EDMOTNON

March 1 was probably a little bit like the Fourth of July at U.S. Soccer headquarters.

If fireworks weren’t going off, there at least was a celebration when the draw for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup was announced Saturday, and the United States U-20 women’s side learned it would be returning to the site of one of its greatest triumphs.

The United States, along with Germany, China, and Brazil, have drawn into Group B which eill have all its matches contested at Commonwealth Stadium as part of the tournament that will be held across Canada this August.

On Monday, just two days after learning where their quest for gold will begin, representatives from each of the four nations’ soccer federations visited Edmonton, touring hotels, training facilities and the host venue.

Edmonton was new to most of the delegates, whom spoke graciously of the city in varying degrees of English.

And then there was James Moorhouse.

“In a lot of ways it feels like we’re at home,” smiled U.S. Soccer’s director of youth national teams.

Commonwealth Stadium hosted the final of the inaugural U-19 Women’s World Cup, the precursor to the U-20 tournament, in 2002, when the U.S. needed extra time to defeat Canada 1-0 in as dramatic, emotional and intense a soccer match as the city has ever seen.

“We have fond memories of this stadium,” Moorhouse said. “That was the first thing that came up when we were talking about Edmonton.”

While his viewpoint is possibly framed by those happy recollections, Moorhouse, who has watched his nation win three of the first six and two of the last three editions of this tournament, didn’t miss an opportunity to praise Commonwealth Stadium.

“It’s fantastic,” he said. “This is the typical stadium, you would expect for this type of event, that you would see in the U.S. too. It’s a really good setting.”

That’s music to the ears of Trisa Zimmerman, Edmonton venue manager for the 2014 U-20 Women’s World Cup, who on Monday was playing the role of tour guide for the international representatives.

“It’s been excellent, just being with them and hearing the questions that they have and the things that they’re looking for,” she said.

Canada has drawn into Group A, which is being held in Toronto, so local soccer fans won’t see the home side in group play. However, Commonwealth Stadium will host a quarterfinal match pitting the Group B winner and runner-up of Group A, leaving a fairly decent chance that Edmontoians could witness another border battle.

Twelve years later, does the rivalry live on?

You’d better believe it.

“But that’s great,” said Moorhouse. “That’s what it’s all about is having that type of rivals to inspire against.”

WARM RECEPTION

It didn’t take Fred Li very long to realize he wasn’t in Kansas, anymore.

Nor Beijing, for that matter.

Touring Edmonton along with representatives from the other three nations encompassing Group B for this summer’s World Cup, the media officer for China’s U-20 women’s soccer team, received a warm welcome from the local host committee, if not the weather.

“My first impression here is that it’s pretty cold,” Li laughed, “but a nice stadium, nice pitch, and everything is well organized (so) we’re happy to be here.”

The furthest removed distance-wise from Edmonton of the Group B nations, China will be traveling overseas several days in advance of its first game and will train in Canada or the United States. It’s not only about overcoming jetlag, but getting the team acclimatized, as well.

“I think the biggest obstacle for our for team as of now that I can see is that we’re not really used to the weather,” said Li. “In most parts of China in August it’s going to be pretty warm, the temperature’s pretty high, whereas here it’s like 20, 25 degrees.”

brian.swane@sunmedia.ca

@SunBrianSwane