CAEN, France - With former W&M women's soccer standout Jill Ellis '88 at the helm of the United States Women's National Team, 50 Tribe women's soccer alums, family, and friends have made the trek to France for the United States' final two games of the group stage.

To read the first three installment follow the links below:
Blog One - Tribe to France
Blog Two - Off Day in Paris
Blog Three - Travel to Caen
Blog Four - Exploring Caen

Blog Five - Gameday vs. Sweden
Thursday was a magnificent day to wrap up our phenomenal week, albeit one of conflicting emotions. 
 
Our group set off yesterday morning on a beautiful and crisp sunny morning to head to the beaches of Normandy. As we departed the bus and headed towards the sandy shores, there was a very palpable feeling in the air. It felt as if you paused for a moment you could see and hear the tens of thousands of young men who stormed the beach on D-Day, in a brave and valiant effort in the name of freedom and democracy. The mood was reflective, quiet and somber as we all processed this enormous event of world history in our own ways.  On one hand, the spectacular azure blue seas, sandy beach and picturesque villages seemed immune from such tragedy, yet the memorials and massive graveyards of each country comprising the allied forces clearly confirmed otherwise. We all came away with a deep appreciation for those willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom, and how their selflessness played such a role in shaping the world, as we know it. 
 
After a quick turnaround back at the hotel, we found ourselves changing gears and, once again,  adorning ourselves with as much red, white and blue as we could muster. A week of tourist fatigue was quickly negated by the adrenaline fueled anticipation of our rematch with Sweden, the team who had knocked out team USA from the Olympics in 2016. 
 
Just when we thought our Chile outfits and enthusiasm could not be topped, we managed to go next level, attracting the attention of hundreds of fans as we made our grand entrance into the pregame fan area outside the stadium. We turned many heads as our impromptu cadence seemed rehearsed and choreographed!  The game got off to a strong start as Lindsey Horan punched in a goal barely 3 minutes into the game!  From there, the U.S. maintained a comfortable level of possession, putting a great deal of pressure on Sweden's back line, though we struggled with our final balls. We remained strong through the midfield and defensively, thwarting most of Sweden's attacks before they even materialized.  Early in the second half Tobin Heath did what Tobin does best with some razzle dazzle resulting in a side netting goal from a seemingly improbable angle, to provide team USA with a well-needed insurance goal. Final score: USA 2 Sweden 0. 
 
As we head to the airport this morning, the bus is quiet and the mood melancholy given our collective end of trip sadness, compounded by a mere few hours of sleep. I'm sure all would agree the long days, late nights and lack of sleep was absolutely worth the privilege of experiencing the World Cup alongside the incredible beauty and culture of France. 
 
When Jill Ellis and team qualified for the World Cup last year, we knew we wanted to put together an Alumni trip. What we didn't know is how perfectly it would come together, drawing people from all sorts of backgrounds, each with their own unique connection to Tribe Soccer. 
 
The original 1981 team was well represented with trailblazers Ana Kuhn Smith '82, Charlotte Davis '83, and Mary Swanson Dillon '83.  Mary brought husband Bill, and Ana's group included her son Jacob, his girlfriend Alma and Alma's mother, Milli. Charlotte roped in 2 other fellow classmates, Amy Wright and Basia Bradford, who were both Tribe Field hockey/lacrosse athletes. 
 
The "eighties greaties" were very well represented with Kelly Jackson Higgins '85, Jen Finn Duffy '86, and family, Kathleen McCarthy Sober '87, Beth Stanford Fuchs '87, Carrie Taylor '87, and Linda Seiden Blanchard '87.  Linda's daughter Katie, along with Shacks' daughter, Cami, and my daughter Allie helped comprise a contingency which became affectionately know as "Tribe Spawn!"  Cami's club coach Corey was even able to make the trip!  Rounding out the big hair and shoulder pad era were Maryann Bernhardt Rossignol and Laura Absalom Gillie, both class of '89. Laura was also joined by college roommate Mary Kraemer, who brought her husband and their 3 impeccably behaved middle school aged boys. 
 
The 90s crew was represented by Robin Elam Evans '95, Erin McGonegal Entlich '93 and Carrie Moore O'Keefe '00. The O'Keefes also brought their whole family of five, contributing to the positive vibe and energy provided by the youngsters!
 
Our group would not have been complete without an infusion of millennials, and the "Baby Tribe" trio of 2017's, Olivia Camper, Kady Kriner, and Corrine Giroux, along with the Tribe's most famous GK, Caroline Casey, who ensured their was always lots of youthful exuberance and laughter to keep the group spirits high. Caroline brought along her Mom, sister and cousin to make it a family affair. My sister Holly and her daughter Daisy made it a soccer-loving, family affair for me, too. 
 
Evanne Raible, who previously worked in academic support services for our Tribe athletes, could not refuse coming along to support what we all knew was her "favorite" Tribe sport, and our guest list was all but made perfect with the original Tribe Women's Soccer Coach, Dr. John Charles, and his wife Kelly, both long-time professors at W&M. 
 
As we bid France Adieu, we take away memories to last a lifetime, and the gifts of friendship, old and new. All thanks to the Tribe. Hopefully we did our small part in supporting Team USA's quest for the World Championship!
 
Tribe Out!
 
- W&M Women's Soccer Assistant Marsha Lycan