Community Corner

Tobin Heath, U.S. Women's Soccer Ready for Next Game

Heath, a 2006 Ridge High School graduate, now is 'nomad,' she says in YouTube video.

With three victories under their belts, the U.S. women's soccer team will take on the New Zealand team in Newcastle, England, at St. James' Park at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, and many local fans will be watching to see if 2006 Ridge graduate Tobin Heath will be out on the field for the Olympic quarterfinal match.

Heath, who grew up in Basking Ridge and played on the girls soccer team for three years, has been an active participant in all three victory games, against France, Colombia and, most recently, North Korea on Wednesday.

Prior to the first game, Heath was interviewed on ussoccer.com's Studio 90 Extra Time from Glasgow, Scotland, in which she discussed such topics as what it was like to see "iconic" soccer fields in Britain; her current "homeless" condition; and her new glasses. The video was produced victory against France on July 25, and Heath also discussed how the U.S. team was gearing up to face their French opponents.

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Heath has many

Chief among those supporters is Katie Donahue, coach for the Ridge girls soccer team.

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"It's been so exciting to watch Tobin get solid and consistent minutes with the WNT! Can't wait for Friday's game!" Donahue emailed on Wednesday.

Ridge's Athletic Director Rich Shello said he has been following game results closely, even if he hasn't been able to view all games live. "Tobin played very well in the opening game which I did get to see parts of," Shello said.

He said having a Ridge graduate, and former player on the school's soccer team, be part of the Olympics is "great for the community and school."

Heath said that she had started playing soccer at the in Basking Ridge at age four.

The game will be televised on NBC Sports Network, NBC Soccer Channel and NBC Live Extra online, according to ussoccer.com.


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