Rebels draw inspiration from Americans
U.S. women's national team star Abby Wambach probably doesn't realize, but her last-second equalizer that helped the Yanks defeat Brazil on Sunday in a Women's World Cup quarterfinal had a profound effect on several college players in Southern Nevada.
"I have girls texting me that they keep watching and just want to get started playing again," UNLV women's soccer coach Jennifer Klein said. "The World Cup this summer has been a motivation for my players. Especially this last game it's a story of not giving up. It's helped to further motivate my girls to keep working harder and wanting to get the season started."
Klein, who was in the Rose Bowl when the USA defeated China in the 1999 Women's World Cup final, hopes Sunday's win heightens interest in the women's game at the college level.
"The excitement lit a fire, and I think every person, especially every young soccer player there, had that feel of this whole 'never give up until the very, very end' excitement," Klein said. "Any time there is such an exciting game, and all these other stories following this team, I certainly hope (it stirs more interest) -- and I think it will. The big thing is that hopefully it stays around for a long time and that you don't see the die-off that you might have seen since the '99 (Cup win)."
Men's soccer saw a popularity surge since last summer's World Cup in South Africa, with college and Major League Soccer teams reporting record attendance and television ratings.
Thirty-five Division I men's programs averaged more than 1,000 fans in 2010, up from 27 in 2009, according to a report by Soccer America.
A similar trend could happen to the women's game following the World Cup in Germany. ESPN reported a 2.6 overnight rating from the USA-Brazil match -- the highest rating for a women's soccer match since the '99 World Cup final.
But latching on to the passion created Sunday will be key, Klein said.
"A big thing is just keeping people excited, and keeping kids excited at a younger age," she added. "You need to let them know there are great players, and great games. There doesn't need to be a World Cup for them to watch the games. There are games going on between each World Cup that have just as much excitement and drama in the game. Getting those kids exposed to that will keep the fire going."
The buzz surrounding the Women's World Cup, along with the confidence of coming off a season that saw them double their win total from the previous year, has the Rebels looking forward to the Aug. 13 home-opening exhibition against Dixie State.
"Going into the season, I feel my feet are a little bit firmer on the ground as opposed to last year," said Klein, who is entering her second year as head coach. "With the turnaround, and having a good season last year, it lit a spark in our girls."
Klein's staff has recorded each match of the tournament and plans on implementing several strategies from the tournament.
"It's been fun as a coach to watch it and pick up things that hopefully we can apply to your team," Klein said. "As a spectator, there have been some great games, great goals, and it's been a lot of fun."
Contact reporter Sean Walker at swalker@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0430.
