It is unfortunate that the women’s soccer team from the United States fell short in its quest to capture the World Cup over the weekend.

But you have to admit, the final chapter written by the Japanese team is an amazing story in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami earlier this year.

Disappointment shrouded the Americans, but they handled the situation well.

Their performance in the tournament should serve as an inspiration to soccer players around the country, particularly in Arizona, where the weather is great and facilities keep getting better.

Like our state’s rise in softball, soccer is very capable of producing elite players for international and college programs.

I have enjoyed covering girls’ soccer, and the boys for that matter, and look forward to more exciting matches during the coming school year. At first glance, one might not think it takes a great deal of skill or conditioning for this sport, but it does. These athletes work hard!!

Keep it going! The dream is alive – one day, it just might be you who scores the winning goal, sets it up with a perfect pass or stretches out in front of the goal to deflect the ball with your fingertips.