The U.S. Women’s National Team are back in action on Friday. Here are three keys to their match against Chile.
The USWNT are now four weeks removed from winning the Tournament of Nations. They’ll welcome Chile to the west coast for two final friendlies before World Cup qualifiers take place. The first match is on Friday at 8 p.m. PT at the StubHub Center in Carson, California. Here are three keys to the game.
Find someone to fill in for Rapinoe
It was announced on Monday that forward Megan Rapinoe has been ruled out of the upcoming friendlies vs. Chile due to a rib injury. Amy Rodriguez was named to the roster as a replacement player. This now leaves the question: Who will fill in for Rapinoe in these two games?
Rapinoe excelled in the Tournament of Nations, especially alongside forward Alex Morgan. With Rapinoe out, expect to see more out of Tobin Heath and Mallory Pugh. Both play in the wing role Rapinoe has flourished in for the national team in recent years. Another big loss will be on free-kicks. Again, look for Heath to be the go-to player there.
Get O’Hara and Pugh minutes
Both Kelley O’Hara and Pugh have been out of the national team over the summer because of injuries. Chile aren’t a real threat to the U.S., especially in a tune-up friendly, so this is the time for head coach Jill Ellis to start integrating players back into the lineup.
O’Hara offers more depth to a very thin selection of outside backs. Don’t expect O’Hara to get a ton of time, though, because she’s played just 14 minutes since the middle of May. At least for the first game, Ellis should bring her on as a late sub to test her fitness.
Pugh, in contrast, has played fives games since returning from injury, and played at least 45 in three of those. Her role in these games will be to help fill the hole left by Rapinoe’s injury.
Embrace the unexpected
The USWNT have never played against Chile. This will be the fourth different South American country and the 52nd country they’ve faced. With the World Cup coming up next year, it’s important the team adapt and learn how to play against new teams with different styles.
Chile qualified for the 2019 World Cup by finishing second in the 2018 Copa America Femenina. This will be their first appearance in the tournament.