J-NO Celebrates Birthday 1980's Style

On the 22nd day of March during a wide-ranging span of years throughout history, the Heavens parted and out dropped the likes of many famous individuals from various walks of life including: comedian Chico Marx (1887), actor Karl Malden (1912), "Captain Kirk" William Shatner (1931), Canadian figure skater Elvis Stojko (1972), actress Reese Witherspoon (1976), composer Andrew Lloyd Weber (1948) and sportscaster Bob Costas (1952). Each spent this day celebrating the anniversary of their birth some number of years ago.

Little did Boston Breakers' midfielder Jen Nobis know that when parents Pam and Mike Nobis headed for that little hospital in Quincy, Illinois on that fateful day in 1984, that she would end up sharing her special day with such an illustrious group.

With Marx and Malden laid safely to rest and Captain Kirk, Stojko, Witherspoon, Weber and Costas undoubtedly celebrating with family, the star of the Breakers got together with a couple of her closest friends, Darci and Kim, and celebrated birthday number 26 this week, 1980's style.

JNO, as she is called by friends and teammates, will likely miss the season due to an injury to her ACL. She has healed enough, however, to exhibit a few of her famed dance moves and displays of flexibility as filmed in her suburban (and somewhat unkempt) Boston apartment.



Nobis, whose outgoing and open personality has made her a media darling amongst local professional athletes, was willing to share her celebration as part of this exclusive birthday interview and her festive YouTube video shot prior to her night on the town with Darci and Kim.

Somehow I think I can hear Girls Just Wanna Have Fun blasting out of the eight-track player of Nobis' lime green Gremlin tooling around the streets of Boston. Happy Birthday JNO...and many more.

Todd Civin: Were you especially excited when you woke on your special day?

Jennifer Nobis: Yes, and then I realized I was up at 6:00 AM because I had to nanny! Such is the life of an injured Breaker.

TC: What flavor birthday cake is your favorite?

JNO: Confetti birthday cake!!!!!

TC: Do you eat the cake or the frosting first or both at the same time?

JNO: All at the same time. Love the feeling of double sweetness!

TC: Do you have a special birthday ritual?

JNO: I turn my music loud and sing the birthday song in whatever style of song I am listening too! Happy Birthday to me!

TC: What was the menu for your birthday dinner?

JNO: My favorite meal of ALL times is Macaroni and Tomato juice, so that's what we feasted on. I'll share the recipe with your readers. It's super simple. Drain the macaroni and put Campbell's tomato juice in it. DON'T mistake this for Tomato paste or soup. It's straight up JUICE. The key ingredient though is lots and lots of pepper! Enjoy!

TC: Was there a theme to your party?

JNO: I was born in '84, so our theme was 80’s!

TC: Did your host family get you anything special?

JNO: Sure did. They left for Paris for ten days and I had the big house to myself. The perfect gift.

TC: Any game playing like pin the tail on the donkey, bobbing for apples, clothes pin in the bottle?

JNO: Spin the bottle. Just kidding. We had a handstand contest, dance contest and, of course, who could get the most numbers that night! Ha,ha.


TC: Tell us about your best birthday party growing up. How did this compare?

JNO: I had too many great ones. My twin and I use to have our birthday parties at the gymnastic center. Ha, ha I miss sharing my parties with Tyler.

TC: Who had the most outrageous 80's costume?

JNO: The birthday girl of course!! I was “Classic” 80’s, while Darci was “Cheerleader” 80’s and Kim was “Barbie” 80’s.

TC: Describe the music played at your party.

JNO: Ace of Base, Michael Jackson, Gangster Paradise. Let's say, I'm a well-rounded girl with lots of variety.


TC: Were there any birthday spankings or other approved "rough play"?

JNO: Todd, you know better that any kind of spanking isn't approved or appropriate at the age of 26.

TC: What is your preference, the traditional happy birthday song or the version sung at the 99 or Outback?

JNO: Neither, I like the Beatles version , but my favorite is when my parents and brother call me every year and sing to me!

TC: After playing in Sweden this season, can you say Happy Birthday in Swedish?

JNO: Grattis pŒ fšdelsedagen.

TC: What was your favorite gift received?

JNO: My underwater IPOD, so now I can swim laps and listen to music. From my parents. I LOVE YOU!!!

TC: Do you prefer a Hallmark or a homemade birthday card?

JNO: Homemade, by far!!

TC: Do you consider yourself to be 26 years old or 26 years young?

JNO: I am a 26-year-old who lives in a ten-year-old's body and mind! Well maybe not so much body, but mind for sure.

TC: At what age will you stop celebrating birthdays?

JNO: Never! Celebrating keeps you young no matter what age!

Jennifer Nobis' frequent blog posts can also be found at Connect World Football , along with that of fellow Boston Breaker, Tiffany Weimer and several other female soccer stars.

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now, and Seamheads. He also shares his top stories on his blog The 'xoxo' of Sports. He is a supporter of Team Hoyt, the father/son marathon and triathlon team of Dick and Rick Hoyt. He encourages you to support their movement of "Yes, I Can" by visiting their Web site at www.teamhoyt.com

Getting Silly With Angeli; Boston Breakers Jordan Angeli

The following is part of a weekly series in which writer Todd Civin presents the lighter side of the Boston Breakers of Women's Professional Soccer (WPS).

The league is built based on the down-to-earth nature and approachability of its athletes. "Getting Silly with the Breakers" is a fun-filled way to create a comfortable bond between the fans and the professional athletes who are the Boston Breakers.

A special thanks to Erica Hunt, the communications director for the team, as well as the players themselves for making this approach possible.

Boston Breakers rookie defender, Jordan Angeli, tweeted the following last night in anticipation for her initial day as an official member of Women's Professional Soccer, "First day with the Breakers tomorrow."

For most little girls the thought of starting work as a professional soccer player, would probably be mind boggling. For the little red headed girl from Lakewood, Colorado, the thought is a lesson in dedication and perseverance.

Angeli, who was named the 2009 West Coast Conference (WCC) defender of the year while playing for the Santa Clara Broncos, has waited for this day for six years after being forced to red-shirt the 2007 and 2008 seasons due to debilitating knee injuries.

Angeli, who scored twelve goals as a sophomore in 2005, suffered a torn ACL in her left knee before her senior season in 2007. After months of grueling rehab, the same ligament gave away as she prepared for her second senior season in 2008.

Third time is a charm they say as her injury is now a distant memory. She came back as strong as ever during her "third" senior campaign, leading the Broncos to a 14-7-2 record. While starting all 23 games for Santa Clara, she led the team in goals (7), points (17), and game winners (4) while scoring the game-winning goal in overtime on two occasions (Sept. 6 at Georgetown, and Oct. 18 at St. Mary's).

Her long awaited entry into the professional ranks was made official when Breakers coach Tony DiCicco slected her in the second round with the 16th pick in the draft. She and four of her Santa Clara teammates were selected in the 2010 draft, second only to University of North Carolina with seven.

So as Angeli prepares to step on the Breakers practice field to start her much awaited WPS career, the precocious gal with the orange locks was nice enough to let her hair down in the following edition of Getting Silly with the Breakers.

As you will see, she not only plays a mean game of soccer, but can also play the recorder with her nose and isn't afraid to exchange a few barbs when prodded.

Todd Civin: How long does it take you to straighten your hair?

Jordan Angeli: I have a pretty good system going now so I can just blow-dry it straight in about 20 minutes. Then I have to touch it up a little after to make sure its not too poofy. Sometimes it can resemble look something like a Pomeranian! This is much better then the 45 minutes it used to take. But this is a rare occasion, I tend to rock the curls most of the time.

TC: The Santa Clara media guide states that you can play the recorder with your nose...will you be putting on a demonstration for your new teammates?

JA: Give me a recorder and I will give them a little tune to sing-a-long to!

TC: It states your favorite cartoon growing up was Ninja Turtle. Which of the four was your favorite and why?

JA: I liked Michelangelo. Orange was my favorite color so that was my initial connection to him. Then he was a goof-ball and loved pizza so it was a match made in heaven.

TC: What has been your greatest all-time soccer moment

JA: This is a hard one. Playing Notre Dame my sophomore year was such a fun game. Scoring two goals and beating the defending National Champs at home under the lights was pretty amazing. I also loved playing for my country and with some of my best friends in the U20 World Cup in Russia. Our game against Germany in the quarters was one of the best games I have ever played in.

But, I am most proud of this past fall when I overcame all my injuries to play every game my senior year. Stepping back on the field in my Number 18 Santa Clara jersey was one of the top five happiest moments of my life. I don't think I stopped smiling the whole game.

TC: It took you six years to graduate college, too much partying?

JA: When you're the life of the party, no one wants you to leave! That and none of my teachers would pass me. No, I had a couple of injuries that held me back, but it just made the old saying "college is the best four years of your life" change a little to "the best six years of my life." I was okay with that!

TC: You red-shirted your 2007 and 2008 seasons, did the shirt clash with your hair?

JA: Yes and it was traumatizing! Red was never my color. I should of thought of that before I got injured.

TC: Your Favorite shop at Belmar Shopping Mall?

JA: Tough one...I probably spend the most money there at the movie theater, my last purchase being Valentine's Day. There is a little coffee shop called, The Press Coffee which has delicious drinks and treats. But, my all time favorite was American Apparel which I loved, but they took it out a couple years ago. So I guess I am still kinda mad at them for taking that out.

TC: Will Santa Clara Stuft Pizza be naming a menu item after you?

JA: Actually, now that you mention it, I need to call them back with a confirmation on the new pizza flavor. Guess you will just have to take a trip to Stuft to find out what it is.

TC: And your greatest achievement or moment outside of soccer?

JA: In college I was in a business writing class where we had to develop a community service project and implement it. Our group chose Right to Play, which give underprivileged kids in countries across the world a chance to play sports. We raised over $1,300 which was donated directly to Right to Play.

The reason it meant so much to me is because sport has been such a huge part of my life and I was excited to help provide that opportunity to other kids from all over the world. The class was awesome and it is an accomplishment that I will never forget.

TC: You scored a team leading 12 goals as a sophomore on 80 shots. Six game winners. Were you the biggest thing on campus?

JA: If you would call someone who is carried around on a queen-like throne the biggest thing on campus, then yes.

TC: Greatest player in SCU history, you, Leslie Osborne, Ali Wagner or Brandi Chastain?

JA: That is a tough one. I obviously don't quite belong with those caliber of players yet because all three of them are amazing and I look up to all of them. But of course, I have to go with my good friend and teammate again, Leslie Osborne.

TC: Did you participate in the cardboard boat race made famous at Green Mountain High or was that started after you graduated?

JA: It must be a new thing because I have never heard of it. And, my family could vouch for this, that I probably wouldn't be too good at making a cardboard boat because I have always been better at taking things apart/breaking them then putting them together.

TC: Describe your ideal breakfast?

JA: Yum. Breakfast is my favorite but I would want a little of everything. French toast, chocolate chip pancakes, veggie scramble with egg whites, yogurt with granola and fruit! Just about four bites of each with a vanilla latte on the side...ideal! A lot of food, but what can I say? I love breakfast!

TC: Greatest single thing about growing up in Colorado?

JA: Colorado was an amazing place to grow up. I loved fall time for a couple reasons. First, it is so colorful with all the leaves changing to yellow, orange, red. When I was at school, my Mom would send me pictures of the trees in our neighborhood to give me a little taste of Colorado. Fall also meant club soccer.

I played for the Colorado Rush for my whole club career and my team was pretty much the same for those eight years. I played with girls, who are still some of my best friends to this day. I loved being around them at practice, games, and away trips. We have some great memories that made growing up in Colorado amazing.

TC: What will be the first thing you want to see when you arrive in Boston?

JA: I have never been to Boston so there will be many places for me to explore. The Boston Tea Party Museum is pretty high up there on the list. I love going to sporting events so I want to go to a Celtics and Bruins game, but don't be mad if I root for the Nuggets and Avalanche (sorry I'm a Colorado girl at heart!).

I really cant wait to go to Fenway Park and watch a baseball game in the summer. My Dad got me a Red Sox shirt when I was little and I it has always made me want to go there. I am just excited for a new city and to learn my way around.

TC: If you could prepare dinner for one famous person, who would it be and what would you serve?

JA: I have always had a thing for Justin Timberlake. I think it was those curly-cues back in his N'sync days that really hooked me. I don't know what I would serve though. I love watching the food network and trying new things. Cooking has turned into my new hobby so I would probably try something new and hope it turns out great for my first, of hopefully many, dinner dates with Justin.

TC: Most embarrassing life moment?

JA: It might sound weird, but I don't really get embarrassed that easily. I just laugh at myself when I do something stupid because everyone else is. I figure I might as well join in on the fun.

TC: Favorite ice cream flavor?

JA: Cappuccino Chip Gelato from Dolce Spazio in Los Gatos, CA. I could eat it everyday!

TC: One thing the fans of Boston should know about you.

JA: I do a pretty mean Rock Band rendition of Spice Girls "Wannabe." I own the mic!

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now, and Seamheads. He also shares his top stories on his blog The 'xoxo' of Sports. He is a supporter of Team Hoyt, the father/son marathon and triathlon team of Dick and Rick Hoyt. He encourages you to support their movement of "Yes, I Can" by visiting their Web site at www.teamhoyt.com

Getting Silly With the Keeper; Breakers' Alyssa Naeher

The following is part of a weekly series in which writer Todd Civin presents the lighter side of the Boston Breakers of Women's Professional Soccer (WPS).

The league is built based on the down-to-earth nature and approachability of its athletes. "Getting Silly with the Breakers" is a fun-filled way to create a comfortable bond between the fans and the professional athletes who are the Boston Breakers.

A special thanks to Erica Hunt, the communications director for the team, as well as the players themselves for making this approach possible.

Though perhaps not as well known a name as some of her rookie peers entering Women's Professional Soccer this season, Boston Breakers goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, holds the distinction of being the first keeper taken in the 2010 WPS College Draft.

Truth be told, Naeher carries the honors of being the highest drafted shot stopper in WPS history to date, as the first back stop wasn't selected until the third round of the 2009 WPS draft (Karen Bardsley, Sky Blue with the 18th overall pick).

So while names like Tobin Heath, Lauren Cheney, Kelley O'Hara, and Whitney Engen may be likely to battle for Rookie of the Year honors, the pride of Seymour, Conn. can go about her business knowing that she holds a unique place in WPS history.

Assuming the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year finds a way to stop her more heralded rookie class on a regular basis, it will be she who scores the most ink.

Throughout her college, club, and International career, Naeher has proven time and again that she is up to the task and made Breakers coach Tony DiCicco's decision to select her in the first round a virtual no-brainer.

Naeher is no stranger to coach DiCicco having played under Tony while with the U-20 Women's National Team in 2007-08 and while playing for SoccerPlus Connecticut in 2008.

And of course, Naeher was equally up to the task of handling a few Getting Silly questions, which she fielded with the skill of professional.

Todd Civin: Wikipedia lists four famous residents of Seymour, CT. Three from the 1800's and a poker player, who won $100,000 on the World Poker Tour. Do you expect to unseat any of them in the top four of Famous Seymour residents?

Alyssa Naeher: I haven’t heard of any famous people from Seymour before, I haven’t lived there very long. Maybe not unseat them, but I guess it would be pretty cool to join that list.

TC: Your school mascot at Christian Heritage was the Kingsmen. Any cries of sexism amongst the girls teams?

AN: Not really actually, we were always referred to as the Lady Kingsmen; so they made sure to differentiate for us.

TC: You and your twin sister Amanda are two of three players in your high school history to score 2000 points. Who would win in a game of HORSE and what was your signature shot?

AN: It was always pretty even actually, neither one of us really dominated in that category. My signature would probably be a three-point shot, just right of center. Simple, but effective.

TC: What is your favorite flavor of ice cream at Rich Farm Ice Cream in Seymour?

AN: I usually go with the combination of mint chocolate chip and chocolate chip cookie dough. I can never choose between the two so I just get one scoop of each.

TC: Who serves a better slice, Zoi's or Alberto's?

AN: Neither, Roma has the best slice around...hands down.

TC: Greatest single save you ever made?

AN: The save I made against France in our first game of the U-20 World Cup.

TC: Scariest thing about a penalty shot?

AN: Them only being 12 yards away, shooting a completely still ball.

TC: You won the Adidas Goldener Handscuch, do you know what that translates to?

AN: I’m going to guess the Addida Golden Glove?

TC: The trophy for that award was simply a hand, do you have any other trophies with body parts on them?

AN: Nope, just that one.

TC: Which was a greater life moment: The U-20 World Cup victory in Chile or getting drafted in the first round?

AN: I honestly can’t choose between the two. Both moments were a culmination of a lot of commitment and work and both were very unique and special moments for me. Those two moments were two of the best memories I have.

TC: Coolest place you've ever been as a result of your soccer career?

AN: Brazil; I’ve been there a few different times and have been able to see a lot of different places down there. And being able to go to the Redeemer Statue was something that was really cool.

TC: If WPS rookies had to shave their heads, would you participate?

AN: If it was for a good cause I would think about it.

TC: You attended Penn State, who is more recognized on campus, you or Joe Paterno?

AN: Definitely Joe Pa. He is a Penn State icon and I have yet to meet a person on campus who hasn’t recognized him.

TC: You were in net in 1904 of 1934 minutes this season for Penn State. What happened in those 30 minutes, too tired?

AN: Those 30 minutes were to reward our backup goalkeeper, Kristin Hartmann. She worked hard all year and she deserved to get some minutes to show for that hard work, so we were able to take advantage of some leads and get her some game experience that will help her for the future.

TC: Any wagers between you and former teammate, Katie Shoepfer, headed into the season?

AN: No, not yet. We just both want to see each other do well.

TC: You and Tiffany Weimer are both Penn State grads, Soccer Plus players and now Breaker teammates, can't get enough of each other?

AN: I never got a chance to play with Tiff at Penn State, she graduated the year before I got there. But it was a lot of fun to play with her for SoccerPlus and I’m definitely really excited to be teammates again in Boston, now at the professional level.

TC: Weirdest pre-game ritual?

AN: I don’t really have any pregame rituals that I have to do before every game, I’m not really a superstitious person.

TC: Does it get lonely as a keeper and do you ever wish your uniform matched the others?

AN: Not really, I always try to keep myself as engaged in the game as possible. It doesn’t bother me that I don’t match the other uniforms, I actually kinda like that mine is different. TC

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now, and Seamheads. He also shares his top stories on his blog The 'xoxo' of Sports. He is a supporter of Team Hoyt, the father/son marathon and triathlon team of Dick and Rick Hoyt. He encourages you to support their movement of "Yes, I Can" by visiting their Web site at www.teamhoyt.com

Nobis Enters Post Op with Knee Bone connected to Her Humorous

A funny (not funny, ha, ha but funny unusual) thing happened to Boston Breakers forward Jennifer Nobis on the way to her second season in Women's Professional Soccer. The former Missouri standout tore her ACL two weeks ago while jogging.

That's right, jogging. A professional athlete, who can simultaneously juggle a round sphere while texting on her Droid Touch and flossing her teeth, tore her ACL while jogging.

Not to poke fun at the affable forward from Quincy, Ill., but I think this is the comedic equivalent of Dick Van Dyke flipping over his ottoman as he enters his living room at the start of each show.

Visions of Lucille Ball stuffing her bosom with chocolates or slurring her words while drunk on Vitameatavegamin. Now that's funny. A pro-athlete tearing their ACL while jogging? Not so much.

I caught up with "J-NO" following her surgery and for some reason expected the usually upbeat and always entertaining Nobis to have strayed from her "glass is half full" ways.

To be wallowing in self pity. Crying in her beer.

I envisioned her hair matted to her post operative head, some dried-up drool on her chin and her hospital gown pinned closed with a safety pin while she played the world's smallest violin and shared sob stories about the detour her career has taken as a result of her unfortunate twist of fate .

I quickly realized, however, that simply isn't be Nobis' style. The notorious life of the party and half of the famed Breakers comedy team of Latham (teammate Christine) and Nobis was quick to share her "laughter is the best medicine" philosophy during an email Q and A with yours truly.

In the spirit of the "Getting Silly" series that the Breakers players have graciously cooperated in putting together with me, I am pleased to present a special edition of Getting Silly Post-Op with "JNO".

Todd Civin: Was your surgery a success?

Jennifer Nobis: I still have a leg, so, yes for now.

TC: What was the most difficult part about the surgery?

JNO: My surgery was at 4 p.m. on Wednesday and they told me to stop eating and drinking at midnight on Tuesday. Don't doctors understand athletes LOVE TO EAT EVERY HOUR OF THE DAY? I was so hungry that I have never seen myself so moody before hahah !

TC: What are your goals for recovery?

JNO: To be in for treatment every day until I get better! I will even be doing my own rehab at the house. You never can do too many straight leg raises. Also, in two weeks my stitches come out so I will be in the pool twice a day, five days a week
to keep my endurance and cardio up. Crazy, I know!

TC: Did you get ice cream after your surgery?

JNO: Immediately after surgery I went to McDonald's and had a chocolate milk shake with my meal!

TC: Where should fans send their Get Well cards and letters?

JNO: If they have money in the cards, send them directly to my house. If they d on't you can send them to the Breakers headquarters.

TC: When do you hope to get back on the field?

JNO: Dating field or Game field? As soon as I can!

TC: Will you be able to participate with the team at all during your recovery?

JNO: Yeah, laughing at them while they are all dying through preseason. In all honesty, I will try and participate as much as possible. I'll be at every practice being the annoying positive go-getter on the sideline and being their biggest fan! Go Breakers!

TC: How was your experience with the hospital gown?

JNO: All I have to say is I hope people enjoy my backside!

TC: And the bathrooms? Were they to your liking?

JNO: Very clean and sterile, until I peed on the seat because my brace wouldn't
allow my leg to bend.

TC: Were there any cute doctors?

JNO: I saw many cute doctors, but I was on drugs, so you never know if I had my
"pill goggles" on.

TC: Did the other patients get annoyed with the line of fans and visitors outside of your hospital door?

JNO: I don't know, Todd. You are my No. 1 stalker. Were the guests mad when
you and the other fans were outside my door?

And then she flipped over the ottoman. TC

About Nobis :

Jennifer Nobis will begin blogging during he rehab and posting about life on and off the field at Connect World Football . CWF is a football agency that specializes in representing the active female football players.

"We work with uncompromising integrity through our global network to provide talented, ambitious, high-quality female football players the ability to further pursue their professional career, and to maximize their professional experience."

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now, and Seamheads. He also shares his top stories on his blog The 'xoxo' of Sports. He is a supporter of Team Hoyt, the father/son marathon and triathlon team of Dick and Rick Hoyt.

He encourages you to support their movement of "Yes, I Can" by visiting their Web site at www.teamhoyt.com.

Brandi Chastain Shares A Different Emotion Following Her Release

The unbridled show of human emotion following victory has rewarded the world with some of the most indelible images in sports history. As Wide World of Sports so aptly put it decades ago, "the thrill of victory" has provided sports fans with imagery that will remain forever fresh in the scrapbooks of our minds.

Be it Kirk Gibson limping around the bases following his late game heroics in 1988 or Bobby Orr diving across the goal mouth, a la super hero following "The Goal" in the 1970 Stanley Cup Finals, the unrehearsed and unedited show of absolute jubilation following success provides every fan with the forever and ever images that define sports.

There is perhaps no "victory point skyward" more familiar in the world of Women's professional soccer than the raw show of emotion when soccer legend Brandi Chastain thrust her undergarments to the world following her game-winning penalty kick against China in the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Chastain later described her celebratory spasm as "momentary insanity, nothing more, nothing less. I wasn’t thinking about anything. I thought, ‘This is the greatest moment of my life on the soccer field."

Despite a gold-medal career that spanned better than two decades and included 192 caps for the Women's National Team, it is Chastains' bra-baring adrenaline rush which remains amongst the most memorable seconds in sports-lore.

Chastain's recent and seemingly unexpected release by the FC Gold Pride represents the opposite end of the spectrum then as Chastain was given a "don't let the door hit you where the Good Lord split you" by her WPS employer.

In a brief email exchange via Facebook, Chastain shared her "agony of defeat" in the following statement, "I didn't see it coming, totally blindsided really. Had taken sponsor photos not long before."

The 41-year-old, who was the oldest player in the league last season, added, "It is a bummer and I am not very happy about it to say the least."

Chastain, who appeared in only 10 games last season, while averaging 45 minutes per contest, went into more detail in a subsequent email interview with Charles Cuttone, executive editor of Big Apple Soccer.

"I am disappointed, emotional and upset about being released by the Gold Pride. I have loved and played the game with a passion, honesty, fierceness and enthusiasm that has spanned more than 35 years.”

She continued, "The only thing I ever wanted was to put myself up against those who are being considered and judged accordingly as to who should and shouldn't be on the team."

“This is deja vu from the National Team back in 2004, and once again it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.”

Following the pre-Valentines Day release of one of the sweethearts of Women's Soccer, FC Gold Pride General Manager Ilisa Kessler gave Chastain this golden parachute sendoff, "We are grateful to Brandi for the contributions she has made to our team, organization and to the growth of the game."

"She has been an outstanding representation of the Pride and Women's Professional Soccer. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Brandi and her foundation, Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative (BAWSI)."

Pride Head Coach Albertin Montoya, who will be blessed with a line-up that includes offseason additions Marta and Camille Abily, added, "Brandi has the heart and spirit of a champion."

"This was a tough decision, but one that was necessary for us to construct the roster for the coming season. She is a great leader and we all wish her the best as she moves forward with her career."

Now it should not escape us that sports is business and sometimes cutting a 41-year-old icon is not an easy pill to swallow. Salary cap's and team profitability may deem an aging veteran to be superfluous.

But in a league, which needs all the positive publicity that it can muster as it heads into it's second season of existence, is the equivalent of sending one of their elders out onto the frozen ice floes, the lasting image that they want to project? Though the end-result may be the same, would a more fitting release have settled better in Chastains' still ripped mid-section?

After hearing the tone in Chastain's message, one can envision that if Chastain wanted to flash her undergarments one final time as she exited the FC Gold locker room last week, she may be bent forward with her Fruit of the Looms exposed and two big lip prints perched in the middle of her left hind cheek.

Now there's a lasting sports image that would leave fans talking for another score.

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now, and Seamheads. He also shares his top stories on his blog The 'xoxo' of Sports. He is a supporter of Team Hoyt, the father/son marathon and triathlon team of Dick and Rick Hoyt. He encourages you to support their movement of "Yes, I Can" by visiting their Web site at www.teamhoyt.com

Getting Silly With the New Kid: Breakers' Rookie Forward Lauren Cheney

The following is part of a weekly series in which writer Todd Civin presents the lighter side of the Boston Breakers of Women's Professional Soccer (WPS).

The league's PR campaign is built based on the down-to-earth nature and approachability of its athletes. "Getting Silly with the Breakers" is a fun-filled way to create a comfortable bond between the fans and the professional athletes who are the Boston Breakers.

A special thanks to Erica Hunt, the communications director for the team, as well as the players themselves for making this approach possible.

Together with fellow WPS rookie, Tobin Heath, and rookie emeritus, Amy Rodriguez, they've been affectionately referred to as the New Kids of the Women's National Team.

After you watch the following Youtube video featuring the affable trio, you may be tempted to rename them Curly, Larry and Moe. The Three Stooges of the WPS represent the new face of Women's Professional Soccer and each promise to not only make an immediate impact to their respective teams this season, but also share the light hearted and approachable personality that Women's Professional Soccer is trying to project.

Cheney, the number two selection in the recent WPS college draft out of UCLA, was not only the first player in UCLA history to earn NSCAA All-America honors all four years of her college career, but is also the first rookie to be subjected to one of my Getting Silly interviews.

If the 2008 Olympic Gold medalist from Indianapolis can handle feeds from Lilly, Smith and Osborne, with the same skill that she handled my series of random questions, it looks like she will represent the face of Breakers soccer long after the wet behind her ears dries.

Todd Civin: What is the first place you want to see in Boston?

Lauren Cheney: I have a little bit of a shopping problem, so I have heard I want to check out Newbury Street.

TC: As a native of Indiana, can we expect you to change allegiances and become a Patriots Fan?

LC: Although I am not a huge football fan, NEVER will I go to the dark side. Go Colts!

TC: Who is a better QB, Tom Brady or Peyton Manning?

LC: Peyton is unreal. He is not only the best quarterback but he plays for a pretty great city.

TC: (The previous question was asked and responded to before Peyton spit the bit in the Super Bowl.)

TC: Will there be any off field wagering between you Heath and A-Rod?

LC: Maybe for a trip to Coffee Bean.

TC: Rumor has it the three of you are envious of each other. Is there any
truth to that?

LC: Envious? Well I really do like the shirt Tobin just got and Arod has a pretty nice bag that I want. Good thing they are two of my best friends.

TC: Share your nicknames with us .

LC: Chain, Chain-dog, Che are the ones I hear from my teammates, but at home I am known as Lo.

TC: Favorite sports movie of all time?

LC: I love "Remember the Titans" but "Love and Basketball" would be a close second.

TC: Which leading male actor do you find to be more your type, Dwight Schrute or Michael Scott?

LC: Dwight Schrute for sure. I am actually hoping he sees this.

TC: As a child did you eat the crust or cut it off?

LC: I think I ate the crust. My love for food has never changed.

TC: Favorite fattening desert?

LC: Ice Cream!

TC: Oldest childhood friend and something that bothers you about her?

LC: My oldest childhood friend is Jessica Stevens. We grew up together since we were six years old. The one thing that drives me crazy about her is that she is still in Indianapolis and not with me.

TC: You went to Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis. Who is Ben Davis?

LC: Funny you ask. I actually have no clue. Someone asked me that the other day and I thought that maybe I should look into that. Still haven't gotten around to it.

TC: On a serious note, you had open heart surgery when you were three. How scary was that? Did you get ice cream?

LC: I did have surgery when I was three but I don't really remember it being scary for me. Thankfully, I have very strong and supportive parents because I am sure it was terrifying for them. I'm sure I got ice cream. I was pretty spoiled.

TC: You helped lead your high school basketball team to an undefeated season
as a sophomore guard and were selected all conference twice, are you sure you selected the right sport?

LC: I LOVE basketball, but my first passion has always been soccer. I still play basketball any chance I get. Anyone want to play pick up in Boston?

TC: You were the consensus number one recruit coming out of high school, but selected only number two in the WPS draft, what caused your game to slip?

LC: Seriously? I was trying to figure that out also. Maybe the California sun and the beautiful beach took up too much of my time.

TC: Who really should have won the M.A.C. Herman Trophy?

LC: Kelley O'Hara for sure. I think she had more points then Tobin and I combined. She is a stud.

TC: How much fun was it to appear in the PUMA/WPS fashion show?

LC: The fashion show was great. I could have done without the makeup, but dancing and running around with some pretty awesome girls was a blast.

TC: Do you believe in rookie hazing and would you consider shaving your head to become a Breaker?

LC: Coming out of college hazing is absolutely not acceptable. Don't get me wrong I am excited for Boston, but I don't know how excited they would be for me with a shaved head.

TC: Did you learn any Chinese while playing in the Olympics?

LC: Ni Hao (translates to hello) :)

Todd Civin is a freelance writer who writes for Bleacher Report, Sports, Then and Now, and Seamheads. He also shares his top stories on his blog The 'xoxo' of Sports. He is a supporter of Team Hoyt, the father/son marathon and triathlon team of Dick and Rick Hoyt. He encourages you to support their movement of "Yes, I Can" by visiting their Web site at www.teamhoyt.com

Boston Breakers Help Escalator Dad and Escalator Daughter Find a Common Bond

In the summer of 1996, my 'til death do us part became my ex-wife. I hated that piece of my life for so many reasons. For one, I had never really failed at anything before and failing at a marriage was devastating to me. When I took off my wedding band as the door hit her where the good Lord split her, I felt as if I had emblazoned the scarlet letter on my chest at the very same time.

With the loss of the other half of Mr. and Mrs. I also said "see you later, sweetie" to my beautiful daughters, Erika and Julia. They were age seven and five at the time. As they turned and waved to me with one hand, while holding Mom's hand with the other, I knew I'd see them soon, but knew that our relationship was forever altered.

I saw them every Wednesday and every weekend, an arrangement I knew was much better than many Dad's are allowed, but that simply wasn't enough. Each time I'd drop them off, the hurt was a little bit more. We'd drive from Milford, NH to Worcester, MA singing.

Their little angelic voices brought me to tears from Milford to Worcester and back again as the sang "Butterfly Kisses" and P-Diddy's "I'll Be Watching You". Just to make their old man cry a little bit more, they changed Sean John's lyrics to "I'll Be Missing You."

Weekend upon weekend passed and the hurt never went away. I love those two little gals and no one will ever take their place in my heart.

Fast forward five or so years and I've picked up most of my pieces and met "Ms. Right" yet again. Kate had two children, Kaitlyn, age 7, and Dakota, age 3. They welcomed me into their lives, sort of.

Though Mom was happy again, I represented the official end of any hopes that "Dad might come home." It's a crummy world we live in when Mommy's and Daddy's can't figure their stuff out enough to prevent Daddy from going away.

I knew I'd never replace Dad and didn't even try. I listened to advice from anyone who had ever walked a mile in these Hush Puppies and got more and more confused with each theory. "Be their Uncle." "Be their friend." "Just Be." I tried them all and none of them seemed to hold the key of how to get close to the two little squirts who hated me so.

They tried to like me and me them, but we were failing miserably. As Mom and I spent more and more time together, Kaitlyn and DJ, hated me more and more. I sense Kaitlyn had a voodoo doll hiding beneath her pillow and jabbed my eyes like a pin cushion every time I showed up at the door.

Dating turned to marriage and my girlfriend's two little urchins became my step children. I'd tuck them in to bed sometimes, if they let me in their room, but truthfully I longed for them to be Erika and Julia and not Kaitlyn and Dakota.

Kate and I tried everything. Game night. Family time. "Stay away from each other time" and even "really stay away from each other time". We changed our respective names from Step Dad and Step Kids to Escalator Dad and Escalator Kids, as step seemed so ugly and evil.

Dakota seemed to come around eventually, but Kaitlyn was a tough sell. One day it seemed as if we were making progress and the next day her head would spin around and she'd spit green venom in my direction. I knew part of it was the fact that she was a teenage girl and part was just she plain old didn't like me.

And then tonight came.

Sometimes things happen and you can feel the magic. Tonight was magic.

Kaitlyn and I left for the Boston Breakers game around 3:30. We drove through McDonald's Drive Thru and I placed her order correctly for the first time ever. "Two BBQ chicken chipotle snack wraps, crispy, no lettuce, a medium fry and a medium diet coke."

I looked over at Kaitlyn as the clerk hollered $5.14 through the muffled intercom and she smiled at me. Not lovingly, as we won't go there, but liking-ly.

I turned the Radio to Kiss 108, her favorite station and cranked it loud. We had gone on Winchendon to Boston car rides before and if Kaitlyn doesn't have her I-pod and head phones, she's text messaging to the world. I just blast a little Matty Sigel and we drive silently.

Today, however, Kaitlyn turned the music down softer than normal and smiled.

Kaitlyn smiled.

I was taking her to her first Breaker's game and she seemed to genuinely appreciate it. Kaitlyn had played soccer this fall for her high school and I had made a game here and there when I could.

I always hoped she'd thank me after the game, but I don't think she did. Maybe once or twice, but I really sensed it was out of obligation instead of appreciation.

We drove a bit longer, still not really saying anything to each other, like two guys being left in a room together. The silence was uncomfortable to me and I assume to her, but I really couldn't come up with anything to say.

We hit Rte. 2 heading to Boston and Kaitlyn broke the uncomfortable silence. "Thanks for taking me to see the Breakers, Todd. I'm really excited."

I felt a warmth in her voice that matched the warmth in my chest. We had bonded. At long last, I had found something that made Kaitlyn tick. Soccer. Women's Soccer to boot.

I suddenly felt the same as I did the first time I took my son, Corey, to Fenway to see our beloved Sox. Corey is as passionate about the Sox as I am and he and I chat for hours on end about the hometown team.

Taking him to the Fen for the first time was the greatest gift I could ever give the little squirt. Kaitlyn is equally passionate about soccer and I quickly realized that we were experiencing something really special.

I started to talk to Kaitlyn about Kristine Lilly and Kelly Smith and how my job with the Bleacher Report was going to allow me to go to all of the home games. Kaitlyn seemed impressed and asked me if she could take pictures of the team, while I wrote. "Absolutely, girlfriend", I said. "Anything you want."

We got to beautiful Harvard Stadium and Kaitlyn's eyes sprang from her beautiful little face. She's 15 now, going on 18, but had the expression of a wide eyed little girl. I sense she thought the game was going to be in Foxborough, which would have been cool, but playing at The Coliseum was "way cool."

Kaitlyn seemed especially impressed when I was waved by the parking attendant simply by saying, "Hi, I'm Todd Civin. I'm with The Bleacher Report."

"WE don't have to pay, Todd?" she said.

"That's right, WE don't have to pay." I laughed not expecting her to chip in anyhow.

We got to the Will-Call window and picked up our credentials. Mine was for the season and Kaitlyn's a one day pass, so she could take pictures for her Escalator Dad.

She put it around her neck, careful not to mess her hair of course, and glanced down at it as she walked.

As we walked by the security guard on to the field, simply by flashing our "golden ticket" Kaitlyn was flying higher than the Woody Woodpecker Balloon at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

"Look at the turf, Todd. And the players. Look how close we are. Look how fast they shoot," she continued, never taking a breath in between sentences.

I asked Kaitlyn if she wanted to go to the Press Box and quite unexpectedly she declined. "Let's sit in the stands with everyone else."

We walked into the stands, which were filled with Daddy's and Daughters everywhere we looked. I sense Kaitlyn thought the same thing, though who knows what goes on in the mind of a 15 year-old gal?

We sat at the 50-yard line about half way up the majestic stone seats at Harvard and cheered non stop for ninety plus minutes of play. Kaitlyn pointed out the nuances of the sport that a rook like me has yet to pick up and compared the play of the Breakers team to her Monty Tech team.

"Their passes are crisp and they dribble far less than we do" she taught me. "And the game is about 75 percent faster" she said, using the wildly inaccurate math skills that garnered her a borderline C.

As the final whistle blew and the PA blasted Breakers 2, Sol 1, I screamed to Kaitlyn in my horse little squeal. "We won." Kaitlyn looked at me and nodded as if she didn't even really care about the final tally.

"Yup, we won, Todd. WE won."

We filed out with the rest of the exuberant crowd and I bought Kaitlyn a cute Breakers Blue and white T-shirt. She thanked me several times on the way to the car, in between an endless banter about Marta and Kelly.

She asked me if we can do it again the next game and if she can bring her friend Abbey. I answered in the affirmative and she thanked me yet again.

I expected her to fall asleep in the car like she usually does but she and I chatted for most of the ride home. "I wish I played Spring soccer" she said. "That game was awesome."

We arrived in Winchendon and Kaitlyn bounded up the stairs to show Mom her T-shirt and tell her about the game. Kate looked at me and smiled.

I said good night to my little Escalator Princess as she left the room and hit the hay.

I don't think she'll be singing Butterfly Kisses to me any time soon and definitely not any "I'll Be Msiing You."

Tonight, I'll settle for Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole.....Ole...Ole!

A Writer's Night With The Breakers: Everything From Charise To Redbones

For any of you who have read my work, I think it is quite clear. I'm a baseball guy. Born and Bred Red Sox Red was more than a story I did, but a candidate for my epitaph when The Good Lord calls me up to that Fenway Park in the Sky.

I grew up with a glove on one hand and a ball in the other and sleep each night still with my Wally the Green Monster stuffed animal. It wakes me each morning by playing Sweet Caroline out of a muffled voice box it calls it's mouth.

My favorite all time movies are Fever Pitch, Field of Dreams, Bang the Drum Slowly and Bull Durham. My favorite moment in life, finishing just ahead of the birth of my three children was the Great Yankee Collapse of 2004 and the subsequent World Series victories in 04 and 07. As Bill Simmons so appropriately wrote, "Now I Can Die in Peace".

So what's a guy like me doing covering last night's Boston Breakers and Los Angeles Sol match-up? Can a baseball guy really be swayed to adopt the sport that is enamoured around the globe and thought to be a bit of a pest by many from Maine to Monteray? I don't see that happening.

And could a rookie sports writer elevate his own personal game enough to cover his first major sporting event? "A bit more likely", I thought knowing my own repetitive habit of over achieving.

I had become the unofficial Bleacher Report dude for the Boston Breakers about two months ago, stumbling upon the Breakers quite by accident. I was covering a Worcester Sharks hockey game and Greta Teller, Marketing Manager of the Breakers was there with two of the nameless, faceless girls from a team and a league I had never heard of.

Business man first and soccer fan way down the line, I struck up a conversation with Greta and bragged of my # 1 ranking as Red Sox Bleacher Report writer. We swapped business cards and I went in to watch the Sharks mop up the ice with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL.

I went home, slept and woke the next morning and shot off an email to my new business contact. Greta turned me over to Kevin Hassett, probably concerned that a "good looking dude" like me was using my "high powered position" to get her email address. Not this time, Greta.

From there the rest has been synergy. Kevin opened the Breakers door to me and the Bleacher Report and feeds me news on a daily basis. Robert Penner, the league rep does the same for me. I volunteered to become Community Leader of the Bleacher Report and beckoned for others to join. Our membership is double digits now. Not a country but a community just the same.

We now have writers for each of the seven teams nationally and are becoming relevant on the WPS Public Relations and media coverage. At last night's game between the Breakers and the league leading Los Angeles Sol, we were there. Channels 4, 5, 7 and Fox seemed to be noticeably absent or hidden well. I stayed up until 2:00 AM writing with one eye on the keyboard and the other eye on the TV and recaps of the game must have fallen in line just beneath High School field hockey and Joey Chestnut winning another hot dog eating contest in Atlantic City.

This troubles me as I believe the success of the league and success of the Breakers is partially the responsibility of local media outlets. I suspect that the Breakers story was squeezed into an irrelevant corner of the Herald and well, the Globe has bigger issues.

Off of my soap box and back to the game. As my daughter, Kaitlyn and I entered historic Harvard Stadium, I got the same feeling as I did when I entered Yankee Stadium for the first time. Though not my home field and not my beloved sport, I had goose bumps from head to tail bone as I walked through the majestic gate. Roman Coliseum? Not quite but lets say it is the theological equivalent of going to Vatican City because you're not quite ready for Heaven.

We arrived at the stadium and the parking lot was filled with kids kicking soccer balls around the grassy field and tailgate parties in abundance. The odor of hot dogs, burgers and charise (Portuegese sausage) with saffron rice hovered above the crowded lot.

Outside the inner gates to the field, the atmosphere was filled with energy. Free booths were manned and gave away everything from Free Bumper Stickers and Breakers schedule magnets to Londonderry's own Stonyfield organic yogurt. Girls were everywhere with Dad's and were enjoying the Daddy/Daughter equivalent to Opening Day at Fenway.

Kaitlyn and I wandered into a Breakers tent and I helped one of the volunteers blow up a few of the complimentary noisemakers which fans banged together as the announcer yelled G-O-O-A-L-L-L!

The lyrics of the Electric Slide pop into my over imaginative cabesa as I weave my way through the euphoric crowd of little girls. "Some say it's mystic. It's electric. Boogie woogie, woogie. You can't resist it. It's electric. Boogie woogie, woogie!"

Like a kid with a sweet tooth at Mrs. Fields Cookies, I show my finely laminated press pass and walk onto the Harvard Stadium grass. While pinching myself slightly and then again, I look at Kaitlyn and say my three favorite words in the language..."Oh, My God!"

We walk around for a bit, still unsure what I'm about to do and I quote Bill Belichick, "Act Like You Been There Before."

I regained my composure and hung for a bit with a group of Brazilian fans who have come to see Marta. The World's Number One Player. It is the first non-World Cup meeting of the top two players in the World. Though living in and around Boston, the Brazilian fans aren't here to see the Breakers tonight but to see the Babe Ruth of Women's Soccer.

"Marta is the equivalent of Pele", explained Sammy Rodrigues who traveled all the way from Portsmouth, NH and Minas Gerais Brazil to see the diminutive Brazilian Princess. "We don't care who wins. This is about seeing Marta play."

I quickly realized that the game was a secondary event to seeing Marta for the Brazilians and seeing Number 1 vs Number 2 for the other 8,000 plus fans who passed through the turn styles tonight. Like McGuire Vs. Sosa in the pre-roid days and like Larry vs. Magic in the days of the tight NBA shorts. Not David vs. Goliath per se but Goliath vs Goliath.

"It's like a mini-World cup" added Rodrigues. "Like when Renaldo plays."

Rodrigues' friend and fellow Marta fan, Juliana Lima added, "We are so, so happy just to see her play."

We entered the stadium which was quickly "filling up" by US soccer standards and took a seat on the 50 yard line. Where the ghosts of Harvard vs. Yale traditionally took place, a new rivalry of equal importance was soon to commence.

Taking their seats in the stands near the Boston goal was Marcus Santos and Bloco Afro-Brazil. I assumed the band, which was comprised of 2 bongo players, several drum players, a spicy female dancer and a guy who played some sort of Brazilian maraca, was here to root on Marta, but I was grossly mistaken.

"We're here to pump it up for the Breakers", said an excited Marcus Santos, who played a beautiful wood grain bongo and occasionally blasted a loud golden whistle while the band cranked.

The handsome Brazilian with a toothy white grin, wore a green bandanna on his head and a bright yellow tank top to match the Brazilian flag which waved in the Cambridge breeze. "This is our first Breaker game and we are so happy to be part of this great event."

The band's official name, Bloco, simply means Group explained Santos, who can only be described as refreshing and exuberant.

"This is very exciting for us," added band spokesman Sandro Scoccia, a native of Somerville by way of Salvador Bahia, Brazil. "We've played all over the country for five years and have wanted to play at an official local event for some time. This is great."

Scoccia explained that Afro Brazil as a member of the Harvard Square Business Association, who got Scoccia in touch with a team spokesman who was thrilled to have Boco play.

I asked Scoccia his opinion of the brand of soccer he expected to see, "Female soccer is a grade below men's soccer. The skill is there, but the difference is the strength and speed and athleticism. The girls can do everything the men can do skill wise, but they simply don't have the strength of a male athlete," added Scoccia who has clearly watched a game or two in his lifetime.

Being a man, I, of course, had to spend some time speaking with Melinda Rhone, who danced at the front of Bloco while they banged out their rhythmic sound. Rhone, a pretty Brazilian gal, who is a Harvard grad and a college professor, was dressed in a green and yellow half shirt and a grass skirt. She danced barefoot and swayed energetically to the rhythmic sound of Bloco.

As we chatted about not only the Breakers but her position as a college professor of History of African Diaspora Through Dance, a fan interrupted politely to speak to my new friend. "It's like being at Maracana in Rio" exclaimed the fan, speaking of the world renowned Futbol Stadium in Rio De Janeiro.

Rhone agreed excitedly and wished the fan boa sorte (good luck) before chatting with me about her role as a college professor. "If you mention me in your story, please tell the readers that I am not a dancer at soccer games but an actual Harvard Grad, professor, researcher, lecturer and choreographer. It is important that girls not only play and love soccer, but spend time investing in their future."

Kaitlyn and I traveled back into the stands and settled back on the 50 yard to watch as the event within the events finally began. We cheered feverishly along with the excited crowd as Kelly Smith scored the quickest goal in league history at the one minute mark of the first half. The goal marked the first scored on the Sol this season and the crowd erupted as the shot tickled the twine.

The crowd was extremely knowledgeable and I listened to all of those around me in hopes of picking up some nuances of the game. Rhealms Wilford of Worcester explained to me, "It's like a chess game. The girls see what is about to happen three or four moves in advance and anticpate who they are going to pass to."

Jamie Wheaton, an eleven year old soccer aficionado from Lexington, said, "The new Breakers seem to be much more popular than the original team." Wheaton who plays for the FC Greater Boston Bolts and who has seen several men's professional games in England, added, "I love to watch what the girls do and feed what I learn into my game."

His Mom added, "It is a unique event to see when the number one player in the world (Marta) takes on the number two (Kelly Smith). These two would normally only meet in the World Cup."

The first half ended with the Breakers ahead 1-0 and Kaitlyn and I grabbed a Pulled Pork sandwich and some BBQ beef from my favorite BBQ joint, Red Bones. "Dem Bones, Dem Beers" I heard a customer say while wiping some BBQ sauce from his beard. Not sure what it meant, but I laughed just the same.

We settled back into our seats and I watched the last 45 minutes with the in the same intensity that I watch a World Series Game 7. I was hooked. The Breakers and Sol swapped second half goals sandwiched around several close calls by Marta. The Breakers were in her shorts most of the match and marked her every move.

Kaitlyn continued to educate me and I finally got the hang of offsides and how it differed from the game I call football. I even finally know the difference between direct and indirect and a corner kick and a goal kick.

The game ended 2-1 Breakers and I hustled down to do my first post game interviews. Possessing a pair of balls slightly larger than the Puma which the girls kicked around, I walked up to Kelly Smith and introduced myself as Todd Civin, a reporter from the Bleacher Report. She acknowledged me as if I had said Todd Civin from ESPN the Magazine.
I instantly realized that not only was Bleacher Report relevant but so was I. "What did you think of the fan support?" I asked Kelly before trying to decipher her British accent. I think she said, "It was amazing. Great support from so many amazing fans."

I told her that my Bleacher Report friend from across the pond, Maire Ofeire, had asked me to tell Kelly that she is needed back on Arsenal, her British club. Kelly laughed and told me, "The overall product of the WPS is better than the original league. The girls play a better game technically than the old teams."

"The fans come to see us play good soccer. And we really played well."

I then went and talked for a bit with Angela Hucles, who was a pleasure to interview. "This was a great win for us. We needed to concentrate on getting three points. Los Angeles entered the game four points ahead of us and with this win we closed the gap to one. It was a great win". We exchanged email addresses and I pinched myself again as I left the field.

Kaitlyn and I drove home chirping like two hens all the way from Cambridge to Winchendon. I had about five story ideas flowing from my brain while trying to listen to everything Kate was excitedly explaining.

I knew I was hooked and knew that I had just fallen for the new gal in town. The baseball guy is now a soccer guy too and I left the match knowing I had left no stone unturned in my coverage of the event.

Better change my business card. I am officially a soccer writer, too.

Writers Wanted To Holler From The Tree Tops Of WPS

He who has a thing to sell,
And goes and whispers in a well,
Is not so apt to get the dollars
As he who climbs a tree and hollers.

So were the words on a Lipton tea bag that I sipped from at my little Grandma Civin's house about 30 years ago. Grandma was a tiny woman, with a slight Russian accent. A pleasant woman who had more friends than anyone I had ever met. I reminisce foolishly but all in all just wanted to tell the story of my tea bag.

I loved to drink at Gram's house due in part to the sayings on her Lipton tea bags. Even when they'd sink into the bottom of my cup, I'd fish them out and let them dry on my napkin as I drank tea and ate Stella Doro cookies with Gram.

I remember this one vividly and kept it in my wallet for years. I wasn't sure if and when I'd ever use it. Today seems right.

The new Women's Professional Soccer League has embarked on it's maiden voyage and three of us Bleacher Report writers have taken up the task of becoming the league's voice. Jo-Ryan Salazar has befriended the gals of the Los Angeles Sol, John Howell has done the same the for the Chicago Red Star.

We, the Few, The Proud, The Writers of the WPS have thrust the league upon our shoulders and, for whatever reason, have become committed to the success of the league. As the league grows we do the same.

Sort of a journalistic version of she scratches mine and I do the same for her (no comment, honey...a simile....).

We are the trend setters, the trail blazers..The Lewis and Clarks of the Women's Professional Soccer League. But our map is missing cities.

Though I would love to take me a road trip every other week to the City of Arches it simply isn't going to happen. And if I go to DC it is to play some hoop with Barack not to watch a futbol match. And frankly, I don't know where the cities of FC Gold Pride and Sky Blue FC even are.

So this is where you come in....As my Athletic Director said to me as a high school freshman, "Hey kid, you like sports? Can you write? Okay, you're our school sports writer." I say the same to you some three decades later. Hey kid? Can you write?

Drop me an email at toddcivin1@aim.com or on my Bleacher Report Bulletin board. Though I'm sure you can figure things out on your own, I'm happy to help.

And when you get to the top of that tree..tell me if you can see FC or Sky Blue from there.

Breakers Score in A Big Way With This Guy

As a boy, I used to spend each Saturday afternoon in pretty much the same way. After a morning filled with Speed Racer, Josie and The Pussy Cats, and Scooby Doo, I'd make myself a bologna sandwich and a cup of chicken soup and plop myself in front of the TV set.

Even though my television line up would never change, I'd grab the TV Guide and circle my Boob Tube schedule. From Noon to 1:00, I'd watch Vince McMahon, Andre The Giant and Chief Jay Strongbow and the World Wide circus they referred to as Wrestling.

From 1:00 to 2:00, I'd lace up my roller skates, take out my front teeth and settle in for an hour of hard hitting action/trash talk brought to you by the United States Roller Derby Federation.

For the better part of a sixty minutes, The Kansas City Bay Bombers would whip themselves by the jam of the Gotham City Girls and rack up points using some sort of unintelligible scoring system.

I'm not 100% sure if it was the trash talking toothless gals with the facial hair that intrigued me or seeing chicks actually slapping, punching and clawing each other that grabbed my imagination. I just couldn't get enough of it.

So when I hooked up with Greta Tella, the Marketing Manager of the Boston Breakers, who was promoting the team at the Worcester Sharks Hockey game, I have to admit I was psyched. "Roller Derby on Grass", I thought.

The Boston Breakers Womens Soccer Team is the local entry into the New Womens' Professional Soccer League. Greta gave me a bumper sticker and Boston Breakers program and I headed in to watch the Sharks. I'm a hockey guy. A baseball guy and I guess to some degree a roller derby guy.

But soccer? Chicks playing soccer? C'mon.

I had played soccer as a kid. My friends would pass, juggle, head the ball and shoot and I was the neighborhood fat kid that they'd torpedo the ball at.

And I have watched my share of Men's Soccer. There is no event on the globe that rivals the energy of the World Cup and there is nothing that makes my adrenalin flow like seeing Liverpool wipe up the field against Manchester United.

I guess I've even seen women's soccer before. What guy doesn't remember Brandi Chastain exposing her undergarments after the 1999 Women's World Cup?

But a Women's Soccer Game? A Women's Soccer League? This is going to be awesome. I assumed I'd see something that fell between school yard kick ball and Jello Wrestling.

The Breakers opened their maiden season on April 6th in Santa Clara, CA against the FC Golden Pride. The match was the first ever match for both teams in the newly launched Soccer League.

I was relegated to watching the game on TV as my wife, Kate, felt that a trip to Santa Clara was unnecessary. She always ruins all my fun.

However, I was ready for action and truly intent on giving the sport a fair chance. I sat in front of the wide screen, with a plate of Tostitos gobbed with gooey orange cheese and salsa. Dressed in my new Blue and White Breakers Jersey that I had bought from the Breakers Pro Shop, I was ready for action.

The stadium was filled with energy reminiscent of the Olympics as, 6,497 men, women, boys and girls from ages 3 to 73 flowed through the turn styles of Buck Shaw Stadium. Fans cheered loudly and waved the teams colors passionately before the opening kick was launched.

Being the maiden game for the newly formed league Opening Ceremonies filled the stadium with energy and hundreds of popping flash bulbs from the well attended stands.

And then it happened. For the next 90 minutes I was enthralled. I was entertained. I was mesmerized. I was glued to the television set. Up and down the field action for the better half of two hours dominated play. I was hooked.

The team work displayed by the two teams was truly fine art. Skilled passing, deft foot work and high energy rushes to the net were reminiscent of the skill level I had witnessed while watching footage of Pele, David Beckham and Cristiano Renaldo.

The action was truly non stop. Up and down the field the two teams battled each other much in the same way The Bruins battle the Canadiens. If you like hockey, you'll love soccer. If you like men's soccer you'll by highly impressed by Women's Soccer. And if you love the action of the WNBA, you'll be amazed by WPS.

Every once in a while, Kate would come into the living room to ask me to quiet down. Tostitos were every where. I swore at the refs. I rooted for Kristine, Abby and Amy. I ooohed with every kick that sailed wide and aaahed at each corner kick that was tipped over the cross bar by the keeper. I even second guessed Coach Tony Dicicco despite not knowing an off-sides from a goal kick.

I ran daughter, Kaitlyn's room to make sure she was watching. She was. She watched well she text messaged her Monty Tech soccer teammate Abbey, who watched equally intently. For the girls this was a magic moment.

The miles that they ran and the skills that they gained during the fall soccer season at Monty Tech was being legitimized before their very eyes. I could see from Kaitlyn's wide eyes that this was a moment she would never forget.

She shooshed me every time I asked her to explain how soccer offsides differed from hockey and told me to go back upstairs when I threw off my shirt ala Brandi when Breaker's Kelly Smith knotted the score at 1-1 in the 79th minute of play.

The Breakers lost the game 2-1 on a G-O-O-O-A-A-A-L-L-! in the 90th minute by FC Gold forward Tiffany Milbrett. I'm sure the gals from Beantown were disappointed. Kaitlyn slammed her pink and white soccer ball against her closet door.

But I truly didn't care. I know I can get the TV fixed where the bowl of cheese sauce hit the screen. I hope to have it fixed before the next game.

This wasn't roller derby, Josie and the Pussycats or even Mud Wrestling. This was Sport. Action. Passion.

"Hey, Katie. Do you know where my Breakers Jersey is? Me and the guys have tickets for the Home Opener. And sweetie, can you take down my Roller Derby poster. I'm getting me a Kristine Lilly."