Pre Match Notes

After coming away with a dominant 4-1 win against Germany, the U.S. Women’s National is set to advance to the the quarterfinals. The U.S. put on a commanding performance against Germany, where the U.S. was able to maintain control for the majority of the match, and completely breakthrough the German backline. There was great connection in the attack with Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Smith, and great movement and build-up in the midfield and attack. Even in the second half, when the U.S. allowed Germany to get on the ball more, it was still very clear that the U.S. was in control, able to shut down Germany’s attack, recover possession, and launch dangerous counterattacks.

Since the U.S. is already through to the quarterfinals the team does not need to win this match against Australia. We could see some rotation in the line up, which would allow for some of the U.S.’s regular starters to rest ahead of the quarterfinals. This will be beneficial for the team and players in the long run.

Australia is coming off of a 3-0 loss to Germany, and an impressive 6-5 win against Zambia. While Australia did better against Zambia, their 6-5 win is not anything the U.S. needs to worry about provided that the U.S. can keep up their defense. Tierna Davidson will be missing in the backline, due to an injury she picked up against Germany; however, it is likely Emily Sonnett may start in her place.

As long as the U.S. is able to keep possession and maintain a strong attacking press, the U.S. Team will have no issue breaking through Australia’s defense. The team still has to watch out for Australia’s transitions and counterattack, but given how well the U.S. was able to shut down Germany’s attack, the U.S. should be able to manage this game, and hopefully grab another win.

Line Up Notes

Starting Eleven: We have Alyssa Naeher in the goal. For defenders Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Crystal Dunn, and Emily Sonnett. In the midfield Lindsey Horan, Sam Coffey, and Rose Lavelle. For forwards Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson.

Substitutes: Korbin Albert, Casey Krueger, Lynn Williams, Jenna Nighswonger, Casey Murphy, Croix Bethune, Emily Sams.

Overall, it’s a good line up. No changes in the midfield and attack. We’re likely to see good control and possession from the team, as well as good connection in the midfield and attack. Chemistry in the midfield and attack has also been getting better too. There was some concern leading up to the Olympics on whether this team will be able to connect and play together, and so far the U.S. has been doing well in that area.

First Half Notes

USWNT 1-0.

Goal Scorer for the U.S.: Rodman (1).

A loose ball would remain in the Australia box after a U.S. corner kick. Rodman would eventually get to it and score. Australia would claim it was offside. After a five minute check in additional time, the goal would stand.

Overall, it’s not a bad first half for the U.S. Things were quieter early on in the first half, but it started to pick up as the match went on. There was good game management from the U.S., as the team were doing well when it came to maintaining control and possession. The attack is still getting forward and was successful at breaking through Australia’s backline on the wings. There were a few good build up plays from the U.S., but not much in terms of connection and finishing in the box.

While the U.S. is likely to maintain a strong level of control in the second half, they have to be cautious when it comes to Australia, as the Australians were starting to pick up momentum late in the first half. If the U.S. can grab another goal, make some substitutions, and keep control, they should do well in the second half.

Second Half and Closing Notes

USWNT Wins 2-1.

Goal Scorers for the U.S.: Rodman (1), Albert (1).

Albert would score from outside the box.

The second half was definitely more exciting than the first. There appeared to be more urgency in the U.S. attack, in regard to getting forward and creating chances. Albert’s goal from outside the box sealed the win for the U.S. Australia was aggressive with their attack as the half started to wind down. They would start to increase their pressure on the U.S. backline, eventually securing their first goal in additional time.

Control and game management from the U.S. was overall good; however, it could have been better as the game started to come to a close. Closing out games is going to be important for this U.S. team in their upcoming matches, especially if they have to defend a one-goal lead. Despite that, the U.S. backline and defense did well, and were able to hold off Australia’s attack. The U.S. attack may have struggled to connect and finish in box, nevertheless the team still managed to get the job done. Mission accomplished and now onto the Olympic Quarterfinals.

The USWNT will be meeting Japan in the Olympic Quarterfinals this Saturday at 9:00AM EST.