Photo by IsIphotos.com
By CHRISTA MANN
After assisting the game winner against FC Gold Pride (Bay Area), the L.A. Sol's Aly Wagner not only solidified a starting spot but she also earned herself the honor of WPS Player of the Week.
As a midfielder for the U.S. Women's National Team, Wagner's skill on the ball and accurate service quickly brought her back to the 2008 Olympic roster (as a reserve) after a speedy recovery from serious surgery earlier in the year. Now boasting Gold Medals from both Beijing and Athens, she has also tallied 21 goals, 38 assists, and 126 caps with the U.S. WNT. In addition to her international playing experiences, she was able to come away with a very decorated collegiate playing career.
From the years 1998- 2003, Wagner attended Santa Clara University. As a freshman she scored 4 game winners with 10 overall goals, had four assists and started 21 out of 23 matches.She gradually gained recognition over time and was named to the NSCAA/Adidas Second Team All-America her sophomore year and First Team All-American as a junior. Following senior year honors that included Soccer America MVP and her second naming as a First Team All-American, WUSA's San Diego Spirit selected Wagner as the number one overall pick in the 2003 draft.
In that rookie season, Wagner made All-WUSA second team before a trade sent her to Boston in the league's final season.
As the player who created almost every dangerous chance for L.A. in Week Four, Wagner is definitely deserving of the WPS Player of the week honor. In addition to her outstanding play over the weekend, I will also argue that Marian Dalmy's service from the outside gave Chicago some of the same opportunities. As far as other star players who stepped up, there is no question that Boston's Angela Hucles should be Player of the Week considered as well.
What do you think about Wagner? Is L.A. so good that she should have been coming off the bench? Agree or Disagree with the other honorable mentions from this week? Who are some other players to consider for this week's WPS Player of the Week?
Share your thoughts below.
Was rather surprised Aly got the Player of the Week because she got it off one kick of the ball for a long ball perfect pass into Marta’s stride. I believe Karina LeBlanc should have received it, it was time for a defensive player to receive it, plus Karina kept them in the game vs FCP when the defense looked very shaky this past weekend.
haha I am not at all,the Sol give LA soccer hope
Sorry, Sean: I mistook you for the guy that comes onto the women’s articles and badmouths both Christa and the WPS just because this is women’s soccer. I was mistaken. You’re not that guy. You’re not the moron, I am. And yes, I am a man of terror.
Nice for Ms. Wagner and nice for the league to be honoring someone who could be one of the faces of it for years to come.
Did you know that if you donate blood to the Red Cross in Southern Cal right now, you can get two free tickets to an upcoming SOL game? (small handling fee.) I don’t work for the Red Cross- just think its a great idea!
Jeff
jeff@fcearth.com
http://www.WeAreFCearth.com
Im a moron right.
and what are you?
The man of terror?
She has had a rough last few years with injuries. When in shape, she was always the best option for the WNT in midfield, because of her great passing skills and creative vision. Hope she can hang in there, injury-free, till the next world cup.
And sean, you’re a moron.
la sol ftw, all i gotta say