Friendly Fire

In the soccer world, the term “friendly” can be a very deceptive one. It refers to a match with no actual implications, no qualifications on the line — just a good-natured gathering between two teams with nothing to lose or gain. In reality, though, friendlies are typically anything but. And if the friendly is taking place between the United States Women’s National Team and that of Brazil, don’t expect the ladies to go out for ice cream afterward. Brazil smoked the U.S. four to zero in the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup last year, ending the U.S. bid for a third championship. Adding insult to injury, that was the game in which aging goalkeeper Briana Scurry was chosen to start over young hot shot Hope Solo — who had played every game in the tournament quite well until then. Scurry let in four, Solo ran her mouth off in the media, and all of a sudden, the Women’s National Team had become a top story on SportsCenter. Tempers have cooled in the U.S. Women’s camp, but the play isn’t likely to do the same. Tickets for today’s game at 2 p.m. at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way in Commerce City, range from $18 to $150 and are available at 1-866-461-6556 or www.DicksSportingGoodsPark.com.
Sun., July 13, 2 p.m., 2008