US V. Netherlands

I feel like I have to do a recap but I’m so emotional I literally do not have a coherent thought.

But.

US v. Netherlands

ALYSSA FUCKING NAEHER. #1 on the field, #1 in my GOD DAMN HEART. She showed up for us and she played like the best goalkeeper in the world. The control and calm and confidence. She is a treasure.

Rebecca Sauerbrunn and her TACKLES and her HEADERS and her CLASS ACT DEFENDING.

Abigail Bell pepper, I’m not in a negative mood so I will not harp on mistakes. She has been progressively better and I hope she’s kind to herself going into the semi’s.

Crystal Dunn. Out here with the SMOOTHEST tackles I’ve ever seen in my life. Worked her ass off. Saved us defensively and got things going. BIG LOVE TO HER.

Miss Kelley. I knew as soon as she missed the Miedema tackle that the fangs were coming out. She was ruthless, aggressive, and love her or hate her, held her own. (PK aside). And no concussion this time, g’bless.

SAMANTHA MEWIS. I’m sure her subbing was planned. She wasn’t totally out of her funk early on but god dammit, she found her stride. What a MOMENT for her to equalize. I could have cried. She basically KNEELED for a header. Love that Snacks combo. Love that for Sammy Bananas.

JULIE ERTZ. Another savior on a few plays. Idk how she is still going. 120 minutes after 2 full nineties and a 45, fresh off injury. MAAM. Take care of yourself. Keep being a T. rex bulldozer.

LINDSEY HORAN. Her fitness level is there. Whatever she is doing with that gym she always posts about, MORE OF THAT. Even in extra time, Lindsey was the first to track back, there was no let up. She connected with Tobin well and with Pinoe. Her finishing will come. She’s getting herself in the right places. I am staying POSITIVE.

ROSEMARY LAVELLE. Continues with the maximum effort. She is someone that will never give up, she’s going out swinging. No one can question her grit and her tenacity. Her reign of left footed bangers against the Dutch has been put on hold, (in regulation time at least. Her PK was chefs kiss perfect.) Rosie is having herself a tournament(!) and I am so here for all she has to give.

TOBIN. She’s building every game. She tracked back and she was making smarter passes. Tobin magic is still to come, I can feel it.

Carli drew lots of fouls for us and I can take it. She feels someone on her back and takes it PERSONALLY. Put in a good shift for us and allowed us to have a fresher Alex Morgan for the second half and extra time.

LYNN. LYNNIE. What a moment for her. What a STORY. She played with freedom, without pressure, AND SHE DID WHAT WE ALL KNOW SHE CAN DO IF SHE FOCUSES. Her and Sammy have a special connection and what a GAME for them to capitalize on it. Gorgeous assist. GORGEOUS goal.

Alex. My goodness is she so close to the lethal form the world fucking fears. She was making the runs, she had her chances. AND YOU KNOW WHAT?? SHE MADE HER DAMN PK. Rio redemption number one.

Pinoe. Sweet P. She doesn’t have the legs for 120 games. We know this. She knows this. So yeah. Mid-hit things we’re used to her nailing. Set pieces left something to be desired. But she put it all out there. She DID track back. And she did what she does best and she BURIED her PK. She’s a magical human.

AND THEN CHRISTEN. Thank god for meditation. I would have stolen that offsides flag and launched it to the moon. She’s itching for goals. And it’s always just INCHES. She’s a step back, and shit, watch the fuck out. And I know I’m probably not as proud as Tobin or as relieved as she was for herself. BUT THAT PK. That PK. CHRISTEN PRESS STAYED CALM AND PUT THAT BITch away.

Sorry to the Netherlands, you hate to see them cry. (I mean, I wanted them to lose but I’m not a monster.) Viv had a crazy tournament, but BYE. See y’all next time!

ON TO CANADA. NO ONE SPEAK ILL OF THE GALS (looking at you DvD.) DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THEM. LET’S FUCKING GOOOOOOOOOOOO