U.S. Women's World Cup Team Inspires Local Levittown Youths

The USA Women’s Soccer Team's hopes for further World Cup glory fell short yesterday after a loss to Japan on penalties in yesterday's final, but that didn't stop the team from inspiring several Levittown youth soccer players.

The big match was followed closely by some Levittown soccer players as they root for the home team. Middle school soccer players Emily Castaldo, Casey Barrett and Erin Vaughan Ware will be glued to their televisions cheering on their home country.

Each girl has a different favorite USA player. “I play goalie, and I think Hope Solo is amazing,” said Castaldo. Barrett, who plays goalie as well as midfield, favors veteran Abby Wambach, while Vaughan Ware, who plays both offense and defense, is a fan of midfielder Megan Rapinoe. "I try to play soccer like her," she said. "Tough and smart.”

The United States team has not won a World Cup since 1999. They led twice in yesterday's game, but Japan was able to equalize each time. The Americans then failed on each of their first three penalties, leaving the door open for the Japanese to finish them off.

In order to secure a spot in the championship game, the USA team beat France this past Wednesday. That came after the United States beat Brazil on penalties while down a player for a significant portion of the match.

Incoming 7th graders Gabrielle Maas and Alanna Hallahan were disappointed in the loss, but both said the USA team showed amazing talent. Their peers Erin, Emily and Casey were also sad at the final score, but all of the girls look forward to trying out some of the skills they observed during the game.

“Win or lose, the USA Women’s soccer team are terrific role models for female athletes," said former Levittown soccer coach Liz Hallahan. "Their dedication and commitment to the sport and the future of women’s soccer is admirable."