Locals give USA women's soccer team a good shot

Some of the best minds in local soccer took time to share their wisdom on the Women's World Cup soccer tournament that opens today across Germany.

The United States plays its first match in Group C on Tuesday against a dangerous North Korea team.It then faces Colombia on July 2 and Sweden on July 6, the final day of group play. The quarterfinals are July 9 and 10 with semifinals on July 13 and the final on July 17 in Frankfurt.

Here's what the locals had to say:

"The U.S. has a very good chance to win it because they have the depth and experience. Brazil, as usual, can be the surprise team with their individual talents. When they are on, they are unstoppable. Germany is the home team. They have the crowd behind them, so they will be able to go the distance." -- Florida Tech women's
coach Fidgi Haig

"I think the chances of USA winning the World Cup are good. They're coming off a gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games. I think the players that contributed to that performance and the players that have come on within the past few years will be a good mixture for success.

"I believe USA will win the World Cup. They've been ranked No. 1 in the world for a long time. Germany will obviously be a huge competitor for Team USA, but just over a year ago, USA beat Germany 4-0. That was an enormous accomplishment and, hopefully, an indicator of what is to come in the World Cup. On a personal level, as an American, I want nothing more than the glory of our women's team winning it all.