Members of US Women’s World Cup championship team featured on 25 collectible SI covers

Sports Illustrated continues its landmark support of US Women’s soccer with another sensational series of covers. In the aftermath of an emotional victory over Japan in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the popular periodical has released an unprecedented 25 variant covers. Of note, one cover features several teammates together, while there are 24 covers for each of the players on the team, plus head coach Jill Ellis.

Image obtained from: http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2015/07/13/uswnt-sports-illustrated-cover-2015-world-cup

In addition to snapping their 16-year long championship drought, they also became the first country to capture three FIFA Women’s World Cup championships. After suffering an emotional loss to Japan in the final back in 2011, Carli Lloyd proved to be the difference maker as her hat trick contributed to a 5-2 victory in Vancouver.

Although Sports Illustrated has issued variant covers, there has never been anything of this magnitude. Prior to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Sports Illustrated had four unique covers featuring US soccer stars. In addition, there was a fifth cover exclusive for subscribers.

To honor that achievement, Sports Illustrated has come up with a one-of-a-kind cover shoot. Instead of one cover to honor the 23 players and coach Jill Ellis, one for each of them. From Golden Ball winner Carli Lloyd to veteran stalwarts Abby Wambach and Megan Rapinoe to backup goalkeepers Alyssa Naeher and Ashlyn Harris, each member of the World Cup-winning squad, posing with the World Cup trophy, has her own cover as part of a unique set.

In addition, Sports Illustrated featured a special edition championship cover (with a gold border) that was only available online. With the US team featuring so many recognizable names, the cover innovation was an ideal way to not only recognize every member of the team, but showcase the growing influence of women in sport.

Originally, the plan was to photograph all the players in Los Angeles on July 7. Simon Bruty, the photographer who had worked on the World Cup final was scheduled to do it. As he was heading home to Washington, the plan could not be executed on that day. With the entire team in New York City for a victory parade later in the week, it was a serendipitous moment. As every member of the roster agreed to participate in a photo shoot before and after the parade, the result was a historic series of covers that fans will likely cherish for years to come.

Carli Lloyd captures Golden Ball Award in record performances at FIFA Women’s World Cup

Adding to her legend, American midfielder Carli Lloyd proved to be the factor in the United States winning their first FIFA Women’s World Cup title since 1999. Considering that she also scored the gold medal winning goal at the 2012 London Summer Games, she has elevated herself to a superstar status that has made her the face of US Soccer, akin to the likes of Brandi Chastain and Mia Hamm.

Awarded the Golden Ball Award as the top player at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, she entertained the capacity crowd in Vancouver with the performance of a lifetime. In the first five minutes of the game, Lloyd scored twice to provide the United States with a 2-0 lead, the fastest two goals scored in a championship game. Of note, it would prove to be a lead that they would not relinquish.

Taking into account that the title game was a rematch of the 2011 game, a loss suffered against Japan, it had been a very long four years of contemplation. Although the gold medal at the 2012 London Summer Games provided consolation, the 2015 victory resulted in redemption.

Lloyd continued her heroics by scoring at the 16th minute, resulting in the fastest hat trick in Women’s World Cup history. In addition, she became the only American woman to record a hat trick in a championship game. Two of her goals reflected her dominance on the pitch. One goal resulted in a superb pass from the corner by Megan Rapinoe, who had to sit out the quarterfinal match against China due to a pair of yellow cards.

As the Japanese defenders were focused on the ball, Lloyd, who had been at the perimeter, quickly ran up the field and tapped in Rapinoe’s pass with her left foot, past the Japanese defense. Another goal saw Lloyd score at a long distance, as the ball bounced off the Japanese goalkeeper’s hand and into the net, to a roar of approval from the proud American fans in attendance.

In the aftermath of a 5-2 final, Lloyd would finish the FIFA Women’s World Cup with six goals in seven games, tying Germany’s Celia Sasic for the tournament lead in the race to the Golden Boot. Perhaps more impressive was the fact that Lloyd showed remarkable endurance by playing in every minute of every U.S game in the tournament.

USA soccer heroes appear on four collectible Sports Illustrated covers

Building on the momentum of having Ronda Rousey grace its cover, Sports Illustrated (SI) has made a profound statement on the growing impact of women’s sport. Taking into account that late spring is playoff season in the NBA and NHL, it would have not been surprising to have a cover devoted to one of their sports. Instead, SI rightfully devoted their cover to a preview of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Abby Wambach on 1 of 4 variant covers for Sports Illustrated’s 2015 World Cup coverage

In fact, it is actually four different collectible covers that can be found on newsstands. Of note, four members of the United States national women’s soccer team are featured on said covers; led by forwards Sydney Leroux, Alex Morgan, Abby Wambach and midfielder Carli Lloyd. As a side note, subscribers receive a team cover, which features Leroux, Lloyd, Morgan and Wambach, who have collectively scored 331 goals in international play..

For Morgan, there may be a slight tinge of irony. Like the aforementioned Rousey, both have appeared in SI’s world-famous Swimsuit Issue. The chance for both to make an appearance on the cover is an opportunity to look beyond their sex appeal and celebrate their accomplishments, while simultaneously serving as role models for young girls.

Considering that the 35 year-old Wambach is in the twilight of her career, the chance to be featured on SI’s cover represents another milestone in her outstanding career. With 182 career goals, the most of any woman in the history of the sport, the one championship she has yet to win is the World Cup. Should the US emerge victorious in the gold medal game in Vancouver, expect another cover appearance for Wambach.

One element that has not been overlooked by Canada’s soccer fans is the fact that Leroux was born north of the border. The cover displays great bravura as the caption indicates that Leroux will silence Canada’s boos. With the USA’s first two games in Group play taking part in Winnipeg (its province borders the state of Minnesota), the number of American fans in attendance ensures there are no boos. As a side note, the USA’s third game takes place in Edmonton (where Canada played its first two Group games), the northern-most host city in the event, there may be some boos to come.

The key storyline of the issue is one of redemption. In addition to the goal of winning its first World Cup title since 1999, which was a landmark moment for women’s sport in America, motivation is high after the bitterness of a shootout loss to Japan in the 2011 title game. Compounded by the gender discrimination controversy over the use of artificial turf, America’s entry in this year’s World Cup has not been lacking in storylines.

Regardless of the outcome, the impact of all four covers signifies a remarkable victory. Punctuating the relevance of women’s soccer as a point of pride for American sports fans, perhaps it may lead to increased coverage of Women’s Professional Soccer, along with other female sports.

US soccer captain Christie Rampone scores with cover appearance on SI Kids

Looking to be the first US soccer captain since Mia Hamm to lead her team to a Women’s World Cup victory, Christine Rampone has an extra incentive. Of note, a World Cup victory would complement a great personal milestone for Rampone. Celebrating her birthday on June 24, during the World Cup, she shall turn 40.

Appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated Kids (cover date June 2015), Rampone is joined by Alex Morgan, one of the world’s most popular players, and Abby Wambach, a 12-year veteran on the team who shall be counted on for leadership. As a side note, Morgan is featured on a pull-out poster in the magazine.

With the words, “The Avengers” in bright blue, adorning the bottom left of the cover, these real-life superheroes bring high motivation. Four years ago, the US endured a visceral loss in an emotional World Cup final to a Japanese squad looking to raise the spirits of a devastated nation suffering from the effects of an earthquake.

Gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated Kids represents a special milestone for Rampone as she is the mother of two young children. In addition, she was among the members of the US national women’s soccer team selected as Sports Illustrated Sportswomen of the Year for 1999.

Having competed in four World Cups for the US, including the emotional victory in 1999 (which is also the last time that the US claimed the World Cup), she is the appropriate choice to serve as captain of the US contingent heading into the 2015 edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

In Rampone’s distinguished career, it will signify a historic achievement in her career as she shall be one of only five women internationally to have played in at least five World Cup events. Making her debut for the US national team a generation ago on February 28, 1997, her first career goal with the national team occurred on May 2, 1997, versus South Korea.

Heading into the 2015 edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, avenging that loss is definitely the US team’s mission. Taking into account that the championship game shall be held in Vancouver, it offers a unique element of redemption. During the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games, Canada defeated the United States in the gold medal games of men’s and women’s ice hockey. Only adding to the sporting rivalry between the two nations, the possibility of Canada and the US in the World Cup title game would likely be the highest rated soccer game in TV history for both countries.

Christen Press among rising stars for USA Soccer at 2015 FIFA Women’s Worlds

As the United States looks to avenge their second place at the 2011 edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, a budding superstar shall be looking to realize such ambitions. Having earned her first cap with the United States in 2013, Christen Press shall be making her World Cup debut this year.

Of note, the year 2015 has served as a coming-out party for Press, placing her name in the American soccer conversation. Recently, Press has been featured in a television advertising campaign for Coppertone, increasing awareness of the upcoming 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Having also been involved with several advertisements and promotional spots for Nike, Press is emerging as an endorsement darling.

Quite possibly the most enjoyable moment in her road towards the World Cup occurred in May 2015. Press was featured on The Simpsons television program, along with teammates Alex Morgan and Abby Wambach. In addition, Press has graced the pages of several popular magazines, including the likes of Self, Howler, and Glamour (which also included several of her US soccer teammates).

Having quietly assembled a solid soccer career, the 26 year-old currently plays for the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women’s Soccer League. During her first season with the club in 2014, she established herself as a franchise player. Having led the team with 6 goals, despite only appearing in 12 games, she was rewarded with the Red Stars Golden Boot.

Her finest performance of the season came on a Fourth of July 4 match against the defending champion Portland Thorns. Scoring twice in six minutes, Press’ efforts forced a draw, after being down 2-0 at halftime. In the aftermath of the season, she was recognized as a member of the league’s Second team All-Stars.

Prior to her NWSL heroics, Press gained her first taste of soccer glory when she was bestowed the 2010 Hermann Trophy, recognizing the best female player in NCAA soccer. Having graduated from prestigious Stanford University as the all-time leading scorer, she would earn 2011 Rookie of the Year honors in Women’s Professional Soccer.

Joining the Swedish Damallsvenskan, Press would add other remarkable accomplishments in her promising career. Logging time with both Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC and Tyresö FF, she was the top scorer in the 2013 Damallsvenskan season with 23 goals. Her legacy in the league was secured as she became the first American to claim the league’s Golden Boot award

In the last decade, Press has emerged as one of the finest players developed within the US program. From her roots with the youth national teams, including the under-20 and under-23 teams, she has emerged as a future star on the senior team. Although she attended the 2012 Summer Olympics in London as an alternate for the gold-medal winning US team, her first cap with the team would come on February 9, 2013.

Competing in a friendly against Scotland, Press (who was lined up as a right midfielder) would make an impression as she scored the first two goals of the match, and her career. With a superlative performance complemented by an assist, she was recognized as the Player of the Game. Her second cap also came against Scotland, resulting in her third career goal for a 2-0 victory.

With this accomplishment, Press became the third American woman to score two goals in her US national team debut. The first player to accomplish the feat was Cindy Parlow Cone in 1996, followed by Sherrill Kester in 2000. Press would continue to build on the momentum as she became the first (and only) US woman to record three goals in her first two games. As 2013 progressed, she would score four goals in her first four career matches, becoming the fifth US player to lay claim to such an achievement.

Should Press manage to provide such scoring heroics in a championship effort at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, it will elevate her into the same stratosphere as the likes of Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain and Abby Wambach. Taking into account that the US are among the favored countries to win the hotly contested event, it may prove to be the most competitive yet.

Carli Lloyd plays the game of her life

Following in the footsteps of legends like Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, Julie Foudy, and Abby Wambach, Carli Lloyd scored the two biggest goals of her career. In what was the game of her life, the 30 year old from New Jersey logged a goal in each half, as the US climbed to a 2-0 lead over Japan at Wembley Stadium. Despite a late goal by Japan, the US would clinch the gold medal at the 2012 London Summer Games.

This would not mark the first time that Lloyd would score big goals in Summer Games play. At the 2008 Beijing Games, she scored the game winning goal in a 1-0 victory against Japan. She would notch the gold medal winning goal in overtime versus Brazil. She would be named the US Women’s Soccer Player of the Year for 2008. While playing in the shadows of more popular players such as Alex Morgan and Hope Solo, she has quietly built a world class career that would be the envy of players worldwide.

With the tension of having lost the 2011 World Cup to Japan, Lloyd and her teammates faced tremendous pressure. The eighth minute of the 2012 Gold Medal match resulted in Lloyd’s first goal, a header off a pass from Alex Morgan that was meant for Abby Wambach. Before halftime, Lloyd nearly scored again but the Japanese goalkeeper Fukumoto made an impressive save to deny Lloyd. With nine minutes gone in the second half, Lloyd ran approximately 30 yards before launching a shot that resulted in the second score of the game.

Despite strong performances by Japanese players Saki Kumagai, Yuki Ogimi and Aya Miyama, a repeat of their championship performance at the 2011 FIFA World Cup was not meant to be. For Lloyd, the road to victory at London 2012 was marked by other goals.

At the Summer Games Qualifying tournament in Vancouver, British Columbia, Lloyd made her presence felt. In a Group B Match versus Mexico, the US bested them by a 4-0 tally, marked by Lloyd’s first career hat trick. In addition, she was named player of the match. For Lloyd, the honours would not end there. With a 3-0 defeat of Costa Rica in the semi-final of the Qualifying Tournament, Lloyd was named player of the match once more. She would finish with six goals (tied for the team lead) and three helpers, as the US went undefeated.

For Lloyd, her time in the spotlight was long overdue. The former Rutgers Scarlet Knights soccer star (named 2001 Big East Rookie of the Year), has had 141 caps with 40 goals with the US women’s team. The year 2007 marked the dawn of Lloyd’s presence as a prime time player. She was the top scorer and most valuable player at the 2007 Algarve Cup. In addition, she played in the 2007 FIFA World Cup, a first for her. In starting three first round games, she would finish the World Cup third on the team in scoring, with nine tallies and three assists.

She competed for the Chicago Red Stars in the first season of Women’s Professional Soccer in 2009. Despite making 14 starts, she scored two goals and recorded an assist.  At the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup she scored her first ever goal in World Cup play during a 3-0 win versus Colombia. Lloyd also left her mark in one of the most dramatic and exciting World Cup games ever played. After fighting back from a 2-1 deficit to force overtime against Brazil, Lloyd had a penalty kick against the Brazilians, which would help the US advance to the semifinals. A harbinger of things to come, Lloyd would deliver the goods once again in a golden day of retribution.