Pre-Match Notes: After coming away with a 3-0 win against China in their first meeting, last Saturday, December 2nd, the U.S. Women’s National Team will be meeting China for the second time to close out 2023. The USWNT is hoping to come away with one last win to end what was a challenging year that saw many defeats, and many ups and downs.

When it came to the U.S.’s first meeting with China, it was very much a tale of two halves. There was the first half where it was like the U.S. was trying to overwhelm China’s backline and defense with a barrage of attacks and heavy pressing. Then there was the second half, where the U.S. dialed it back and were more technical and organized. I was especially impressed with Jaedyn Shaw in the second half. She had some good crosses and services, however, the connection in the box along with finishing were lacking in both the first and second halves.

Honestly, I liked how the U.S. was playing in the first half. I liked seeing that intensity and drive from the team. It’s refreshing because I feel like it’s something the team has been missing. However, when the U.S. was trying to play with this quick pace, the organization and structure suffered. It looked chaotic, especially in the box. There’s nothing wrong with the team wanting to up their pace and play with intensity, but they have to make sure that they’re not losing their stability and structure in the process.

The second half was somewhat better because the attacking plays appeared to be cleaner. There needs to be a balance between how the U.S. played in the first and second halves. How can the U.S. maintain this quick and aggressive pace and playstyle, without losing their organization and structure? When the U.S. figures that out, they should be all right, provided that they can sort out everything else, connection, chemistry, consistency, finishing, etc.

When it comes to this match against China, I would like to see the U.S. maintain an aggressive attack. Quick pace and movement would be good, but I want to see better organization and connection, especially when the team is in the box. I also want to see the U.S. keep up their pressure like in the last match. I think the build-up plays from the U.S. are good, but connection in the box and finishing is something the team has to figure out.

Line Up Notes

Starting Eleven: We have Aubrey Kingsbury in the goal. For defenders Tierna Davidson, Naomi Girma, and Emily Fox. In the midfield, Sam Coffey, Lindsey Horan, Emily Sonnett, and Jenna Nighswonger. And for forwards Lynn Williams, Ashley Hatch, and Jaedyn Shaw.

Substitutes: Casey Murphy, Abby Dahlkemper, Alana Cook, Trinity Rodman, Midge Purce, Sophia Smith, Rose Lavelle, Alyssa Thompson, Casey Krueger, Savannah DeMelo, Olivia Moultrie, Korbin Albert.

Not Dressing: Jane Campbell, Mia Fishel, M.A. Vignola.

Interesting line up. Very interesting line up. I’m not entirely sure what formation the U.S. is playing in. It could be a 3-4-3, but at the same time, it could be anything, maybe even a 3-5-2, with Shaw dropping back to the midfield. Truthfully, it would be cool if the U.S. was actually playing with a three-back, but I feel like Sonnett, or Nighswonger could be playing in the backline.

Nighswonger was listed as a midfielder on the U.S. roster, but she could also play as a left back. Sonnett can also play as a center back. However, in the last match against China, I thought Sonnett was doing well in the midfield, especially when it came to pressing with the attack and recovering possession. I can definitely see the benefit of having both Coffey and Sonnett in the midfield for this match because they would be able to provide more control and stability in the midfield, along with added support in the attack.

Like in the last match, I do not see China putting up much of a challenge, so I think having more players in the midfield and pressing with the attack would be something to try and experiment with. At the same time, it would be nice to see the U.S. try something different, whether it be a three-back, or having an extra player in the midfield or up top as a forward.

First Half Notes

China 1-0.

That goal was somewhat unexpected from China. It came from a corner kick. Kingsbury couldn’t get a touch on it, and it was headed across the goal, then tapped in by a China player.

Given how the U.S. has been playing in this first half, it’s not surprising that the U.S. Team has yet to score. Yes, the U.S. has had the most possession and control in this game. They were creating a lot of crosses and services, but what’s killing this team in this game so far is the lack of connection in the box. It’s practically nonexistent, and because of that, the U.S. players were resorting to shots from distance or outside. There’s little to no chemistry in the midfield and attack, and truthfully, it’s not a good first half. You can have all this possession, but if you can’t do anything with it, then it’s all for naught.

Going into the second half, I’m expecting the U.S. to come back. They definitely can, but they need to play with more urgency and connect better in the box. That connection in the box and in the attack is a must at this point if the U.S. wants to get on the scoreboard.

Second Half/Closing Notes:

USWNT Wins 2-1.

Great goals from Coffey and Shaw. The second half was a lot better with the substitutions. There appeared to be more urgency and pressing in the attack. Additionally, the U.S. was putting China’s backline under pressure, and because of that, the U.S. was able to create more and better chances. I was especially impressed with Jaedyn Shaw in both of these games. She wasn’t able to create many chances in the first half, but the second half started to open up more, and her services were much better and cleaner. She is definitely a player Kilgore (and Hayes) should develop more.

Overall, it wasn’t a bad performance from the U.S., but at the same time, it also wasn’t their best. There is still a lot of work needing to be done, especially when it comes to the connection and chemistry in the attack and in the box. It got better in the second half, but it needs more consistency and development.

There’s plenty of potential on this team already, but the challenge for Twila Kilgore, and later Emma Hayes, is going to be figuring out how to get this team to connect and play together, especially in the attack, where the U.S. went into the World Cup missing that. It’s something to think about as the USWNT moves into the new year and starts preparing for the Olympics.