Six Thoughts on U.S. Versus Sweden Women's Soccer Match

COMMENTARY | Arizona soccer fans got a rare chance to see the US Women's national soccer team play. And lucky us - it was against Sweden, a team with plenty of skill, strength and fortitude. The 1-1 come-from-behind-draw result on Nov. 19 didn't surprise me much.

It was my first time seeing top-level women's soccer. Here's what I took from the occasion.

1. Weak Welcome for the Swedes

The Arizona fans could barely be bothered to applaud Sweden's starting lineup. Fewer than one in 10 fans managed to acknowledge the players. I'm appalled by the lack of courtesy.

Contrast this with the outstanding Portland Timbers fans who made Amsterdam Ajax feel welcome during their visit in the summer. The Timbers Army sent a message to Ajax: We're glad you're here, even if we want you to lose. That sort of reception is a victory for diplomacy through sport. The U.S. versus Sweden crowd failed.

2. University of Phoenix is Awful

From parking to the queues for snacks or merchandise, University of Phoenix Stadium is a failure. The stream of cars into the parking lots was dammed by the people taking the parking fees. It was horribly inefficient. This was a crowd of just more than 18,000 - the men's U.S. versus Mexico match a few years back was a slice of urban planning hell.

And I bailed out of two interminable lines inside the stadium - one for a pretzel and one to by some U.S. Soccer swag (good thing I didn't need to use the restroom). Inefficiency costs money, people.

I'd rather see matches at Sun Devil Stadium - it's in the center of the city with light-rail access and better crowd management.

3. U.S. Team Cares About Fans

The U.S. women came out after the final whistle to acknowledge the fans. It was genuine, heartfelt and very moving. Another display of outstanding class from a team that's already known for it (see the reactions to losing the World Cup final).

4. Where's the Offside Trap?

From my vantage point behind the goal, I couldn't detect the U.S. back four playing an offside trap. It seems to be that a trap might've nullified many nervy moments near the U.S. goal.

5. Don't Read Much Into the Result

Yes, the U.S. scrambled for its draw. But it also had at least three shots beat the Swedish goalkeeper, only to crash against a post or crossbar. The U.S. dominated possession, and Sweden needed timely tackles and more than a few fouls to prevent even more danger.

Speaking of danger, the time is coming for Alex Morgan to start. She was an immediate threat. Abby Wambach wore Sweden down in about 70 minutes of work, so Sweden was tired from shadowing her. Could it not work with Morgan running at them for 70 minutes, followed by Wambach and her size and strength taking it to a tiring opposition for 20 minutes?

6. The "Record Crowd" is Bogus

News articles are touting the "record crowd of 18,482" as "the largest crowd to ever watch a Women's National Team game in Arizona." That stat is a joke that is delighting U.S. Soccer and local Arizona PR wonks. How many times have they played here, and where? Of course it's a record crowd - they're playing in a huge venue! It's nowhere near the accomplishment the sportswriters are making it. I'd be impressed IF this was a record crowd for a women's national team match in the United States.