Do I actually know who's a better goalkeeper, Briana Scurry or Hope Solo? No.
Do I have an opinion about the news that Scurry will replace Solo as the U.S. goalkeeper against Brazil in the women's World Cup semifinal? Yes. I think it stinks.
U.S. coach Greg Ryan caught everyone by surprise when he made the change, which was apparently motivated by the superior big-game experience of the 36-year-old Scurry. Former American team captain and current ESPN analyst Julie Foudy -- who unlike me actually does have an informed opinion on such matters -- doesn't like the decision.
If the Americans beat Brazil and go on to win the World Cup Final on Sunday, Ryan will be a genius. If not he'll be an idiot. I'm betting on the latter."I think Bri will be fine, and the move will be fine," Foudy said. "But I just think it becomes a distraction when you're too focused on that rather than the game. To me it's a sign of worrying too much about the opponent. I think you just play. You know they're good. You know their strengths and weaknesses but you don't have to make such a drastic change."
