USWNT Midfielder Talks about her Jersey Roots and the state of Women’s Soccer as the World Cup Approaches

Tobin Heath (Photo by Catalina Fragoso – DoubleGSports)

Last week at U.S. Soccer media day in New York City, Tobin Heath held a roundtable with the media as she and her teammates got set for the team’s final sendoff match against the Korean Republic at Red Bull Arena in nearby Harrison, NJ.

The game represented a chance for Tobin to play soccer in her home state of New Jersey.  She reflected on what it means to be a “Jersey soccer player” and the state of the women’s game.

On the state of the game and marketing of USWNT soccer kits to men…

I think we are in fun times for the game right now.  I think what Nike is doing is pretty impressive [making men’s sizes for USWNT jerseys] we had the same jerseys but not the same sizes.  It just shows we are getting up there in the world stage.  People enjoy the product on the field and they take it seriously.

On playing the last tune up game at Red Bull Arena…

it’s great.  for me it’s pretty much a home game playing in front of friends and family.  It is kind of a thank you for all the support I have gotten that allowed me to get where I am at today. I love playing in Jersey because that’s where I am from, and I love Red Bull Arena.

On being from Jersey, and why Jersey is heavily represented on the roster…

I think because soccer in New Jersey is huge.  I think it’s extremely competitive.  I was always placed on really great teams, tremendous coaches I think the talent is huge.  I think it’s a testament the clubs are focused on development aspect and I think sometimes that too much focus is on winning and not development.  If you talk to any of the girls on the team from Jersey they were all developed the right way.

On what a “Jersey Soccer Player” is like…

I think we take a lot of pride in where we are from and the way we play soccer.  We are all very different players but we all have that “blue collared” work hard [attitude].  We are all different but we are all from Jersey.

On young girls looking up to the USWNT, is it a burden?

No, it’s awesome.  Anytime you can influence people in a positive way is special and it’s an honor.

_________________________________________________________________________

As for the game itself…

Tobin Heath came on as a second half substitute in the 60th minute along with fellow Jersey native Christie Rampone.  As you might expect, the two got rather large ovations from the near capacity crowd.

She brought her energy and hustle to the game and her 88th minute attempt from just outside the box was blocked as the United States managed a 0-0 draw to the Korean Republic.