The U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) has advanced to the round of eight yet again in the 2015 World Cup. The team will play China on June 26 as they look to become champions for the first time since, the days of Mia Hamm. The hype continues to grow and the team keeps winning, but all we've been wondering is why should we care about the Women's World Cup? Here are five answers to that very question.
Redemption
Think back to 1999 when Brandi Chastain scored the game-winning goal to defeat China in the World Cup final, the moment cemented in our collective memory as Chastain ripped her jersey off in celebration. As of today, that was the women's first gold medal in team history. Since then, the team hasn't fared so well: in 2003 and 2007- they received 3rd; and 2nd place in 2011. This year's team is on a mission to avenge the 2011 loss to Japan. U.S. soccer always draws attention as the team closer to winning. Let's hope the team won't have to wait another four years to claim soccer's most important honor. (Photo : GettyImages.com)
The Women Are Better Than The Men
The perception of many sports is that men are always better at it than women but this isn't the case in terms of U.S. soccer. According to FIFA soccer ranking, the U.S. men's team is currently ranked 27, while the women are ranked second, only behind Germany. The fact is, the women's teams tend to place better in these tournaments. Since the creation of the FIFA women's world-ranking system, the U.S. has had an average of first place. The rest of the world may have been playing soccer before us, but we have the athleticism and skill to challenge any country. (Photo : GettyImages.com)
Alex Morgan
One of the most recognizable faces on the team is that of Morgan. She's 25 and a rising star in the soccer world. In 87 international appearances she has scored 51 goals. (Photo : GettyImages.com)
Hope Solo
Goalkeeper Solo took the world by storm and drew comparisons to U.S. men's keeper Tim Howard. She saved almost every attempt that came her way while in the net, but off the pitch she let one slip by her. Solo received in a domestic assault charge after her nephew and sister had visible injuries. This World Cup is perhaps the best to forget her past and look at the present. Solo has only allowed one goal in four matches, and has nine saves. Numbers don't lie Solo is a dominate force. (Photo : GettyImages.com)
AstroTurf
We understand why the players aren't too fond of it. Astroturf affects how the game is played. Team captain Abby Wambach told ESPN the team would have more than their current six goals if it were being played on grass. All the sliding and falling to the ground that soccer players endure take a toll, as regular grass is soft; AstroTurf leaves cuts and burns behind. Astroturf affects how the game is played. (Photo : GettyImages.com)
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