Wow! Japan Wins Gold

[Stacie Mahoe]

Oh my goodness! I didn't watch the game, but I just heard that Japan won the Olympic Gold 3-1 over the US. WOW!

Now I have to go watch my recording of the game.

[Richard Thomas]

I am just as stunned as everyone else is. It just goes to show you how true the old saying "the game is played on the field, not on paper" is.

I congratulate the Japan team for their effort (especially their pitcher who pitched her heart and arm off the last few days). Kudos to the USA Team as well; it's not like they didn't try.

[Stacie Mahoe]

What do you think of the idea that some think *maybe* they "let" Japan win to help get the sport reinstated in the Olypmics? To show that it's not true that US "always" wins?

[Stacie Mahoe]

...Personally I don't like that idea and don't think it's true, but some are wondering.

[Larry Feightner]

I've been so impressed watching all the teams compete. The Gold Medal Game was lost by Erriors. Go back and count them. Plus count the POP Ups! When you need hard ground drives, just like Vicky Galindo did in the last inning. Keep the ball on the ground and move the runners. Cat you and the rest of your Pitchers did great. I saw the interview afterward, and she was concerned of 2 of her Rise Balls. Who calls the pitches?
Nothing to feel bad about a Silver Medal from the Olympics. Did you see the USA Team leaving their kleats at home base. Symbolizing the end of their careers for some. We had to be up at 3:30am here to see the game Live!

[brittney]

I really can't believe it. It seems unreal that the USA could lose and like that only scoring one run and having bases loaded TWICE! I was so sad when i watched it and now we have to wait till at least 2016 to see anther game and it probably wont have our favorite players. But hay everyone loses at some point to bad it was in the gold medal game

[Richard Thomas]

Interesting thought. USA losing may have improved the chances of softball returning to the Olympics in 2016. I do find it hard to believe, however, with the talent, years of experience, competitiveness of the players, etc., that they could be convinced to lose a game on purpose.

Stacie Mahoe said:

What do you think of the idea that some think *maybe* they "let" Japan win to help get the sport reinstated in the Olypmics? To show that it's not true that US "always" wins?

[Alan Thompson]

When everybody says you can't lose, well ask the New England Patriots. I believe undue pressure was placed on the USA team by themselves, coaches nad fans; then add that this was the last Olympic game for at least 8 years just put enormous pressure on the team. It doesn't help that finding a team that can be competative is nearly impossible to find; so the level of play was never there even though they lost a game to Virginia Tech. That only proves that a pithcer who has it going can beat anybody at anytime.

[Brady Scott]

Since this is my first post here, I hope you will all be gentle with me. First of all, let me congratulate the team from Japan. You truly were the better team in the gold medal game. Just a few thoughts I want to share though. Thinking of "throwing" the game is not realistic. While on the surface is appears to be better for the international game, the reality still exists that the Olympic committee can see that the USA was the most dominant team at the games.

Secondly, while I respect Coach Candrea as one of the greatest team coaches of all time you have to be concerned when your best defense is your offense. Team USA made far too many errors in crucial situations. As the old adage goes, Offense wins games and Defense wins championships.

Finally, and this may get me in trouble, the team lacked a proven leader. That leader was cut from the team. Going to Japan without Lisa Fernandez in some capacity was truly a HUGE mistake. The experience at the top level, the ability to play the game, and just the presence she commands from her teammates when she would take the field would have been enough to have kept her on the team. Lisa may have lost a step or her bat may have slowed with age, but I am telling you after watching her workout at World Cup two summers ago I would have no problem putting her up against any player in the world. She would have been great asset as a utility player, pinch hitter, or just the player to sit down a younger player to share knowledge or reassure them in a tough situation.

I would be interested to hear what other think about this. Go ahead and let me have it.