It’s been almost a full calendar year since the United States Women’s National Team was tested on the field. No offense to Colombia, who gave the United States a 10-0 warm-up over two matches in January. But playing Canada and Brazil just has more gravity to it. That difference level in competition has been on display so far in the 2021 SheBelieves Cup.
While the red, white, and blue have come away from both matches with victories, and are well on their way to winning their fourth SheBelieves Cup, out of a possible six; there is still room for improvement from the four-time World Cup champions. Specifically, in giving less experienced players more opportunities to shine on the field.
Feb. 18 – USA vs. Canada
Thursday’s tournament opener against their neighbors to the north gave a glimpse into what the United States could look like going into the 2023 World Cup. On the defensive wings, coach Vlatko Andonovski went with young veteran Crystal Dunn and relatively new senior team member Margaret “Midge” Purce. Between the two fullbacks was the new Manchester City signing Abby Dahlkemper. Midfielder Lindsey Horan managed the midfield alongside 21-year-old Catarina Macario, who recently graduated Stanford with 63 goals in 68 games and opted for Lyon of France’s Division 1 Feminine instead of the National Women’s Soccer League. In the offensive half of the field was Lynn Williams.
Alongside those names were the players that supporters of the USA have recognized for years. Veterans like Alyssa Naeher, Becky Sauerbrunn, Julie Ertz, Carli Lloyd, and Megan Rapinoe. Overall, the United States had their fair share of chances but weren’t creative enough to break through a compact Canada squad. A squad that lost their starting goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan in the first ten minutes.
The moment looked big for Macario, the first naturalized citizen in the history of the United States National Team after being born in Brazil. She had trouble adjusting to a tough Canadian side over her 62 minutes on the field. Williams had a strong performance and challenged the veteran goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé. However, no one could find the other side of her crosses into the box.
When Rose Lavelle, Christen Press, and Alex Morgan came in as second-half substitutes, the fresh legs of three superstar athletes were too much to handle, and Lavelle ultimately broke the deadlock in the 79th minute.
Feb. 21 – USA vs. Brazil
Fast-forward to Sunday and Andonovski went with a lineup featuring eight players that started in the 2019 World Cup final. The only name close to a surprise was Emily Sonnett. Brazil and Canada are tied in the FIFA rankings are 8th, but they played a completely different style than Canada. Brazil and the United States have a long history, and the yellow-clad Brazilians don’t play afraid, even though they came in never beating the USA in the United States.
Marta, Debinha, and the Brazil senior squad played a high-pressure game. No players in the United States had much time once they received the ball, but their motivation on the field led to a lot of mistakes; mistakes that let the United States pounce. In the 11th minute, Christen Press scored a beautiful curling shot into the far corner of the net, shooting across the front of Brazilian keeper Bárbara.
Defensively though, especially with the aforementioned Sonnett, there were lapses that led to Brazilian chances. A few minutes after the US took the lead, when receiving a ball in their defensive 18-yard box, Sonnett opted to not clear the ball but instead had a weak pass that turned into a dangerous Brazil interception. In the 29thminute, Sonnett then pulled Marta down in the midfield when it was clear that she wasn’t about to catch her.
Overall, the match was a lot of skilled moves on both sides, and timely defense. At one point, Dunn, who was everywhere and seems to be able to play any position she wants; tracked back and made a sliding block in front of Naeher to maintain the lead for the United States. Offensively, starter Morgan and Williams couldn’t seem to get on the same page.
One positive for the future of the USA was Sophia Smith’s substitution into the match. When Brazil was charging, and the lead still only at 1-0, the Stanford soccer standout was brought in for Williams. A huge moment for the 20-year-old forward. She had one chance on a late counterattack, but Brazil cut off the passing lane to an open Megan Rapinoe and was forced into a tough shot.
The United States won 2-0, with a Megan Rapinoe goal late in the contest to seal the three points. While they are not guaranteed to win the SheBelieves Cup; they are in first place with 6 points and face off against 31stranked Argentina; who lost 4-1 to Brazil and lost 1-0 in the dying seconds of their match against Canada. For a side as powerful as the United States, their chances of being the first back-to-back SheBelieves Champion is strong.
Feb. 24 – USA vs. Argentina Roster
With that in mind, there needs to be a stronger mix of youth and experience on the field Wednesday night. For many of the players on this squad; it will be the final chance they get to play and train in front of the US coach who will decide who starts this summer’s Olympic games. Here’s what it could look like:
Starting someone like a 22-year-old defender; Chicago Red Star in the NWSL, Tierna Davidson next to 35-year-old captain Sauerbrunn would go a long way in the development of a future star. Purce, Macario, and Smith should also start on the right side. Give them solid minutes together as a way to start chemistry that could lead the team for at least five years. At goalkeeper, Houston Dash starter, and 26-year-old Jane Campbell. This group also has a mixture of current veterans. And could see all of them on the team during the 2023 World Cup cycle. Upfront is Williams because she deserves a goal and would be dangerous as a striker.
We’ll see what lineup they choose Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET. A draw or victory guarantees the trophy for the United States. Check back after the tournament to see who Beyond Women’s Soccer would choose for the 18-player 2021 Olympic roster.
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