Adidas Welcomes Players to the Dark Side

As a part of the There Will Be Haters campaign, Adidas has introduced the Black Pack with new versions of the F50 Adizero, Predator, Nitrocharge, and 11Pro firm ground cleats. Each shoe has been given a dramatic re-design, while retaining the latest technological innovations of the “Haters” pack. These sharp blackout boots stand apart from the crowd with classic style and a bold appearance next to Nike’s recent neon colorways. 

Adizero F50
The Adizero F50’s are made for players who are obsessed with speed. The 3-D Dribbletex layer on the upper allows for better control of dribbling at speed on the field in wet or dry conditions, while the stud configuration, grip texture, and second level traction on the forefoot provide maximum maneuverability. This version of the f50 has been given the greatest re-design with a newly developed Hybridtouch material that fuses the best characteristics of leather and synthetic material, and the non-traditional 3-stripe branding placement on the heel. The combination of the French knight inspired “Fleur de Lisse” design and black-on-black colorway makes for a truly striking shoe. 

Predator Instinct
Players at the top of the food chain need precision in every move they make. The new design of the Predator Instinct features 3-D SL rubber strips for optimal grip on the ball, while the newly engineered gel pad allows for precision passing and maximum control. The blackout Predator features a Tudor Rose design on the heel inspired by British Knights.  

Nitrocharge 1.0
The Nitrocharge benefits all-action players by providing supreme energy output on firm surfaces through Adidas’s Energysling and Energypulse technology. The Energysling supports side cuts and quick turns with a highly elastic rubber sling circling the top and side of the foot. Energypulse technology is inspired by spring geometry with underfoot support that provides premium energy output during toe push off from the ground. The Black Pack Nitrocharge boot features intricate renaissance-inspired design elements woven throughout the black-on-black colorway.

11Pro
The 11Pro is the epitome of comfort with unrivaled fit and feel right out of the box. The skeleton in the heel and forefoot offers a premium fit and increased stability. The Comfort outsole has smaller and more numerous studs to penetrate the firm ground, in addition to the Comfort frame that better distributes pressure across the boot and foot. The Black Pack 11Pro features a design inspired by the Ottoman Janissary, the elite infantry units formed by the Ottoman Empire. 

With historically-inspired bold designs, and a classic blackout color scheme, the Adidas Black Pack is an impressive collection of sharp, striking firm ground cleats. The Soccer Shop is carrying the full Black Pack in the top tier of each silo in adult sizing. 

Images courtesy of Adidas except first image.

Rare Boot for Rare Talent: Neymar JR Special Edition Hypervenom

Standout player for FC Barcelona, Neymar Jr., has collaborated with Nike to create a cleat inspired by both his close relationship with his sister and his fluid playing style. This strong familial bond is represented by matching diamond tattoos on each of their arms. Just above Neymar Jr.’s diamond tattoo is the word "sorella" for sister. His sister, Rafaella has "fratello" for brother above hers. Being one of the most valuable minerals on earth, the diamonds are meant to symoblize the rare and unbreakable bond between the two siblings. 

Stand Out Player, Stand Out Shoe
Diamonds stand out, which is exactly what Neymar Jr. wants from his cleats. He chose a chrome colorway to mimic the look of a shining diamond, and subtle accents throughout the upper are meant to appear like a liquid finish in order to compliment his renowned fluid playing style. These boots represent him as both a player and a person, highlighting his stand out moves and bold and cheerful attitude. The 3-D NikeSkin on the Hypervenom boots enhance the dimensions of the liquid diamond appearance. The traditional Nike swoosh captures Neymar Jr.’s energetic personality with bright Hyper Pink and Volt accents.

From Gold to Chrome    
Neymar Jr. is no stranger to football boot design, as this "Liquid Diamond" edition is the third installment of his specialty Hypervenom boots. In the past, Neymar Jr. launched the original Hypervenom in 2013, and then followed up with a gold edition during the 2014 World Cup. The Hypervenom series is equipped with a split-toe plate and agility traction stud pattern that enables strikers to quickly respond to enclosing defenders. 

In the Shop: We have all three silos of Neymar Jr.’s Liquid Diamond Hypervenom boots. This includes the Hypervenom Phantom, Phatal, and Phelon in adult sizes and the Phelon in youth sizes. Visit the Soccer City Soccer Shop to check out our selection.

Images (except first photo) courtesy of Nike

USWNT World Cup Warm-up: Victorious in Portugal

Big Moments, Big Win 
The U.S. Women’s team entered the Algarve Cup sporting new away kits and brought home a 2-1 win against Norway. The first goal went to Norway, as U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo, wasn’t able to get enough of a touch on the ball in her first game back from her 30 day suspension.  Not the ideal start but midfielder Carli Lloyd stayed positive and helped get the team back on track. 

“I hate losing…I’m a winner and I want to go out there and win. It might not be pretty, it might not be a shutout, but that’s what we need to do. I’m a veteran and I have to lead this team and show up in big moments.” 

In the 55th minute of the game, following her winning mentality, Lloyd scored a goal into the left frame in order to tie the score. Later she put away a penalty shot, finalizing the U.S. victory against Norway. 

Continued Success Against Switzerland
The March 6th match versus Switzerland started slow when the U.S. couldn’t seem to break through Switzerland’s defense. Regardless of the rough start, the women’s team adjusted and pulled off an impressive 3-0 win. All goals were scored in the second half by Alex Morgan, Amy Rodriguez, and Abby Wambach. The match showcased a variety of players, with head coach Jill Ellis utilizing all six substitutions during the match. Abby Wambach was one of the six substitutes who came in during the second half, and made a powerful impact with her first goal of the season during the 81st minute. Wambach later commented, “Tonight it showed that we not only can play those starting eleven but the players that come off the bench can make an immediate impact.” 

Scrappy Yet Successful 
Although the U.S. did not find another win, a 0 - 0 tie with Iceland allowed the team to take first place in Group B and head to the championship game against France. It was a scrappy and physical game featuring 29 fouls, 18 of which coming from Iceland. Iceland had few opportunities to shoot, but when they shot one high to the middle of the goal, Hope Solo earned her 80th shutout by pushing the ball over the bar. U.S. Defender Becky Sauerbrunn described it as “a game of duels and winning your individual battles.” By using all six substitutions, the U.S. players got some well-deserved leg rest in preparation for the final match against France on March 11th. 

U.S. Women’s National Team wins 10th Algarve Cup
After a successful journey leading up to the championship game, the U.S. Women’s National Team earned their 10th championship at the Algarve Cup with a 2 - 0 defeat over France Wednesday afternoon. With 20 visits to the tournament under their belt, the championship match was the U.S.’s 14th appearance in the Algarve Cup title game. This game was the first time the United States and France faced off in the Cup’s championship title game. The U.S. locked in their victory with two goals by Julie Johnston and Christen Press, marking Johnston’s first goal as a member of the WNT, and Press with her 20th international goal. Goalkeeper Hope Solo was named Budweiser Woman of the Match after impressing fans with a diving stop on a penalty kick in the 81st minute of the game - coincidentally making the game her 81st career shutout.

What’s Next for WNT?
Head coach Jill Ellis commented positively on the victory but also admitted there is still lots of work to be done:

“We want to enjoy this for a day certainly but, we’re going into camp again in a matter of days. For me, the fitness piece and continuing to build that is important. I think our legs are getting there and this tournament was good in terms of getting a lot of players’ experience.”

Ellis goes on to mention how Hope Solo’s return was helpful, and although the team performed successfully as a whole, the areas of improvement can now be assessed. “Now it’s about the takeaways, and what we need to continue to work on. Because obviously June is the target.” 

Kicking off the regular season, the U.S. Women’s team is scheduled to host New Zealand on April 4th at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri at 2:30pm. 30,000 tickets have already been sold for this opening match. 

Photos & video courtesy of US Soccer.

Bold in Blue: New Nike USA National Team Away Kit

Bold and Patriotic
For the coming year, the new U.S. away jersey aims to express national pride while also highlighting the country’s distinct style and strive for greatness. Two white stars above the Women's team badge showcase the two previous wins at the World Cup in 1991 and 1999. A pennant tab on the inside of the back neckline represents the thirteen original colonies to first declare independence with its 13 red and white stripes.

Getting Graphic
The soccer jersey features a gradient graphic starting white at the shoulders, and blending into different shades of blue until reaching a deep blue at the hem. Along the sides of both the shirt and the shorts, is a wide white stripe accentuating a player's speed and natural contour. Peeking from the v-neck is a red insert utilized to incorporate all national colors. Inspired by U.S. college and varsity sports, the player’s names and numbers will appear in a specially designed font. The jersey is paired with dark blue shorts adorned with a white stripe. Women will wear a dark blue gradient sock with a chevron pattern on the back, while the men’s team will wear a dark blue sock without the gradient design. 

Cool and Conscious 
In order to achieve the best fit, 3-D scans were taken of players to ensure that they have a high level of comfort and maximum ability to perform on the field. Both jersey and short are equipped with Nike's moisture-wicking Dri-FIT technology, and mesh panels and ventilation holes improve air circulation to regulate body temperature. Not only are these kits technologically innovative, but the jerseys, shorts, and socks are made of polyester derived from recycled plastic bottles. Each kit is made of approximately 18 recycled plastic bottles, eliminating 2 billion bottles from entering landfills since 2010. 

See the Kit in Action
The Women’s U.S. National Team will first play in the new away kit during the Algarve Cup in Portugal starting on March 4. The men will wear it on March 25 during a friendly match against Switzerland. Support the states and sport the jersey by visiting Soccer City’s Soccer Shop; now stocked with the new U.S. National away kits in men’s, women’s and youth sizes. 

Photos (except first image) courtesy of US Soccer.