Women's World Cup: the South Bay Kiwi & Canadian Bruin

Shannon Boxx isn't the only Southern Californian at the Women's World Cup; Torrance resident Simone Carmichael (Ferrara) is representing New Zealand after recovering from a devastating achilles injury in May.

New Zealand plays China at 4:55 a.m. Wednesday on ESPN2 in its last group game so I e-mailed Simone to see if she would get some playing time.

Her response:

“There is a possibility that I'll get a little bit of time tonight, but I'm not positive. The World Cup experience has been amazing, I feel very lucky to have been given this opportunity, especially with my injury. What an amazing event.

Its been a very different experience for me because I haven't been playing, but one I will remember for the rest of my life. It has been a great spring board for me to be ready for the Olympics.

My Achilles is finally feeling pretty close to 100%, perhaps about a week too late, but I can't complain about my recovery."

Meanwhile, Bruin Kara Lang plays at 1:55 a.m. for Canada against Australia on ESPN2.

Canada, which suffered a 2-1 loss to Norway in its opening match of the tournament, likely needs a win to move out of the group, although a draw would be good enough if Ghana defeats Norway. Lang, who has started both matches in China, could be back in a Bruin uniform at the earliest Sept. 28 against Portland at home.

Updated 8:30 a.m. Wednesday: The two games were postponed.

An updated television schedule is here.