By Tommy Kane

Published: July 26th, 2018

Volume II: Issue XLII

The United States Women’s National Team started off their 2018 Tournament of Nations campaign with a clash against rivals Japan at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. The result was a good one, with the US earning their first three points, winning 4-2. With the game seeing a total of six goals, there was plenty of action to go around. Striker, Alex Morgan, scored a hat-trick in the match, giving her 16 goals in her last 16 games with the US team. She is creating a more positive atmosphere that will benefit the team for future matches. Let’s recap the game.

World Cup History:

The United States Women’s National Team have some huge history with Japan. Both of these teams have met in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final and the 2015 World Cup Final. In 2011, Japan won in penalties, while in 2015, the US avenged for the Cup. The US blew out Japan in that final, winning by a score of 5-2. Ever since those two World Cups, both teams have been considered rivals. Japan have also always been a difficult and worthy opponent for the United States, participating in tournaments such as this one.

Morgan Strikes Twice:

The game started off with Japan really controlling the possession of the ball. The US would only get chances to pounce for the lead. With all of the chances given to the US, Alex Morgan was able to strike the ball into the back of the net. Beautiful play-making by Midfielder, Megan Rapinoe, created the goal in the 18th minute.

It only took a measly two minutes for Japan to get back into the game. Shoddy defending from the US created an opportunity for Japan to get a solid shot against Goalie Alyssa Naeher. In the 20th minute, Mina Tanaka was able to score and tie the match up, 1-1. After that great sequence, the US was now aware that Japan had the ability to cause problems for the back-line, despite being a younger team.

The half was not over yet; Morgan was on a mission and was determined to strike back. In the 26th minute, she received a pass and used her head to change the direction of the ball, stunning Goalie Ayaka Yamashita. The header re-direct brought the US Supporters on their feet once again. The half finished off much the same, with the United States playing dominant soccer as usual.

Morgan Caps Off the Hat-trick, As Rapinoe Scores:

The second-half brought many subs for the US and Japan. One of the substitutes, Tobin Heath, was a difference maker. She showed up to the game and looked like her old self, despite a recent injury. She was able to move around multiple defenders and create plays that eventually turned into goals. In the 56th minute, Heath maneuvered around a defender and passed the ball to Morgan, who was then able to seal her fourth career hat-trick and give the United States a 3-1 lead.

It didn’t take long for the US to command the match. Rapinoe wanted to get involved and did. She was able to get one-on-one with Yamashita in the 66th minute, where she struck the back of the net and gave the United States a commanding 4-1 lead. Unfortunately though, some sloppy defending and a change of personnel screwed the US into giving up a goal to Moeno Sakaguchi in the 76th minute. This goal felt like a sting to the US, but nonetheless, the United States walked away with three points and an impressive 4-2 victory.

What’s Next?:

The United States is set to face off Australia on July 29th at 7 PM. That game will take place in East Hartford, Connecticut. After that match, the US will play Brazil on August 2nd at 8:30 PM, finishing off their Tournament of Nations campaign in Chicago, Illinois. Australia beat Brazil earlier, by a score of 3-1. Australia and the US are currently tied atop the table. The game on July 29th will possibly determine an official leader.

The United States have been playing a bit different lately, ever since the 4-3-3-1 formation change, which started during the 2017 Tournament of Nations. This formation leaves one striker alone atop the field, creating more of an offensive attack to their name. This, in turn, gives them more goals, but also allows more goals. The US have had only three clean sheets in eight matches; this statistic is uncharacteristically bad for the team. The new formation benefits strikers and goal-scorers like Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and Carli Lloyd alike.

It was a great game no matter what anyone thinks of the formation. It has been working for the US, so expect Coach Jill Ellis to keep it. Remember to tune in on July 29th, as the United States takes on Australia at 7 PM. That match will take place on Fox Sports One. GO USA!

Stats:

http://www.espn.com/soccer/match?gameId=510888