The Black Sheep

Part 10

March 4 2015

The USWNT were in Portugal for the Algarve Cup. It was the last tournament before the world cup in Canada. Today the US was against Norway and the first game of the tournament. Kara had settled well in New Jersey. Nikki was nice probably the nicest person she has met. She also made sure she was eating and making sure she knows that she can talk to her. Kelley kept teasing her about her being mother hen. They had all laughed about it but Nikki didn't find it funny at the start but did join in after Kelley and Kara had started to cry of laughter.

They lined up for the national anthems and the hand shakes. It was already pitch black when it was kick off. Kara was starting the game which she was happy about. Norway had an early chance after Hope tried to catch a cross but couldn't keep hold of it. Ali had blocked the shot which the Norway players had appealed for a hand ball but the referee had given a corner as they thought there was no handball. In the 9 minute Carli had a chance on goal which the keeper saved with her legs which sent it over the bar. The US had another chance after Ali sent in a low cross which Christen had connected with but just went wide of the post. Chris had another chance in the 35 minute when she got the ball after Norway thought they had cleared it after a corner, which had hit the post after Chris had shot. Against the run of play Norway was able to get a cross in which Ada Hegerberg converted to give Norway a 1-0 lead at the end of the first half.

In the 50 minute Alex had broke away from the defence and the keeper had came to the edge of the box, Alex had shot at the keeper who had held onto it. In the 54 minute Hope had to make a save on the line from a close shot to keep it at 1-0 game. In the 57 minute Kara had passed the ball to Carli who had shot at the opposite corner. Which had made the game 1-1. In the 62 minute Chris had a shot on goal which had hit a Norway arm which had given the US a penalty. Carli had stepped up to it and calmly put in the top right corner of the goal. The US had a couple more chances but were unable to convert them. The game had ended with the US getting a 2-1 win.

March 6 2015

Two days later the US was against Switzerland. Kara was again starting again but was told by Jill she will be subbed of in the second half to not overplay her, which Kara had understood. In the 5 minute the US was on the break from Chris who had got a through ball from Megan, Chris hadn't got a shot away but was given a corner. In the 31 minute Megan had got the ball on the edge of box but had just put it above the bar. At the end of the first half it was still 0-0.

In the 54 minute the US sent in a free kick which Alex had got and put in the net which had put the US 1-0 up. In the 60 minute Hope had made a great save from a powerful shot to keep the US 1-0 up. In the 65 minute Kara had came off for Heather O'Reilly. The game had ended with the US getting a 3-0.

March 9 2015

Last game in the group stage. The US was against Iceland. Kara was again starting which she was happy about. Once again they lined up for the National anthems and then the hand shakes. Not much had happened in the game. Kara had been subbed off in the 79 minute Shannon Boxx. Kara had Kelly after the game as they were going into the final against France. They were hoping to beat them to win the cup for the 10 time.

March 11 2015

It was the day of the final to decide who will win the cup. Once again Kara was in the starting XI. This was starting to boost her confidence which was starting to show on and of the pitch. The game had been tight but the US had 2-0 win. Kara had been subbed of in the 85 minute for Shannon Boxx again. This was the start of a roll for the US. Preseason was going to be starting soon for Sky Blue. Then the season will start for them in Kansas which was making Kara happy for her first season but nervous for first season as well, Kelly says its normal and she will be fine after the first couple games.

She hadn't heard much from her family but tensions were high between everyone. She hadn't her from her Dad in a while. She had put it behind her and focus on soccer. Times were getting tough as her Dad was going through something and was going to show people what it is but Kara was scared for him.

Notes:

Please comment if there are questions or ideas that you have.