Women's soccer All-Star event a fun affair
There might not have been a soccer pick'em event loaded with as much talent as the one that unfolded at Stats restaurant on Monday evening.
The two 2010 WPS All-Star teams returned to the game's playground pick-up roots to select each team's starting 11, with Washington Freedom’s Abby Wambach and FC Gold Pride’s Marta, the ballot leaders, assuming team captain responsibilities.
Wambach chose “Abby XI” with the consultation of Philadelphia Independence Head Coach Paul Riley, while Marta chose “Marta XI” with FC Gold Pride Head Coach Albertin Montoya.
Each team had just 30 seconds to make each alternating selections.
The Beat's Hope Solo was selected as the overall first pick after seconds of deliberation by Wombach. The goalkeeper was one of four Beat players selected to Abby XI, which is largely represented by Atlanta players. Defender Tina Ellertson, midfielder Lori Chalupny and forward Eniola Aluko will join Solo on the team.
After both teams finished making their selections, joking and squashing potential trades, Solo said the light atmosphere and the fan involvement made the night a success. Yet she had one criticism.
The two teams made their final predictions for the matchup, 7-6 and 8-5 victories forecast for the teams.
"There's no way I'm giving up seven or five goals," she said with a laugh. "I'll tell you that."
