Hi Breakers Fans!

It is hard to believe just two weeks ago I arrived with the U.S. National Team in Germany for training camp and to play the German National Team.  Upon landing we jumped straight into training in the cold and rain. The German weather reminded me of Boston during the first half of our season.

During the first few days of team training we focused on defense.  The German National Team is dangerous all over the field so it was important for us to fine-tune our backline and for our entire team to be on the same page defensively. These defensive sessions gave Rachel Buehler and I the opportunity to build great chemistry, get better on the ball and be leaders in organizing our team. As center backs, Rachel and I have one of the best views of the field, so it is important for us to quickly read the game and communicate our vision to our teammates. 

After our defensive sessions we were put to the test in a scrimmage against the U-17 Boys Bayern Munich club team, future professional Bundes Liga soccer players. As we lined up next to one another I realized that these were not boy, they were men!  Each boy was strong and they ranged from 5’9” to 6’4” in height.  For most of the game we were in our defensive third which was great training for us. These boys were skillful, creative, and had an extremely fast attacking group of players. Likely some of the best players I have ever faced in my career. I am so proud of how well our backline did against them. We really held our own out there and it prepared us for our upcoming German opponents.

We then moved from Munich to Augsburg, Germany and started to hone in on our attack, working on keeping the ball and spurring creativity.  Pia told us it was going to take smart movement on and off the ball for us to beat a well-organized German defense.

Soon the night before the game was upon us. We went to a small reception with our Ambassador.  It was an inspiring experience and made me realize that soccer is a game that brings people together not only in our communities, but from all over the world.  Soccer is a beautiful game and I am incredibly honored to play for our National Team and represent the United States.    

The next day, October 29th, we drove to the stadium for our match against the German National Team and crowds of people were walking to the stadium from all directions. I could not believe that all these people were there for our game.

We laced up our boots and ran out onto the field alongside the Germans and the crowd erupted.  Of course they were cheering for the Germans, but wow was it amazing!  I had a rush of nerves shoot through me.  It truly was an unbelievable sight. 

The whistle blew and the Germans were off to a blazing start.  Our defense battled from the first minute to the 90th minute. The Germans recently won the FIFA Women’s European Championship and had one of the best attacks I have ever faced.  Each time they attacked us the crowd went crazy.  No one could hear each other on the field so we had to stay together without talking – an incredibly difficult task.  I never realized how much I talk on the field until I could no longer use my voice to communicate.  Despite our inability to hear one another, our backline did great.  We fought to keep the shutout and win 1-0.  It was one of the most exciting games of my career that I will always remember!    

I arrived back in the United States late Friday night after a whirlwind eight-day trip to Germany. The long trip home was well worth it knowing we were bringing home a hard-fought win against the German National Team.

Take care Breakers fans,  

Amy