By Tommy Kane

Published: February 28, 2019

Volume III: Issue I

The annual SheBelieves Cup is back again and the United States Women’s National Team looks to have another successful campaign. The U.S. has been crowned champions in 2016 and 2018.

This rendition of the tournament will feature two new teams to go along with the United States and England. Brazil and Japan will be replacing Germany and France, who have been in the tournament since the start in 2016.

As usual, the United States will host the tournament. The 4th annual SheBelieves Cup will take place on Feb. 27, 2019, and end on Mar. 5, 2019.

2018 SheBelieves Cup Champions: The United States

A Quick Preview Before the Action:

As told above, Germany and France decided to not attend the tournament, giving new teams such as Japan and Brazil an opportunity to shine. Japan is ranked 8th in the world, while Brazil is ranked 10th. For the other two teams involved, the United States is the best-ranked team, and England is 4th.

For the USWNT roster, players like Alex Morgan (F), Alyssa Naeher (G), Kelley O’Hara (D), Becky Sauerbrunn (D), Julie Ertz (M), Rose Lavelle (M), Tobin Heath (F), Carli Lloyd (F), Mallory Pugh (F), and Megan Rapinoe (F) are front-runners to get some major playing time.

Expect to see Lloyd get some action, but she is nearing the end of her career so she may not start matches. Morgan and Rapinoe are co-captains for the tournament, along with Lloyd.

Coach Jill Ellis would like the team to pick up a few meaningful wins against highly-ranked opponents before the 2019 World Cup in France this summer. The USWNT went 18-2-0 (W-D-L) in the 2018 season and are currently 1-0-1 in 2019.

Clean First-Half

The opening match between the United States and Japan took place at Talen Energy Stadium on Feb. 27, 2019, in Chester, P.A. Talen Energy Stadium is the home of the Philadelphia Union (MLS) and is a well-renowned venue for U.S. Soccer.

The United States controlled much of the first half, especially at the start of the game. They had a few chances but did not capitalize until the 23rd minute.

Heath strode up the right side of the field and found Rapinoe open in the center. She was able to cleanly pass the ball to Rapinoe and she shot the ball past Erina Yamane of Japan (GK).

With her goal, the U.S. took an early 1-0 lead against a difficult opponent.

Megan Rapinoe attempts to get past a Japanese defender.

Rapinoe had yet another opportunity later in the first half, this time on a set-piece. She shot the ball to the right of the net, as Yamane got a piece of it to stop the bleeding.

The first half ended with the U.S. narrowly ahead, 1-0.

Japan Wakes Up

In the second half, the Japanese team woke up and eventually tied the game in the end.

In the 67th minute, Emi Nakajima was able to take advantage of a bad bounce off Tierna Davidson (D) and got an open shot that snuck past Naeher. Her goal tied the game at one and gave Japan some life.

The United States started to pick up their game and in the 76th minute, Christen Press (F) shot the ball and Morgan deflected it into the net. Her goal was crucial, as it gave the team an edge late in the match.

The United States celebrates after a goal.

The 2-1 lead did not stand for long, though.

Morgan had an opportunity to put the U.S. up by two goals, but her shot sailed above the crossbar. Japan, on the other hand, gained some momentum and carried it into the last minutes of the match.

In the 91st minute, Yuka Momiki got open past the U.S. defense and had an easy chip shot for the tie. Her goal gave Japan the important point that they needed in the tournament, as well as stunned the United States.

The U.S. had six shots on net, while Japan scored on both of their shots against Naeher. It was a difficult game for Naeher, but not entirely her fault. The U.S. controlled the possession of the game, 55% to 45%, but as the soccer world knows (and my readers), that doesn’t always matter.

Next Up: Hot England

The United States will take on England on Mar. 2, 2019, at 4:30 EST. The second game of the tournament will take place at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, T.N.

England defeated Brazil in their first match of the tournament by a score of 2-1. They also lead the tournament with three points. The U.S. and Japan are tied with one point, and Brazil is last with zero points.

It will be crucial for the United States to come away with three points from the match, due to the tournament only being three games long. Every point matters.

When looking at the performance of our beloved American team, this can come as a shock. Today’s game is only getting better; the U.S. isn’t the only team that can play soccer anymore.

Overall, it was a good, hard-fought match between both sides. Expect the game against England to be much more intense tactically for both squads. Both teams are capable of great results, so it should be an interesting one to watch.

GO USA!

Stats:

Game Summary and Stats

Video Highlights