Vardar at the Silverdome, Jan. 14

Blame FIFA. I am fairly sure if FIFA would change its position on video reviewable plays all levels of soccer would quickly adapt and put in cameras -- at least at the goal line. The Pontiac Silverdome has the space for such technology. Its 1980s big screen TV now seems cute -- quaint even -- as it is dwarfed by the screens many have in basement home entertainment centers. But if there was current technology at the Silverdome Sawyer's hard strike that rang off the inside of the post in the second half would have been counted as a goal. The Force would have beaten Vardar 1-0 instead of tying 0-0. The only thing that seemed to suggest this wasn't a goal was the fact that it popped out of the net!

The girls deserved to win this one. They put together their second strong team effort in a row, maintaining good ball possession and hustling like mad against a skilled side. Last week's effort against PSG seems to be no fluke. Indeed, Sawyer played hard the whole game but after the goalpost took one away her insistent pressure caused Vardar all sorts of problems. Emmi stopped everything up at midfield and even used her powerful strike to create a few scoring opportunities. Rhea and Grace provided deft touches that allowed for all sorts of movement up the sidelines. The midfield, Sophie and Zoe and Lauren, played solid soccer and the Force didn't even have to rely on Annabelle for big plays on the backline or Jill to take over a sideline. Sophia continues to step up and win balls it doesn't seem she will win. Anastasia and Kyra got too many balls in the corners through sheer effort. And Christina had a few threatening runs down the center.

I just hope Kate is staying alert with all this extended rest. One always wants to beat crosstown rival United. She did seem to enjoy punting in the old stadium -- popping almost every ball to midfield.