Similar to last Wednesday’s match, Brazil started the brighter of the two sides. Off a short corner, Marta gathered just outside the box and fired a shot that had Hope Solo scrambling. However, the Americans were relieved to see Marta’s effort rocket off the crossbar in the 3rd minute.
Although Brazil managed to pin the United States back and pressure Solo’s goal, it was the home side who got on the score board first. Tobin Heath released Alex Morgan into space behind Brazil’s back four. The striker calmly rounded the onrushing Luciana and slotted it home, giving the United States a 1-0 lead in the 9th minute.
Lori Chalupny came off the field for her final international time as Megan Klingenberg replaced her in the 20th minute.
Becky Sauerbrunn showed just why she earned NWSL’s Defender of the Year when she denied Cristiana of an equalizer, somehow managing to clear the ball of the line.
Marta hit the crossbar for a second time as she attempted a tough angled shot in the 27th minute.
Once again, Marta was at the central of Brazil’s attacking charge when she beat out two U.S. defenders and found an open Cristiana inside the box. Cristiana cut it back and placed her shot to the far corner, past a diving Solo, and into the back of the net to draw even in the first minute of stoppage time.
The USWNT came right back through Crystal Dunn. Horan met Klingenberg’s perfect cross but had her header saved. However, Dunn was there to finish on the second attempt as the United States went into halftime with their one goal advantage at 2-1.
Jill Ellis sent Stephanie McCaffrey on to replace Tobin Heath. This would be McCaffrey’s first senior cap.
In the 56th minute Lauren Holiday’s number was called for the last time as a USWNT player. Carli Lloyd came on in her place.
Hope Solo easily smothered Marta’s left footed effort on the 64th minute mark.
In the 4th and final minute of stoppage time, Megan Rapinoe’s cross found an open McCaffrey at the back post. The new comer finished the chance and celebrated her first career international goal as the United States beat Brazil 3-1.
The USWNT will continue its victory tour with a trip to Honolulu, Hawaii to face Trinidad & Tobago on December 6th.
The United States and Brazil are set to replay tomorrow in Orlando, Florida.
The U.S. and its supporters will be celebrating the successful international careers of defender Lori Chalupny and dominate midfielder Lauren Cheney, as the two will play for their country one last time Sunday afternoon.
Lori Chalupny, Lauren Holiday
The USWNT will look to keep its record of 101 straight home games unbeaten alive. However, the Brazilians do offer a tough test as the home side saw last Wednesday night. Therefore, this match, unlike other victory tour games, is great preparation for the Olympics. Tomorrow is also a good opportunity to play younger players like Mewis and Hinkle.
On Wednesday night, Hope Solo found herself busier than in previous matches. The defense who won the U.S its third World Cup was, at times, shaky and tomorrow will have a chance to be up against the likes of Marta and Cristiana once again. Therefore, look for the defensive four to be tighter and compact.
Another key to the match will be set pieces. Brazil managed to score off an early corner as the U.S missed multiple chances off free kicks and crosses. If the U.S. can be dangerous and threaten from set plays, the USWNT should have no problem getting a positive result.
This fixture has brought exciting action in the past and once will most likely deliver in the entertainment department tomorrow.
We all wish Lori Chalupny and Lauren Cheney the best in their future endeavors and thank them for their devotion to the USWNT!
A night dedicated to Shannon Boxx’s long and wonderful career as a member of a successful USWNT team also saw the U.S. dramatically equalize late in the match as the first of two victory tour games against Brazil ended in a 1-1 draw.
Brazil came to America ready to play after being knocked out of the World Cup in the round of 16. As a result, the visiting side started brightly, pressuring the United States’ back four and earning an early corner kick. Monica met the in swinging corner and headed it past Hope Solo, delivering the Brazilians an advantage just three minutes into the match.
After conceding the early goal, the United States upped its tempo and controlled in possession which translation into chances created.
Crystal Dunn’s cross found Alex Morgan but the striker’s header glanced just wide of the far post in the 12th minute.
At the other end, Cristiana flashed her shot just past Solo’s goal in the 31st minute of play.
On the 40th minute mark, the crowd stood as it was time for Boxxy’s last walk off the field as a USWNT player. And what a moment it was. Boxxy will forever go down in US soccer history, not only for her accomplishments on the pitch, but for her perseverance as she fought lupus, became a soccer mom, and returned to World Cup glory.
The last chance of an exciting half fell to the feet of Morgan. Lloyd’s left footed cross into Morgan led to the striker’s side footed attempt which surprised the Brazilian keeper. However, Luciana managed to parry over the crossbar denying the Americans of an equalizer and sending her side into halftime with a 1-0 advantage.
The second half was just as pulsating as the first. Marta dazzled the fans with her tricks and instant ball control and the US managed to mount some intense pressure.
In the 71st minute, Mewis replaced Dunn and Hinkle earned her first international cap going in for O’Hara.
Rapinoe and Morgan both missed golden opportunities from the left hand side.
However, as the USWNT always do, the home side found a way to equalize late on in the match as Klingenberg bombed past three Brazilian defenders and sent in a great cross toward the path of Lloyd. The New Jersey native smashed in her 78th international goal in the 85th minute making sure the record of 101 straight home games unbeaten stayed intact.
The two sides will showdown once again on Sunday, the 25th in Orlando.
No. 1 vs No. 2. Germany and the U.S. will meet up in the semifinal match, though it will be a match worthy of being the final game. The stakes are unbelievably high, and the winner will have a place in the final.
Let’s talk about Germany. They are very physical, technical, and will be the biggest challenge the U.S. has faced in the tournament. Mittag, Sasic, and Popp will be forces that will test the defense of the United States. Solo will more than likely have her biggest challenges so far, but so will Angerer.
From @ussoccer_wnt
The United States will need to have the attacking power that they have been somewhat lacking recently. Our diverse selection of offensive players should be able to get the job done. Rapinoe and Holiday are also available again so we have them to be put back in the lineup.
The defensive side of the United States team is phenomenal. They haven’t allowed a goal since the first half of the opening game of the tournament. If they keep it up, they will be the key to the U.S. making the final.
From @ussocer_wnt
Overall, it will be one of the most intense and exciting games in a Women’s World Cup to date. This is the game that every person in the United States and Germany needs to watch. It could go either way, and it is that type of game that makes any sport more intriguing. Both teams want this more than anything. It’s time to show up, and show the world why soccer is the most popular sport on the planet. It’s your time to shine, USA.
Written by Haley Murphy
There are a lot of questions for the U.S. team going into the quarterfinals against China. They are without two of their best midfielders (Rapinoe and Holiday) due to yellow card accumulation, so who will step up? Most likely it will be Press and Brian who take over the open midfield positions. Another question when it comes to the attack is, why not O’Reilly? Under any other coach she would be starting, and she is someone that would help the team a lot, with the ability to create many chances.
The defense has been rock solid the whole tournament, only allowing one goal, which was in the first game. Solo, Krieger, Johnston, Sauerbrunn, and Klingenberg have had an impressive four games so far.
From @ussoccer_wnt
The midfield has been aggressive, creating most of the chances for the U.S. in the tournament. Their one major flaw has been trying to center the attack around Wambach, which isn’t always effective, especially with so many other players able and willing to score. Hopefully some equally as impressive players will be able to have their first minutes of the tournament against China and make an impact.
The front line needs to change up some. Wambach needs to rest and possibly be a sub, Morgan should continue to be wary of her recent injuries, and Leroux and Rodriguez should get some time to show what they are capable of. Press should also be up top, where she is accustomed to playing, rather than in the midfield.
China should struggle to get too many chances with the U.S. backline being as strong as they are, even though they have had a decent tournament themselves. The U.S. just needs to capitalize on their chances and score the goals necessary to move on. We should be hoping to see some new faces on the field. Who knows, maybe they are the secret to the success we need to be having.
From @ussoccer_wnt
It is now the time that we need to see the U.S. team we all know is the best of the best. Come on Jill, it is for the sake of your job that you start making the right decisions.
Written by Haley Murphy
What most people know about women’s soccer in South America is basically what Brazil has been showing all these past years but that’s far from what the reality actually looks like. Latin American women’s soccer is far from what the Brazilians make it seem. South America has a long way to follow but if there’s a team that has grown beyond anyone’s expectations, that’s Colombia. No other South American team and perhaps no other team in this World Cup has improved so much in the recent years as “Las Cafeteras” have.
In the first round they got a good point by drawing Mexico, in a game that the Mexican team had pretty much under control. The biggest surprise and most shocking upset in this tournament has been the ‘dos a cero’ they gave to France. The 28th ranked Colombia beat the 3rd ranked France, aspiring candidate for the World Cup title, in a thrilling game that the French dominated but weren’t able to score. On their last game against England, the now called ‘Las Superpoderosas’ lost to the English women 2-1; in a game where Colombia didn’t play bad but were outplayed by England at times and that cost them the three points. Overall, Colombia has had a very decent performance in a group where everyone assumed they would return home after the group stage.
From @FIFAWWC
Now in the round of 16, the question is if that would be enough to beat the second best team in the World, the United States.
The first time Colombia played the US women’s soccer team we would have to go back to 2011 at the Women’s World Cup celebrated in Germany. Since then, they have only faced each other another time. That second time was at the London Olympics in 2012 when things started heating up due to an incident that involved Lady Andrade and Abby Wambach. In that incident, the Colombian player struck Wambach’s right eye with her hand and as it appeared in the replay, it happened when none of the two involved had the ball. Later, FIFA committee suspended Andrade for a group match against France and for the quarterfinals if Colombia would have advanced. During that game in London, two things were clear: 1. It was a match marked with a lot of physical play. 2. The USA showed superior skills throughout the entire match. The result at the end of both games ended up in favor of the Americans. Las Cafeteras haven’t been able to score yet against The US and allowed 6 goals total (3 goals in each tournament).
From @Ussoccer_wnt
In the past few days, a lot of things have been said by the Colombian team, basically criticizing the Americans. I will not go into details because the press took care of that. I personally think that all this is just a strategy by the Colombian team; I do not know whether to call the attention of the authorities of their country and receive more support or to anger the Americans, maybe both. Regarding the first, I think it’s a good way of being in the public eye and generate headlines in their country. The greater the exposure, the greater benefits. Regarding the second point, I think they have done nothing more than awaken the sleeping beast, because the Americans know that at this point is “win or go home”.
One key player for Colombia, during the previous three games has been goalkeeper Sandra Sepúlveda. Unfortunately for Colombia Sepúlveda cannot play due to accumulation of yellow cards. But Sepúlveda is not the only player that has shined during the early matches in this World Cup. Perhaps, Colombia have seen its better chances through players like Lady Andrade who have been performing at a great level and ridiculing some of her opponents with fancy skill. And she hasn’t been the only one. Daniela Montoya scored an absolute golazo that gave Columbia the equalizer in the last minutes of their first match versus Mexico. I’d like to think that the entire Colombian team has been watching US Soccer YouTube videos of Tobin Heath before coming to the World Cup. Also, let’s not forget about Catalina Usme who is Colombia’s top goal scorer with 21 goals under her belt.
Nevertheless, Colombia is a team that is still far from the level that the Europeans and Americans show. It’s a team in progress. They are making a big impact and have shown great skills. As spectators, we know that it is a huge step for a team like them to be this far in the tournament especially knowing the conditions they train, the lack of support they receive from the authorities back in Colombia plus not being able to play in a pro league. In fact, most of the Colombia players – as well as most South American players – have a full time job in things not related to soccer. Yoreli Rincon mentioned earlier in a press conference that they “have heart”, but dear Rincon, this is a sport, where professionals come to compete and show all their power. It takes more than just having heart and courage to achieve something. It takes talent, hard work, skills, good preparation and full commitment to the sport. Let’s not forget about support from your own federation.
As for the Americans, this is the time to peak. In the past three games we have seen a team with players who have excelled and made a difference, including a backline that has proven to be capable of winning games. But as a team, the US still fails to convince. Perhaps the game against the Colombians is the perfect time to show that they are strong candidates for the world title and that time is now or never. Likely to move this round and the quarterfinals, the team led by Jill Ellis, would face a tough opponent in the semifinals, either Germany or France, who throughout the tournament proved to be clear favorites and world title contenders.
From @ussoccer_wnt
Besides, maybe it’s time to give a chance to players who have not seen minutes since the tournament began. The USWNT is well known by the athleticism as well as their speed on the flanks. I think that is key for the Americans to succeed and make a big impact at the beginning of the game. My line up: Harris, O’Hara – Sauerbrunn – Johnston– Klingenberg, Rapinoe – Holiday – Brian – O’Reilly, Wambach – Morgan. My subs: Heath, Leroux and Engen. As I stated before, I would give some minutes to the players that haven’t been on the field and would rest the ones that have seen every minute of game. If there’s a game to do that, this is the one. Jill Ellis line up would probably be: Solo, Krieger – Sauerbrunn – Johnston – Klingenberg, Rapinoe – Holiday – Lloyd – Heath, Wambach – Morgan. At the end, whoever Ellis decides to play is in great form for the task.
Tomorrow night, the number two ranked team in the world will face a 33rd ranked Nigerian team. The Americans head into the final group match for a place in the round of 16. Numbers are just numbers, so don’t let them fool you. On Saturday, the 3rd team in the FIFA rankings, France, was defeated by 28th ranked Colombian in one of the most shocking upsets in FIFA Women’s World Cup History. By any means, this game will not be a piece of cake for the Americans. In order to progress, the US Women’s National team needs to avoid a defeat by two or more goals to the Super Falcons.
The US currently seats at the top of their group with four points but in a group where anything can happen, it’s better to secure a result against the African team. A win means that in the round of 16 the US will face a team that advanced after finishing third in their groups which is good news for the progression ambitions of the US.
From @ussoccer_wnt
From the past games the US team had, we’ve seen a very strong and reliable backline with each of its players coming up huge at different moments during the games. But the struggle is real when we have to talk about the midfield. Inconsistent. That’s the first word you think about after you see the team play for some good 10 to 15 minutes. After 90 minutes, that word seems to not even be close to what the midfield actually looks like. Everybody but the US coach seems to notice the lack of creating chances and possession of the midfielders; problem is when you have the answer to that on the bench but you refuse to use it. What happens when you have a player like Christen Press on the wing instead of her natural position, up top? Well, we saw what happened in the first game and Press didn’t score until she changed her position on the field.
Another story is Megan Rapinoe who came huge in the first game against Australia, with two goals that proved nothing but that she was again at the peak of her game and at a different level from everybody else but wait… this is a team sport. We need a backline to rely on, a midfield that can hold possession and create chances not only in one side but everywhere on the field and of course we need forwards that are up to the task. In that same game against Australia, coach Ellis did something correct. She saw the problem and she fixed what at that point needed to be fixed. The US was not having control of the game so she subbed in midfielder Tobin Heath. After Heath came in the game, the US started having control of the ball plus they were creating more chances. So, after seeing that, you expected the coach to be smart and play Heath or O’Reilly in the game against Sweden. Both players with many caps for the team and with more experience in that position than the players coach Ellis selected for that game. With Rapinoe and Heath/O’Reilly on the wings, we would see a more dynamic duo in Holiday and Lloyd, playing more comfortable and without unnecessary work.
From @ussoccer_wnt
As for the forwards, any of them has a chance to start. Sydney Leroux was impressive in the first game, running a lot and helping in the build up of one goal. The only doubt in this position is Morgan, who has only been playing for some minutes in both games. If she’s fully healthy as Jill Ellis has been telling everyone, then I would love to see Morgan playing the whole game and help her be ready for the next games when everything comes to go big or go home. As for the others, Wambach and Press (if she plays in her right position) have better chances to start than Rodriguez.
As for the Nigerian team, the offensive they present is perhaps their biggest threat. The forwards have pace and ability and can destroy a good defense. If you don’t believe me, you can ask Nilla Fischer about it. Fischer, one of the best defenders in the world that plays for number 5th ranked Swedish team, was humiliated in two of the three goals that the African team scored when they came back from a 2 – 0 deficit in the first game of group D.
Also In their attacking options, they have Asisat Oshoala who received the Golden Ball and Golden Boot at the U-20s World Cup last year. We all know what that means. If you don’t, let’s just say that Oshoala loves to score goals and even though she has only scored against Sweden, that doesn’t mean she would be willing to say good bye to the World Cup without leaving her mark. Also, let’s not forget about Perpetua Nkwocha who has scored almost as many goals as the appearances she has had with her team.
Nigeria didn’t do well in their second game against Australia so they come into this match needing a victory in order to progress in the tournament. Something that might play in the US favor is that the Nigerian coach did not make any substitutions during the first game and it took him some time to make his first substitution during the second game so his side comes into their third and final group stage game without much rest. In addition to that, defender Ugo Njoku was suspended three games for elbowing Australia’s Sam Kerr on Friday.
Probably, the most important thing that the US team can use in their advantage is that this young African team is not great at defending set pieces. In fact, the goals that they conceded are because of their terrible defending in the pentaly area. They can always improve from the first and second game, but it’s unluckily to have a different defensive tactic this far in the tournament.
If Jill Ellis decides to play her cards well, I think the US can defeat Nigeria without scary/shaky moments. My line up: Solo, Krieger – Johnston – Sauerbrunn – O’Hara (yes, I’d play O’Hara because she’s fast and can keep pace with Nigeria’s fast forwards and I miss her), Rapinoe – Holiday – Lloyd – Heath, Wambach – Morgan. My subs: Leroux, O’Reilly and Press.
My prediction: USA 4 – 1 Nigeria.
Written by Rosa Rìos Abad
Twitter: @RosaAliciaRios
Well, it’s done. The dreaded Group of Ridiculously Overblown Drama match versus Sweden is over. And it came with a surprising result. Most of us probably expected a US win and a good one at that. Perhaps a 3-1 victory, much like against Australia, or maybe even a silly, impossible result in our favor. 5-0, perhaps? A goal for Abby, two for a rightfully insulted Carli, one from Rapinoe and a late one from someone like Sydney Leroux or Christen Press. Now THAT would have been a match to remember.
That’s not to say this one wasn’t. In fact this silly, ridiculous, ulcer-inducing draw was worth watching and remembering too. Our back line had a wonderful match, for all 90 minutes, with Klingenberg and Johnston each standing out. Lauren Holiday, who seems to be stumbling a bit this year, didn’t do as well offensively, but defensively, she was a presence, offering backup all over the pitch. Megan Rapinoe, the titan, had another great game, but this time, her crosses simply wouldn’t connect.
From ussoccer_wnt
That’s where we come to the troubling aspects of last night’s match. Sydney Leroux and Christen Press started up top for the United States; the same fast duo that put absolutely zero pressure on France in our friendly at the beginning of the year. And what happened? Again, no pressure. It’s probably my least favorite pairing of the many combinations we could put on the pitch. Sydney will occasionally press (no pun intended), but without Press (again, no pun intended), she can’t do much against a Swedish back line that adjusted appropriately whenever they even looked towards the Swedes’ half.
On top of this, we come to the fact that Carli Lloyd had a very quiet game. I’m not sure if this was due to the game plan, or just her being so wracked with nerves that she simply she couldn’t handle it. Personally, I reject that last guess. The United States, for all of their flaws, are the number two team in the world. They are used to having and playing with nerves. More than likely, the reason for Carli Lloyd’s lack of ferocity was a combination of game plan and the Swedes immediately closing her down whenever she sniffed the ball. I don’t expect such a performance to be repeated. We don’t repeat bad performances. We learn from them and move one. Especially a player like Carli Lloyd.
From ussoccer_wnt
Additionally, this was a match that was hyped to the extreme in the week building up to it, starting with the stupid ongoing media frenzy surrounding Hope Solo and continuing with Pia Sundhage’s now infamous words about our stars – regardless of when they were actually said. The team took the bait, like we all did. There’s no escaping such news, not when you have so-called “fans” on Twitter and Facebook and Instagram who are all too happy to share such negativity with the players, regardless of how those players might actually feel about it. Unfortunately, when such hype gets thrown at you, with such force, such consistency, and such absolute vitriol, there is no escaping it. You have no choice but to respond. Unfortunately, our players responded with too much respect of Sweden’s defense. It happens. Better to learn from it now, than to realize it when it’s too late; say in a match up with France, which could very well happen if we both win our groups.
It wasn’t an entirely bad learning experience, however. We learned that Meghan Klingenberg is an absolute – to borrow a phrase from Abby Wambach’s book – stud and can also apparently make herself grow an extra foot at will. Her save was the play of the match and rightfully so. We learned that Julie Johnston is a beast and that not only was Jill Ellis right to select her for the squad, she’s right to start her. And finally we learned that when the teams we play are as good as we are or nearly so, we can and will match them step for step and keep them from beating us. We are not a team to be trifled with. We are a team to be respected because we are fearless (if a little too respectful).
There is one more game in group play. Nigeria. If we beat them, we win the group. I have heard there are ways we can still win the group if we draw, but that isn’t my focus. It isn’t the team’s focus either. We didn’t come to the World Cup to play for a draw and hope for the best. We came to the World Cup to win every single match we play. We didn’t do that against Sweden. We WILL against Nigeria. We’re the number two team in the world FOR A REASON. It’s time we reminded everyone why that is. On to the next. Let’s beat Nigeria.
Written by Samantha Parrish
It’s a day out from the USWNT’s second group stage game at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. On June 8th the team, ranked number two in the world, played 10th ranked Australia in their WWC opener. The game ended in a 3-1 win for the U.S. team, and it was on to the next. On Friday, they will face 5th ranked Sweden who played Nigeria in their first game which resulted in a 3-3 draw.
Along with physically preparing themselves for the tough matchup, the U.S. will need to mentally get themselves ready. Sweden is coached by Pia Sundhage, who was the former coach for the United States side. She lead the USWNT to two Olympic gold medals during her years with the team. Both teams are familiar with the other’s style of play, and this will prove to be a challenge for each side.
Sweden’s backline was struggling greatly against Nigeria, and the U.S. will make sure it stays the same way for them. They will force pressure and make the runs they need to score. The U.S. backline is strong and resilient, with many players willing to step up and hold it together, whether they start or come off the bench. With a strong back line and Hope in the net, there is no doubt that Sweden will struggle to get too many shots off.
From @ussoccer_wnt
The USWNT certainly uses hate and failure as motivation. Sundhage said some less than kind things about some of her former players during a recent interview. She said that, “Carli Lloyd was a challenge to coach”. She continued with saying how Lloyd could be one of the best players if she knew everyone had faith in her, but one of the worst if she didn’t. She also said that if she were still a coach that Abby Wambach would be a sub, and that when she would talk to players about family, they wouldn’t listen saying, “It goes in one ear and out the other”.
Hopefully, the U.S. will take the hate and run with it. All the way to the final game. All the way to the top of that podium with the trophy. All the way.
They’ve got a score to settle, and they want that third star. It all started on July 17, 2011 and it won’t end until they win the cup.
No Maybes.
Written by Haley Murphy
Opinion: those of you absolutely going insane over the mediocre first half by the U.S. Women’s National Team against Australia need to calm down. Our best shouldn’t come at the beginning, it should develop over time, much like we saw in this match.
It was shaky at first, with the U.S. struggling through the first half, relying on Hope Solo to do what she does best. But eventually we wore them down, as we tend to do, as Christen Press and Megan Rapinoe put the match away with a couple of stellar goals. From @ussoccer_wnt
Even Abby Wambach missing a couple of headers didn’t shock me the way it shocked Cat Whitehill (who I have issues with anyway, but that’s neither here nor there). Everyone was nervy and everyone had issues at the beginning of the match (except for Megan Rapinoe and Hope Solo, of course). Considering this is the most heavily covered Women’s World Cup ever, is it surprising? Even the most popular teams are being watched more than they’re used to. Is it any wonder our players all want to do their best because no one wants this incredibly negative “gotta play devils advocate” American media to be right? They all want to do well, even if it’s just to silence the critics. And wanting that badly enough can sometimes be a hindrance, not a help.
But nerves aside, this match should have been shaky anyway. We don’t need to start off insanely well because that would have meant we were peaking too early. I don’t want us playing our best in the group stages, I want our best in the matches that follow and our very, very best in the final. That’s how a World Cup is won. And, despite what some of you may think, we’re looking pretty good for that so far. If we take each match as it comes and continue to improve, there is no country that can stop us. For now: on to Sweden.
Written by Samantha Parrish
Women's Soccer Talk 