Pre Match Notes

After coming off of a 4-0 win against South Korea in their first meeting, the U.S. Women’s National Team will be meeting South Korea again for their second friendly. Now that both teams know what to expect from one another, it is likely this match could go differently from the first. South Korea is likely to lock down their defense even more, while also looking to catch the U.S. off guard early on. On the other hand, the U.S. is still likely to have the most possession and control, while also continuing to implement Emma Hayes’ tactics and strategies.

When it came to the U.S.’s first meeting with South Korea, the match went well. There was great control and possession, as well as good movement in the midfield and attack. The passes and touches between the attacking players were, for the most part, connected and clean. The chemistry between the players also appeared to be more fluid, when compared to last year. Obviously, the team still isn’t 100 percent perfect, however, this first meeting with South Korea went better than expected. With the arrival of Emma Hayes, the U.S. Team has shown a lot of growth and potential, and hopefully the team continues to thrive under Hayes’ guidance.

When it comes to this second match against South Korea, the challenge for the U.S. is going to involve breaking through South Korea’s backline and defense, in addition to solidifying their connection and chemistry in the attack. This is where that connection in the box is going to be important for the U.S. Despite the U.S. doing well with their control, movement, and build-up plays, the connection and finishing in the box still appears to be an issue for this U.S. team. This has been a problem for some time, but hopefully it will be one that the team and Hayes can sort out.

Line Up Notes

Starting Eleven: We have Casey Murphy in the goal. For defenders Jenna Nighswonger, Emily Sonnett, Casey Krueger, and Sam Staab. For midfielders Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, and Korbin Albert. For forwards Alex Morgan, Jaedyn Shaw, and Crystal Dunn.

Substitutes: Naomi Girma, Lily Yohannes, Catarina Macario, Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith, Tierna Davidson, Hal Hershfelt, Sam Coffey, Aubrey Kingsbury, Jane Campbell, Trinity Rodman, Emily.

Leading up to this match, Emma Hayes said, the line up for this game was going to be different from game one. So far, Hayes is true to her word. Staab, Krueger, Lavelle, Albert, Dunn, and Shaw, who came on in the second half of game one, are now starting in game two, in addition to Sonnett and Morgan. When it came to the second half of game one, there was good press in the attack, as well as better support in the box. In regard to game two, it is likely we will see that same press and drive from this group of players

As mentioned earlier, the midfield and attack will have no issue getting forward and creating chances. The challenge is going to involve breaking down South Korea’s defense, connecting in the box, and finishing. In regard to the midfield, while it is likely Horan and Lavelle will be pressing with the attack, it’s still going to be interesting to see how well Horan, Lavelle, and Albert will be able to control the midfield. Albert, much like Sam Coffey, needs to make her presence more known, especially when it comes to more defensive play. Granted, in game one, Coffey was able to settle and grow into the game. This could also be the case with Albert, however, it is just a minor concern for this match. South Korea may challenge the U.S. early on, but as seen in game one, it will ultimately be the U.S. in complete control.

First Half Notes

USWNT 1-0.

Goal Scorers for the U.S.: Dunn (1).

Dunn would score off an assist from Nighswonger.

It’s not the most exciting first half. There was more back and forth between both sides, with South Korea being able to get their attack forward, and create a handful of good chances. In regard to the U.S., the team has been able to get forward; however, they were also struggling to break through South Korea’s defense. There’s still good movement in the midfield and attack, as well as good buildup plays; however, the attack is falling apart around South Korea’s defensive third. The players are struggling to connect with certain touches and passes, and don’t look to be on the same page all that much. This could be due to the rain, or the wet conditions on the pitch.

Going into the second half, U.S. needs to create more chances, in addition to improving their attacking chemistry. Touches and movement in the attacking third needs to be quicker, and better connected.

Second Half and Closing Notes

USWNT Wins 3-0.

Goal Scorers for the U.S.: Dunn (1), Smith (1), Yohannes (1).

Rodman’s cross would find Swanson. Swanson would touch it over to Smith, who gets around the goalkeeper, and scores. A U.S. corner kick would be played short for Rodman. Rodman’s cross would go past everyone to find Yohannes at the end. Yohannes would score her first goal for the U.S. Women’s National Team.

Rodman, Swanson, and Smith would come on for Nighswonger, Lavelle, and Morgan in the 62nd minute, and truthfully, it made all the difference. There was more energy in the U.S. attack, more risks being taken in the attacking third. Rodman, Swanson, Smith, and Shaw were breaking through South Korea’s backline and creating more chances. This change of pace was definitely welcomed and needed, because the first half was just too slow, and not enough risks were being taken. Shaw also appeared to be more active in the second half with the arrivals of Rodman, Swanson, and Smith. Playing Shaw with those three would be more beneficial to her, and the attack. Yohannes also coming in and scoring on her international debut was also great to see as well.

When it comes to the U.S.’s attack in this second half, there was better connection after the substitutions, as well as more chances being created. There were moments where South Korea were able to get on the ball, and attack the U.S.; however, Coffey, Murphy, and the rest of the team did well to shut down South Korea’s attack. South Korea’s defensive effort in this match was tough to break through, but it wasn’t impossible. The U.S. just needed to be more aggressive and take more risks.