Ally Carda and Team USA Take Silver

The dream ended for Team USA softball as they fell 2-0 to Japan. Japan takes the gold medal, while USA settles for the silver medal.

Cat Osterman started for USA, but Ally Carda and Monica Abbott also took a turn on the mound. Those three elite pitchers only gave up two runs (one in each the fourth and fifth innings), but that was enough for Japan.

Japan's Yukiko Ueno pitched six scoreless innings, allowing only two hits, while striking out five. USA had a couple mild scoring chances, but Japan always rose to the occasion and ended the threats.

Team USA had hoped to avenge their loss to Japan in the 2008 Olympics, but it wasn't meant to be. While USA had dominant pitching, the offense just wasn't there. They scored just nine runs in the six games, never plating more than two.

The best chance for Team USA was ended with a fantastic double play. A star of two previous games, Amanda Chidester hit a liner that bounced off of the third baseperson's glove, but the shortstop snared it and fired it to second to complete the double play and dash USA's scoring opportunity.

Both teams finished 5-1 in the Olympics. Both teams only lost to the other team. Yet, in the end, Japan came away with the gold.

Osterman spoke of the disappointment, “Obviously, we’re a little bit disappointed,” said Osterman. “You get to the gold medal game and you have your eye that prize, and to not accomplish that – it stings.” Disappointed, but not defeated, Osterman looked at the positives, “This was a tremendous Olympic Games. I think the goal in the long run is to not overlook everything we accomplished on our way to the gold medal game. We've done a lot of things that we're proud of and the end result is not what we wanted, but the journey was incredible and we played some incredible softball here.”

Softball will not be at the Olympics in 2024, but is expected to return in 2028 in Los Angeles.

Despite the loss, I am happy Ally got to make an appearance. It's a memory she will always have and one well-deserved.

I congratulate Team USA on their silver medal. I also salute Japan for their gold, Canada for their bronze and Australia, Mexico and Italy for being great competitors.

 Ally Carda and me in Rosemont, IL-Summer 2019.

Ally Carda of Team USA

As I continue with my series introducing the 2020 USA Olympic Softball team, today I feature Ally Carda. This is a double dose of cool, as Ally is also a member of the Chicago Bandits.

A California native, Ally starred as a double threat at UCLA. On the mound, Ally went 100-28, with a 2.48 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP. She also hit .342 with 43 homeruns, 180 rbi's and 173 runs scored. She also has gone 8-0 in international play for Team USA over the years.

Ally started her National Pro Fastpitch career with the Texas Charge. After one season, the Charge folded and Ally joined the Bandits, where she has played for the last two seasons. In limited NPF play (because of Team USA obligations), Ally has gone 8-4 with 5 saves and a1.96 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP. She also has a .363 batting average in 33 at bats.

Ally is another of the fan favorites on the Bandits. Although not here as much as we would all like, when she is here, she is great on and off the field. A little while ago, Ally was kind enough to send a shout out to Johngy's Beat. That video can be found at Ally Carda Loves Johngy's Beat.

Bandits fans will be watching closely as Ally and Team USA march towards the 2020 Olympics. In July, all eyes will be on Tokyo as Team USA goes for the gold!

Of course, I'll be following Ally and all of Team USA and covering it here and for Global Traveler. 

Go to TeamUSA.org for all of the info on Team USA softball. Also, check ChicagoBandits.com for more info on Ally and the team.

Ally Carda and me in Rosemont, IL-June 2018.

Ally Carda Loves Johngy's Beat

Team USA recently announced the 2020 Woman's National Team roster and Ally Carda is one of the 15 players. The former UCLA Bruins star and current Chicago Bandits pitcher-1st baseman is set to play in the Olympic in Tokyo in July 2020.

I got to know Ally a bit during last season, her first with the Bandits. Her appearances here were limited by her involvement with Team USA. I don't know what 2020 will hold for Ally in terms of the Bandits, but the hope is she will play more in 2020 and beyond.

Ally was kind enough to send a shout out to Johngy's Beat. We appreciate her support and we return the sentiments. Go to TeamUSA.org and ChicagoBandits.com to follow Ally, the 2020 Olympic team and the Bandits!

On the Beat With the Chicago Bandits (Interviews Part 6)

The Chicago Bandits are firmly in second place with a record of 28-7. They trail the first place USSSA Pride by 5.5 games, but they do have 3 more games at home against the Pride. First place is not out of the question, but either way, it will be these two teams when the NPF championship series starts in mid August.

I was back "On the Beat" Friday and I interviewed shortstop Abby Ramirez, pitcher Ally Carda, infielder DJ Sanders and pitcher Shelby Turnier. Again it was a nice mix including a rookie (DJ), second year Bandit (Abby), a second year NPF, a first year Bandit (Ally) and a veteran (and 2016 NPF championship series hero Shelby).

Each athlete brings something interesting and different to the interviews. These world class athletes have played all over the world with different dreams, goals and futures and all landed here in Chicago for the 2018 season.

Once again I thank Director of Media Relations Jason Lowenthal for facilitating these interviews. I thank the Bandits organization for the opportunity and access. I thank the elite athletes for their time and consideration. I thank Bandit Nation for the continued support. I thank Mark Pandocchi for his fine video work always.

There are still 3 more home games (August 10-12) for the Bandits. The NPF championship series starts Thursday, August 16 and is a best of 5 on successive days as needed.

Go to ChicagoBandits.com for more info, updates and scheduling. You can also check the Bandits Facebook page for timely updates and fun stuff. Of course, I'll have continual coverage here as always!