By Tommy Kane

Published: August 3rd, 2018

Volume II: Issue XLIV

The United States Women’s National Team finished off their 2018 Tournament of Nations campaign with a meeting against Australia, then Brazil. Against Australia, they were able to leave the match with a 1-1 tie, thanks to Lindsey Horan’s late header. In the match against Brazil, the United States fired on all cylinders, winning the match, 4-1, and clinching the Tournament of Nations for a second time due to goal differential over the Aussies. The United States showed some promise heading into World Cup Qualifiers in the fall. Let’s look at each game individually, and how the US were able to win the Tournament of Nations yet again.

Defensive Struggle in First-half:

Against the Aussies, the United States Women’s National Team have had struggles ever since the Tournament of Nations in 2017. In this match, it was no different than before. The defense of the US was scattered; they seemed to not have too much of a hold on the match. In the 22nd minute of the match, Chloe Logarzo of the Australian team got a through pass and cut through two Defenders. She was then able to get one-on-one with Alyssa Naeher, where she easily converted the goal to give Australia a 1-0 lead. It is very rare for the United States to allow a one-on-one opportunity. Yet another match under Coach Jill Ellis that will not result in a clean sheet. The rest of the half was uneventful to say the least.

A Header Saves the Match:

The match went an entire hour and a half before the United States were able to equalize and get a result. In the 90th minute, Lindsey Horan was able to head a corner-kick into the back of the net to tie the game at one a-piece. This was a relief, because it enabled the United States to get a point out of it, tying Australia with four points in the Tournament. If a result was not sought out, the US would have three points, while Australia would be on their way to a two-peat with six points.

When it comes down to this match, the United States had a difficult time despite controlling the possession and action more than Australia. They had a 65-35 percent advantage with possession, as well as a 6 to 2 shot advantage. Australia was successful in finding a defensive break-down early on in the match, where the United States could not initially correct it. The defense did get better for the States, but there is a lot of improvement that needs to be done on Ellis’s part, as well as the players. The United States will go into an important match against Brazil, where they will most likely need a win and a hefty point differential if they want to win the Tournament of Nations a second time.

Iffy First-half Leads to Great Finish:

Against Brazil, the United States Women’s National Team knew that they would have to win by two goals or more to win the Tournament of Nations. This undoubtedly added extra pressure that the United States would have to contend with and control. Despite multiple valiant efforts early on, the United States allowed a counter-attack that caused an own goal to occur. Young Defender, Tierna Davidson, attempted to stop a pass by kicking the ball out. Unfortunately, she kicked the ball past Naeher and into the net. Despite the chances for the US, a goal was scored against them and they would have to rally. Later on in the 33rd minute, Midfielder, Rose Lavelle, kicked a great ball that bent past Brazilian Goalie, Leticia. The United States went into halftime level, still needing two goals to win.

Huge Rally Wins the TOR:

The United States eventually rallied together to win the Tournament of Nations. The rally started in the 53rd minute, when Julie Ertz received a pass that set her up for success. Ertz flanked down the right side of the net, where she was open and able to knock the ball into the open net. Her beautiful vision gave the United States a 2-1 lead and some hope as well. The hope turned to a reality in the 61st minute, when Tobin Heath cashed in on a great shot. She shot the ball just outside of the box and bent it right past Felicia for a 3-1 US lead. With a two goal lead, the United States would clinch the Tournament of Nations, so they needed to defend it. A few defensive changes gave them the upper hand. The icing on the cake came in the 77th minute, when Alex Morgan continued her great success. A pass from Megan Rapinoe set up Morgan with a perfect strike to give the US the insurance goal. The United States won the match, 4-1, as well as the Tournament of Nations on home soil.

The United States looked great in that match and will continue their dominate play as they look to qualify for the 2019 World Cup in France. The match was close when it came down to possession (51-49 percent for US), but the US had 9 shots to just 1. The ability for the United States to control the tempo and the match was a reason for their valiant success in the end. Against good opponents, it is imperative that the match is controlled and neutralized, so that the game is played on the winning team’s terms. The United States have looked great when it comes to that aspect and they will continue to win games if they keep that up. Similarly, the attacking power from the US will be difficult to stop down the road for opponents. A problem that will need to be fixed for the United States before the World Cup is their defense. Defensively, they are young and have a few hiccups that could be costly; they should be able to fix that problem within a year though.

The United States will take on CONCACAF opponents for World Cup Qualifying in the fall. As for now, this marks the end of summer soccer for the United States. Look for the action to continue in early September through the fall months for both the Men’s National Team and Women’s National Team. Go USA!

Stats:

http://www.espn.co.uk/football/matchstats?gameId=510886

http://www.espn.com/soccer/matchstats?gameId=510884