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    Soccer spectacular

    In Women's World Cup final, U.S. should win but Japan is sentimental favorite

    David Theis
    Jul 16, 2011 | 3:07 pm
    • Members of the Japan women's team celebrated a win over Sweden to make thefinals of the Women's World Cup

    In boxing, they say that contrasting styles can make for great fights. If that applies to soccer, then the U.S.-Japan matchup in the Women’s World Cup final should be thrilling. The two teams are studies in contrasting styles.

    First, though, let’s talk about what they have in common.

    Each team appears to be on a mission. No doubt the U.S. women feel they represent women athletes in general, and women’s soccer in particular. But — to an unusual extent for women’s sports — they also represent the U.S. at large, and not “just” women.

    So, this U.S. women's national team has already achieved a cultural breakthrough. Of course, the games are being played in Germany, and it’s not clear that the players even know what an impact they’re having.

    Late-game hero Abby Wambach had it right when, after the team’s stunning penalty-kicks defeat of Brazil last Sunday, she said the win “represents what this country is all about.” That is, the team played with grit, heart, endurance, and good old-fashioned physical strength. In doing so, they’ve broken out of the women’s sports ghetto and onto sports talk radio, where some hosts have seemed surprised, and (in some cases) been forced to scramble off their anti-soccer perches by the sheer volume of calls they’ve received about the women’s team.

    Most of the calls have come from men, and most are prefaced by “I don’t like soccer and I don’t like women’s sports.” But many go on to say, “But I hit ceiling when we hit that late goal against Brazil.”

    So, this women’s national team has already achieved a cultural breakthrough. Of course, the games are being played in Germany, and it’s not clear that the players even know what an impact they’re having. And it’s not clear that the breakthrough is permanent. Still, we now see that it can happen.

    Japan is on a mission of a different sort. As the country continues to reel from the earthquake and tsunami of last March, the women’s team has become a source of inspiration, hope, and, well, distraction for the beleaguered folks back home. And the team has taken its mission seriously. How could they not, when their coach prepared the team for their match against two-time defending champion Germany by showing the players a slide-show depicting their country’s devastation. One player responded by saying the presentation “touched us deep in our souls.”

    Japan’s subsequent defeat of Germany is considered one of the great upsets in the history of women’s soccer. Germany had not lost a World Cup match since the U.S. defeated them in 1999—the last year the U.S. won.

    Germany had some of the same physical advantages over Japan that the U.S. will enjoy: namely, height and strength. The U.S. should have one advantage that Germany did not. They will take the Japanese team very seriously indeed, as perhaps the Germans didn’t.

    Which brings us back to the styles of play. Some brilliant Megan Rapinoe crosses notwithstanding, the U.S. is not particularly adept at handling the ball. Time of possession usually favors their opponents. The technically skilled French team caused them some anxious moments last Wednesday, and, led by veteran midfielder Homare Sawa, Japan is perhaps more skillful still.

    If you combine that skill level with their patriotic motivation, then you have a very tough foe in Japan.

    On the other hand, the U.S. is bigger, stronger, faster, and every bit as determined. Look for them to win on a—what else?—Abby Wambach header, and the intimidating goalkeeping of Hope Solo.

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    pucker up

    Growing pickleball franchise smashes into Houston with 2 locations

    Jef Rouner
    Apr 29, 2025 | 5:30 pm
    Two men play pickleball on a Picklr court.
    Photo courtesy of The Picklr
    A Picklr court campus similar to the ones soon to open in Houston.

    Pickleball is one of the hottest sports sweeping the nation, and one of the biggest names in the game is setting up two new facilities in Houston. Picklr is scheduled to open indoor sports campuses in Cypress and The Woodlands in the coming months.

    “Bringing a pickleball facility to Cypress will not only provide a fun and engaging recreational outlet for residents of all ages, but will also foster a sense of community and promote a healthy and active lifestyle,” said Steve Nguyen, owner of The Picklr Cypress.“This facility will serve as a vibrant hub for social interaction, skill development, and friendly/competitive competition, enhancing community bonds and offering a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.”

    Although the game is approximately 60 years old, pickleball saw a massive spike in popularity following the pandemic when people were looking for fun group activities with easy points of entry. Though a racket sport like tennis, it is far easier and slower thanks to using perforated balls, smaller courts, and lighter paddles. This means the game is open to players of all ages, and was originally most popular with retirees. Now, there are roughly 5 million players across America, with players under 24 making up the majority. Houston even has its own professional team, the Hammers (not the Texas Hammer; that's this guy).

    The court in Cypress will be located in the old ASI Gymnastics building at 8920 Barker Cypress. It's a relatively modest facility with only six courts including a practice court. By contrast, The Woodlands location will be much more opulent. At 66,517 square feet, it will have 20 courts, 4 private event spaces (one with an exclusive viewing area), as well as a shower, changing room, dry bar, and kitchenette. Picklr The Woodlands will be located at 16590 Interstate I-45 South.

    These locations are the first for Picklr in Houston. They have twelve locations all throughout Texas, including in Round Rock and McKinney, and many more nationwide. Picklr locations operate on a membership model similar to a gym. Memberships run $159 a month for adults and $89 for minors, with unlimited access to open play, league play, and tournaments , as well as four free clinics a month. Additional coaching is available.

    There is currently no set opening date for the two Houston-area Picklrs. Players interested in learning more may sign up for updates at ThePicklr.com.

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