The Wait Is Over

Border War, Round One

Sarah and EJ stopped over to Steph and Yael's apartment to join their assistant coach for the US/Canada match. Once the coverage on Fox Sports One started, the three began discussing their expectations for the day.

Sarah (to Yael): Has Steph given you any heat in the run-up to today's game?

Yael: No. I hadn't been in the US National Team picture since Tom Sermanni was sacked in 2014, so my loyalty to the team isn't what it used to be. I back my woman to the end, thus why I'm sporting her jersey.

EJ: Would you do that, Sarah, if I got another call-up and perhaps played?

Sarah: Definitely.

EJ: What do you expect to see this afternoon, coach?

Yael: Since both teams are probably going to be releasing players from playoff teams after this first game, the lineups might be a little bit different than what you would expect or what you'll see on Tuesday night in Hamilton.

Sarah: No Press, no McCaffrey for the US. Where are they going to get the punch to challenge Buchanan and Zadorsky?

Yael: Maybe Horan goes up top or they play Williams and Hatch together to take advantage of their chemistry from the Olympias and the Courage before that.

EJ: What about Canada?

Yael: Rhian is looking for a bit of a bounce-back for the team after the less-than-stellar performances against Australia last month, so I'd expect something close to their best XI. Then again, she might sandbag a little to keep Harvs on her toes knowing that they'll probably play each other for the Gold Cup title in November. I DO expect them to get stuck in and make possession difficult for the US midfield.

Yael reached over the back of the couch for the box of tissues as she was sure she was going to cry during the pre-game ceremony for Christie Pearce. The two younger players asked their coach about some of her memories of the former National Team captain and Sky Blue head coach, which Yael shared with them. Once the broadcast returned from commercial, Sarah turned up the volume.

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Kate Markgraf: Today, we remember and honor a true legend of women's soccer, the only member of the 2015 Women's World Cup championship team with a previous title to her credit. She fought her cancer in the same way she fought on the field, and we take a few moments today to share with one another and the fans here in Cleveland and around the country tuning in on Fox Sports One what Christie Pearce meant to US Soccer and us individually. First, I call forward those participating in today's match who played with, against, and for Cap.

Walking from the tunnel to the center of the pitch were Alyssa Naeher, Julie Johnston Ertz, Morgan O'Hara, Joy Fawcett, Rhian Wilkinson, Carm Moscato, Shelina Zadorsky, Steph Labbe, Kailen Sheridan, and Sarah Killion. Following them were Christine Sinclair and Becky Sauerbrunn, then Rylie and Reece Rampone.

Julie Johnston Ertz: As Cap's true successor on the National Team both at the center back position and then as captain, I was honored to have her mentor me in my first couple of years of professional play. Though we rarely partnered up in the back, the confidence I gained from her support helped me become the player I am now. I miss her and will forever be grateful for her impact on my life.

Joy Fawcett: When Christie first showed up at National Team camp, we were in preparations for the 1999 World Cup that the US was privileged to be hosting. Tony DiCicco was looking to convert her from forward to outside back in an attempt to get greater attacking width from the squad. I was asked to help her get accustomed to the speed of play at the international level and the demands of the position, and we developed a close friendship. I marveled at how she was able to juggle mothering with professional soccer and international matches, winning a WPS championship as a player/coach while pregnant with Reece. Words don't do justice to her impact on the sport in this country and around the world. The US national team tonight will be wearing armbands in memory of her and their jerseys from tonight's game will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.