The WPS All-Star game on Wednesday at KSU Soccer Stadium had a cosmopolitan feel.
Players from nine countries filled the rosters for the Abby XI and Marta XI squads: Brazil (2), Canada (2), England (4), Finland, France, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States (23).
Domestically, California led the way with six players. One player from Georgia, Fayetteville's Kelley O'Hara, a rookie who plays for FC Gold Pride, was on the reserves. Playing before 10 members of her family and friends, she entered the game in the second half.
O'Hara will get to spend the week in Atlanta because FC Gold Pride will play the Beat on Saturday.
Aside from seeing family, she has taken the time to do one thing that she can't in California where her team is based: go to Chick-fil-A.
"Combo No. 1, or a chicken biscuit, or salad with chicken strips," she said.
The All-Star game had a unique format and process.
The process culminated with FC Gold's Marta Vieira da Silva, commonly known by her first name, and Washington's Abby Wambach, the two highest vote-getters, selecting the starting teams Monday from a pool of 36 players, 22 of which were chosen starters by fans, media players and coaches.
Though it wasn't done on purpose, the Abby XI featured 10 starters from the USA, while the Marta XI featured seven international starters.
The format made for some interesting matchups. For example, seven Beat players started, though they played on separate teams.
Goalkeeper Hope Solo, defender Tina Ellertson, midfielder Lori Chalupny, forward Eniola Aluko started for the Abby XI.
Midfielder Ramona Bachmann and forward Aya Miyama started for the Marta XI.
It was a reunion for Bachmann and Marta, who played together for two years on a club team in Sweden, and Bachmann, then a 16-year-old, told Marta that she hoped to one day supplant her as the best player in the world.
"It was fun because we know each other so well," Marta said. "We were able to help the team because we know each other so well."
Helping Akers
Michelle Akers, considered the greatest women's player in U.S. soccer history, is trying to rebuild a horse rescue farm in Powder Springs that almost was destroyed during last September's floods.
To raise funds, Akers contributed two national team jerseys to be auctioned during Wednesday's game. As of halftime, the auctions had surpassed $1,000.
Akers started the rescue when she found a neglected horse, Zoe, in Sanford, Fla., in 2007. She bought a farm and moved to Cobb County during the summer of 2009 to be near a childhood friend who also raised horses. With the help of her 5-year-old son, she currently keeps six horses, as well as several other animals.
For more information, go to www.michelleakershorserescue.com.
