Pre-Match Notes: After coming off of a draw and a win against Colombia last October, the U.S. Women’s National Team will be facing off against China in two friendlies. This is the final international break of the year, and the USWNT is hoping to end the year on a high note.

These upcoming friendlies against China are going to be very interesting to see because, when it came to the roster selection for these games, Twila Kilgore may have kept Emma Hayes, the new USWNT Head Coach, in mind. I think that’s pretty apparent when it comes to the selection of forwards. Mia Fishel, Ashley Hatch, Midge Purce, Trinity Rodman, Jaedyn Shaw, Sophia Smith, Alyssa Thompson, and Lynn Williams. Hayes, as I’ve seen from Chelsea, likes having a wide array of aggressive attacking players with quick movement and buildup, along with strong goal-scoring and finishing ability.

When it came to the U.S.’s last match against Colombia, where the U.S. came away with a 3-0 win in their second meeting, it was Mia Fishel who opened up scoring in the second half. It was then followed up by goals from Horan and Shaw. The second match against Colombia was a stark contrast from the U.S.’s first meeting with Colombia, where both teams walked away with a 0-0 draw.

Having fresh, new players in the U.S. attack and midfield will hopefully create more drive and intensity in the attack, something this U.S. team is missing. The U.S. is needing to be more ruthless, and hopefully we’ll be able to see that drive and energy from these players in these upcoming games.

Controversially enough, the roster for these friendlies leaves off a handful of veteran players like Crystal Dunn, Alyssa Naeher, Becky Sauerbrunn, and Alex Morgan. In interviews, Twila Kilgore has said these players aren’t ruled out for good, and could still have a chance of making the national team in the future.

Line Up Notes

Starting Eleven: We have Casey Murphy in the goal. For defenders Abby Dahlkemper, Naomi Girma, Casey Krueger, and Emily Fox. For midfielders Lindsey Horan, Emily Sonnett, Rose Lavelle, and Savannah DeMelo. For forwards Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith. And here are the substitutes.

Substitutes: Sam Coffey, Alana Cook, Lynn Williams, Midge Purce, Tierna Davidson, Jenna Nighswonger, Alyssa Thompson, Mia Fishel, Jane Campbell, Olivia Moultrie, Jaedyn Shaw, Korbin Albert.

Not Dressing: Ashley Hatch, Aubrey Kingsbury, M.A. Vignola.

Upon looking at the starting lineup, this appears to be a 4-4-2. I would’ve thought the U.S. was going to go with a 4-3-3, however, if the U.S. are going to go with a 4-4-2 it’s going to be interesting to see what Smith and Rodman will be able to do in the attack, when it’s just them. Obviously, there is great attacking support in the midfield with Horan, Lavelle, and DeMelo. Most likely those three are also going to press and try to create something in the attack as well. It’s going to come down to whether the midfield and attack will be able to connect where it counts, i.e., in build-up plays, and in the box.

As for the backline, no issues there. I don’t really see the U.S. being challenged all that much defensively. They still have to watch out for China’s counterattacks and transitions, however in terms of possession and control, I can see the U.S. having the majority of possession in this match. Because of that the backline could be playing a higher line, which would mean Fox and Krueger driving the attack down the wings.

Overall, this is a good line up, but I’m interested to see how the U.S. is going to execute their attack in this match.

First Half Notes

USWNT 1-0.

Great goal from Sophia Smith, and great assist from Rodman. It’s great to see them connecting in the attack. Although, I would’ve liked to see more of it in this first half.

If there’s one word I can use to describe the U.S.’s attack in this match, it would be enthusiastic. The attack is enthusiastic to get into the box and create plays and chances, but the problem is while they are getting in the box, there isn’t much connection in there. It comes across as, “any one of you, I don’t care, just get in the box and score.” There needs to be more of a method to this madness because once the U.S. gets in the box, it just looks chaotic. At the same time, there’s also too much hesitation from the U.S. around the box. It’s great that they are getting these touches, but it’s all for naught because China is able to get back there, surround them, and lock down their defense.

In regard to the U.S.’s control and possession in this match, it is still what I expected. The U.S. is maintaining control and possession. I especially like how well the U.S. is putting China under pressure. DeMelo and Rodman have been unforgiving with their pressure on the China backline and keeper. Sonnett is also applying that pressure as well.

Overall, this is a very aggressive display and performance from the U.S. so far. While it is enjoyable to see the pace and intensity from the team and players, there needs to be more method and organization to this madness and chaos that is the U.S. attack. Right now, it just looks like the team drank a lot of energy drinks and are all over the pitch.

Second Half/Closing Notes

USWNT Wins 3-0.

Great goals in this second half from Horan and Rodman. Jaedyn Shaw was a standout in this second half. She had some great touches on the ball, along with great services.

There was definitely a change of pace in this second half. I think Kilgore may’ve wanted the team to be more patient on the ball, focus on organization, and creating better plays and touches. Those did improve. You could see it in the second half; the U.S. being more tactical and better organized when they slowed things down. I’m sure they’ll eventually be able to up their pace and play like they did in the first half, but like I mentioned earlier, there needs to be a method to the madness, a game plan when the team decides to up their pace.

In this second half, the team was able to connect better in the box, but what is needing to be worked on is finishing, along with creating more services and better connection. It’s not a bad performance from the U.S., there just needs to be a more balanced and stable attack going forward. Perhaps the team is needing to work more on tactics and organization first, and then the pace and intensity will follow.

Overall, this was a fun performance from the U.S. Yes, there are things the team still needs to work on, but with consistency, it’ll get there.