Connect with us

Uncategorized

Klingenberg's Save Helps Keep U.S. On Top of Group In Women's World Cup.

Move over Frank Pietrangelo – former Pittsburgh Penguins back-up goalie, who made “The Save” that’s most remembered in Pittsburgh sports lore in the 1991 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs for the Pittsburgh Penguins against the New Jersey Devils.
A U.S. Women’s soccer player — Gibsonia’s Meghan Klingenberg – made a save that just might rival Pietrangelo’s.
Throughout much of their Group D match in the Women’s World Cup on Friday, the United States Women’s National Team was stuggling to really put together many quality scoring chances against a formidable Sweden squad.
Then, in the 79th minute, the U.S. were facing the most dangerous situation of the game.
After a corner kick from was deflected away from the U.S. goal, Sweden’s Caroline Seger sent a beautiful ball using the outside of her right foot, bending right and away from the vicinity of goalkeeper Hope Solo who had come out to the near, left post to play the ball away from danger.
But as Seger delivered this strike on target, all that stood between the path of the spinning ball — heading under the crossbar — and the goal, was a leaping five-foot two-inch Kingenberg.

It was a save that kept Sweden off the scoresheet, and kept the U.S. in the top spot in Group D after two games, as the match would end in a 0-0 draw.
After the match, a humble Klingenberg expressed that she was just doing her job and kidded that she used all of her height, and leaping ability.

At 5’2” — the Pine Richland H.S. grad has been teased by her teammates about her height. But she stood — rather — she sprung tall — in the 79th minute to stop a sure goal. She was positioned right where she should have been (much like Kristine Lilly in the 1999 World Cup final) — right on the goal line on the opposite side of her keeper.
Soccer is a game that can be determined by moments like this – as each player must be prepared to make an instinctive play that can help their team, and their country’s cause in their quest to move on in the World Cup.
It was a night when we witnessed an otherwise ragged U.S. performance — particularly in the midfield and the attacking third.
The U.S. seemed to lack creativity in the midfield — seemed to play the ball to the widith on almost every possession and counter going forward. They did not connect on many crosses and balls into the box. Giveaways by the central midfield, were mostly negated and saved by the back line — thanks to the superb work of Klingenberg’s back line mate, Julie Johnston.
If the U.S. continues to play like this, they may have some serious trouble against the likes of the stronger teams in the field like France, Canada, Japan and Germany.
But, they did get the point, and they remain at the top of what most experts believe is this tournament’s “Group of Death.”
And they can thank the Pittsburgh girl for that.
You can follow Pittsburgh Soccer Report’s John Krysinsky on Twitter @johnkrysinsky for commentary on the Women’s World Cup, and soccer scene in the Greater Pittsburgh region.

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

Subscribe to PGH Soccer Now

Enter your email address to subscribe to PGH Soccer Now and receive notifications of new posts by email.

More in Uncategorized