Pre-Match Notes

With the 2024 Paris Olympics drawing closer, and with the recent arrival of new national team head coach, Emma Hayes, the U.S. Women’s National Team is now set to face South Korea in two friendlies. This is not the first time the U.S. has met South Korea. Back in Fall of 2021, the U.S. would play South Korea in two friendlies. Game one would end in a 0-0 draw, while the second game would end in a 6-0 win favoring the the U.S. This time around, the U.S. has a new coach at the helm, with new strategies and tactics that will likely be focused on the team’s midfield and attack.

When it comes to this match against South Korea, it is likely we will see strong possession and control from the U.S. Because of that, the U.S. will have no issue getting their attack forward. What will be interesting to see is Emma Hayes’ tactics, as well as how the U.S. will go about breaking through South Korea’s backline and defense. This is where the U.S. will be able to work on building their attacking chemistry, as well as their attacking partnerships. The U.S. can come away with a win in this match, but it will depend on how well the team can connect in the attacking third.

Line Up Notes

Starting Eleven: We have Jane Campbell in the goal. For defenders Jenna Nighswonger, Naomi Girma, Tierna Davidson, and Emily Fox. In the midfield and attack: Lindsey Horan, Sam Coffey, Catarina Macario, Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith, and Trinity Rodman.

Substitutes: Casey Murphy, Sam Staab, Korbin Albert, Lily Yohannes, Jaedyn Shaw, Alex Morgan, Emily Sonnett, Hal Hershfelt, Rose Lavelle, Aubrey Kingsbury, Crystal Dunn, Casey Krueger.

It’s a good line up. It’s going to be interesting to see this attacking line of Macario, Swanson, Horan, Smith, and Rodman. Macario is returning to the national team after being out for some time, due to an ACL injury, and experiencing setbacks in her recovery. How she fits back into the team’s attack will definitely be something to watch out for. Swanson and Smith will provide good pace in the attack, however, there needs to be good support in the box.

As mentioned earlier, we could see a strong press in the U.S.’s attack, since they should have no issue getting forward; however, it’s still going to come down to the team being able to breakthrough South Korea’s backline, and connect with one another in the attack. Chemistry is going to be important for the team moving forward. They must be able to play together.

Shaw, Yohannes, Albert, and Morgan are available off the bench, and could come on in the second half. It would be great to see Shaw and Yohannes, especially since Shaw, in past games, has been dangerous in the U.S. attack. When it comes to Yohannes, she was called up for the 2024 SheBelieves Cup, but did not get any playtime. Right now, it’s crucial to see how she would fit in with this U.S. Team.

First Half Notes

USWNT 2-0.

Goal Scorers for the U.S.: Swanson (1), Davidson (1).

Smith’s touch in the box would slyly be picked up by Swanson, who would score the U.S.’s first goal. Davidson would score the U.S.’s second, after connecting with a corner kick.

This first half is going well for the U.S.. As expected, the U.S. were maintaining possession and were getting their attack forward. The issue is there needs to be better control in the midfield. The U.S., at times, were struggling when it came to playing under pressure; however, they were doing well at getting out of trouble in this half. Coffey has been making her presence more known in the midfield. If the U.S. can handle that pressure, they will be able to get their attack forward more effectively.

Additionally, they need to be careful when it comes to turnovers in the midfield. There were a few of those early on in the first half, but not so much as the half went on. This could’ve been due to the U.S. getting more adjusted.

When it comes to the U.S.’s attack, there were some good moments, in regard to build-up plays, touches, and movement; however, the connection and support in the box were still lacking. The attacking line of Rodman, Smith, Swanson, and Macario was doing well (especially Rodman and Macario). However, they need to keep getting forward, keep creating chances, and make sure to support one another in the box. Hayes has been trying to get everyone forward, and the team needs to do that consistently.

Second Half and Closing Notes

USWNT Wins 4-0.

Goal Scorers for the U.S.: Swanson (2), Davidson (2).

Identical to her goal in the first half, Davidson would score her second, after connecting with another corner kick. Swanson would get her second, after an assist/touch from Lavelle.

Overall, the U.S. completely dominated this second half. There was no real threat from South Korea even when they reached the U.S.’s defensive third. The backline and midfield did well when it came to recovering possession. The overall pace in the midfield and attack was great to see. There was good movement and control in the midfield, as well as good connected touches and passes in the attack.

The U.S. appeared to be more settled in this second half, and were doing well when it came to breaking through South Korea’s backline and defense. Lavelle coming in, was able to find openings in South Korea’s backline, and create chances, one of which being an assist for Swanson.

Something the U.S. is still needing to work on is their connection and finishing in the box. Granted, there was more support and more chances being created, however, the team needs to put them away. Besides that, this was a good performance from the U.S. It definitely appears as though the team is moving in the right direction, and Hayes’ tactics are working.