Let’s Take Goalkeeping to the Next Level
Nov/Dec 1997
By Tony DiCicco
The WNT is in Germany. Our 30 game winning streak was broken in the last game a 3-1 loss. The second game in a two game tour has the USA rebounding to a 2-0 lead at halftime against the European Champions and host. Tracy Ducar enters the game for the USA after a fine 1st half performance by Briana Scury. As expected the German’s come out breathing fire. Within the first minute of the second half a German striker gets behind the defense and takes a hard, low shot heading for the far corner. Ducar is down quick and parries it towards the far post, the rebound is lined up by a trailing striker and the shot looks in to everyone but Tracy Ducar as she saves it on the line. Two minutes later another breakdown has someone in on the far side. Tracy cuts down the angle and the very hard shot is saved. It could be 2-2, but it is still 2-0 and the German assault, except for a couple of half chances is done for the game. The final score is 3-0 and the USA redeems itself. Her teammates congratulate her awesome play. Ducar has gone to the "next level" goalkeeping with three big saves early in the second half and a very sound overall performance.