USWNT

Abby Wambach, Hope Solo and Alex Morgan of the U.S. Women’s National Team were named to the ten woman shortlist for FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year this week. Other nominees include Sonia Bompastor (France), Kerstin Garefrekes (Germany), Marta (Brazil), Aya Miyama (Japan), Louisa Necib (France), Homare Sawa (Japan), and Lotta Schelin (Sweden). Marta has won the award the last five years. Winners will be announced January 9, 2012 at the FIFA Ballon d’Or gala in Zurich. Wondering how the shortlist was determined? FIFA explains here.

As the U.S. prepares for their November 19 friendly in Phoenix, AZ against Sweden, coach Pia Sundhage has called up 30 players for training camp, including U-23 National Team’s Sydney Leroux (UCLA), Ingrid Wells (Georgetown), Keelin Winters (Boston Breakers) and Becky Edwards (WNY Flash). WPS Goalkeeper of the Year Ashlyn Harris (WNY Flash) also received a callup.

Pan American Games

Canada captured the Pan Am Gold in women’s soccer, defeating Brazil last night in a penalty kick shootout. The game ended 1-1 after regulation, after Canada’s Christine Sinclair knotted it in the 88th minute. Canadian goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc saved two of Brazil’s penalty shots, winning the shootout 4-3.

 MLS

In the second wild card game of the MLS playoffs, the Colorado Rapids defeated Columbus Crew 1-0. Omar Cummings, who scored the only goal just out of halftime, can be seen Tebowing in the MLS recap.

La Liga

ESPN’s Nicholas Rigg writes that Real Madrid fans aren’t satisfied, even after a 3-0 drubbing of Villarreal, after they had scored 4+ in their last four matches.

Villarreal’s Giuseppe Rossi is expected to miss six months after undergoing surgery to his knee, injured in Wednesday’s loss to Real Madrid.

 EPL

Manchester United look to bounce back from their 6-1 thrashing from Manchester City at Old Trafford last week, as they travel to face Everton this Saturday.

Arsene Wenger says his squad is “ready for a fight” when they face off against Chelsea this weekend, and try to keep up their improved form as of late.

USMNT

Young D.C. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid has flown over to Europe to train with English side West Brom. The 20 year old has been called up to the USMNT recently, and will try to impress the EPL squad in his week with the team.

College Soccer

UCSB defender Tim Pontius–yes, younger brother of D.C United’s Chris Pontius–scored this ridiculous 61-yard goal on Wednesday night. Trying to outshine big bro, Tim?