct. 12, let’s ensure that there are millions in their homes with the TV tuned to the final. My new big screen was delivered this week. You can bet that September and October will be spent in front of it!
My first President’s Corner spoke of creating a “Fall Frenzy” – an atmosphere of passion, excitement and competition around our sport. At that time I was referring to the men’s and women’s College Cups. We now have a chance to create a new level of “frenzy” that starts with the first kickoff of the Women’s World Cup on Sept. 20 and lasts until the final whistle of the final match.
If you missed the chance to see games in 1999, you have been given a second chance. You had best take advantage of it, because it will be at least eight years before the opportunity comes again.
To coach April Heinrichs and the U.S. Women’s National Team, I wish you the best. I have heard the phrase around the national team that “pressure is a privilege,” an honor earned in the struggle to be the best. Playing here in the United States will be a different and maybe even greater pressure than facing China on its home soil, but more than any team in the world you have earned the pressure. All of you have worked so hard for so long and have reached the pinnacle in the sport. You are considered the best in the world. The pressure to maintain that can be high but pressure is a privilege. I know there is talk that this will be the “last hurrah” for some of the long-standing veterans. Whether it is or not, we all are excited that we will be able to share the experience and witness this part of the journey. If it is the final leg for some of you, I hope it is one to remember.
Go USA! |
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