Compiled by Craig Potter
Today’s SportsROC Report includes a story on four WNY Flash players who will be participating in the 2016 Summer Olympics for various countries.
Four Western New York players will be representing their countries at the highest level for these Olympic Games. Sabrina D’Angelo (CAN), Abby Erceg (NZL), Alanna Kennedy (AUS), and Samantha Mewis (USA) all have traveled with their teams to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and hope to see extensive playing time.
For Mewis and the United States squad, the expectations are high and nearly everybody is expecting the squad to medal. If the team does not get out of Group G, a group where the Americans have fared a combined 32-2-3 against the other three sides, there may be mayhem. However, the team has brought in new faces from last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup gold medal team, and many believe that head coach Jill Ellis has found a way to make that dominant team even stronger. Mewis was named an alternate for the United States, but may see be called upon if there is an injury or if someone returns home.
Erceg is the captain of New Zealand, and has been for quite some time. This New Zealand squad is sitting at 17th in the world rankings, and will hope to make some noise in the tournament this summer. Of course, it may be a challenge to get out of the group as the United States (#1) and France (#3) are the favorites to escape Group G. The Football Ferns are fearless, however, and Erceg brings plenty of experience to the squad. Her 123 caps are most in New Zealand history and she is one of three Ferns who have competed in the previous two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008 and London 2012).
Kennedy and Australia will also be hoping to make a splash in the Olympic tournament, as the Matildas are expected to be the second team to come out of Group F. The Aussies are paired with Germany (#2), Canada (#10), and Zimbabwe (#93). The Germans, highlighted by their stringent defense and wealth of experience, is the favorite to come out of the group while Zimbabwe is the long shot of the entire tournament, as they hold almost no chance of advancing to the knockout rounds. The 21-year old Kennedy will be leading the Australian defense as they hope to hold off the high-powered Canadian attack and the surgical German offense in order to escape Group F.
Canada, meanwhile, may have the toughest road to the knockout rounds of the four squads with Flash players. Germany and Australia are no easy task, and the Canadians will need to find ways to score and will need their defense to hold up. D’Angelo, a goalkeeper, will not likely see much playing time as she is still recovering from a wrist injury. With veteran keeper Erin McLeod injured, the Washington Spirit’s Stephanie Labbe will be taking over in goal for the Canadians.