The soccer blog

And for something completely un-baby related...

I watched every second of the US vs. Canada semi-final game:

• I'm putting all my chips in the middle of the table here: that game will go down in history as maybe the top-five match ever played, regardless of the gender on the pitch.

• If Canada had lost 4-2 in regulation, it still would have been a HUGE accomplishment. The American squad boasts probably three of the greatest women footballers I've ever seen (Wambach, Morgan and Rapinoe). Hope Solo (US netminder) has not only has one the greatest names ever, but is EASILY the best goalie in soccer history (three Olympic gold medals, two-time Golden Glove FIFA Women's World Cup winner). Other than Christine Sinclair (who's cemented herself as a Canadian soccer icon), Canada is made up of really good, but not great, players.

• I have no problem with the referee calling the Canadian keeper for trapping the ball too long. Anyone watching could tell she consistently held on long enough for even the most casual of fan (aka, me) to notice.

• Forget the controversial call. To me, the biggest crime was how Canada left the right side of their net COMPLETELY open on the right side US corner, resulting in the American's first goal. I don't know if this was a coaching oversight or a breakdown in communication, but with the goal open like that, that ball goes in eight out of 10 times - at the very least.

• Now this point might sound far fetched, but hear me out: Canada should have let the Americans take the lead. Think about it: with the US's size and sheer athleticism, playing them when they're a) pissed off and b) looking to tie and win the game isn't a very favorable equation if you're the opponent. And it's also no secret the American's are poor defensively. So why not let them play with the lead? Canada had no problem scoring on their limited opportunities. With that said, allowing an opposing team to consciously move ahead on the score sheet is, for lack of a better term, stupid and should probably be avoided. I'm crazy though, so I'd probably try it at least once if I had a coaching career.  

I'll also say that both teams left it all on the field. And, as an athlete, that's all you can really expect of yourself. Above anything else, win or lose, I was honored to have witnessed such determination.

As an athelte, I've been there before. Sometimes the only solice you can take is the effort you put in. I think after a few days, our Canadian women will realzise that.

Here's looking to Rio.

Adventures in Solitude by Grant Lawrence: A reading.

I had the pleasure, and I use that word in it's most sincere and appreciative form, to sit in on Grant Lawrence's engaging reading of his book, Adventures in Solitude.

On a cold and dreary overcast Grey Cup Sunday at McNally Robinson, Lawrence warmed a room of about 20 guests by reading two excerpts from Adventures in Solitude.  Hilarious tales of nudist colonies were interwoven within his descriptive lexicon for the love he has for Desolation Bay, BC.  Lawrence provides his reader with a memoir-based account of his coming of age within the remote BC community.  He affectionately calls Adventures in Solitude a love story.  "It's a story of love of the people and land that make Desolation Bay such a wonderful place," said Lawrence. 

Lawrence, who hosts the highly rated CBC Radio 3 Podcast with Grant Lawrence, and makes appearances on other CBC Radio programs, was engaging and interesting.  He spoke with extreme confidence and profound humbleness as he read to the eager crowd.  He also gave a well-received shout out to Winnipeg by professing his admiration for our local music scene, which he says is made of bands that play "thesaurus rock."

Lawrence went beyond words in his admiration for our city, by sporting a retro-style Winnipeg Jets toque, which complemented his hipster appearance, complete with a Movember moustache, and a faded plaid dress shirt.

Between the vivid, yet casual tone of his readings, Lawrence's words were intermissioned by the live music of local musician Del Barber.  Barber, who hearkened images of a young Bob Dylan through his appearance and nature of his music, performed two songs.  The songs he performed with his guitar attempted to complement the readings, and did so with haunting success.  I HIGHLY suggest you pick up his album, Love Songs For The Next 20, and check out my personal favorite, and one he performed at the reading, 62 Richmond.

Top, Grant Lawrence reading Adventures in Solitude.  Bottom

Del Barber performs.  Also, I clearly borrowed my great, great

grandfather's camera to snag these pics.  The quality is so good

that you can almost tell that Barber is wearing a shirt.