With defense floundering, it’s time to appreciate USWNT attack
By Jordan Small
The USWNT’s defense has struggled throughout the SheBelieves Cup, but the tournament has also showed off the team’s attacking prowess.
If there’s one lesson for the USWNT from the SheBelieves Cup so far, it’s that the defense needs work. From the midfield to the backline to the goalkeeper, things have been rough for the U.S. without the ball. And yet the attack remains as potent as ever. Four of the most impactful players so far in this tournament have been Tobin Heath, Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe and Christen Press. The first three have started both games while Press has been coming off the bench. Each has had their own impact on the tournament so far and will continue to carry this team into France.
Let’s start with Heath. She’s always been a player who will get her teammates into position because of her ability to move with the ball at her feet. In the first two games, Heath put on a footwork clinic. Against Japan in the first game, she recorded an assist on the first goal by driving to the end line. Her ability to create space is what makes her so dangerous. This is the most confident Heath has looked in years, and it’s coming at the right time for the U.S.
On the other side of the field is Rapinoe. If any player has gotten better with age, it’s her. The 33-year-old has scored in both games this tournament and her goal against England in the second game was a rocket. Off the half volley, Rapinoe tucked the ball away into the upper 90. If the U.S. o far in the World Cup this summer, it will be in large part due to these two wingers. Their ability to create space for others while also being in prime position to score makes it difficult for other teams to defend.
Morgan is probably the purest goalscorer on the U.S. roster right now. Morgan sits just one goal away from 100 in her career. She’s in prime form right now and has scored 26 goals in her last 30 games for the national team. If any one player could put this team on their back going into France, it’s Morgan. She has the ability to score at will and her speed makes her one of the hardest players to stop right now. The World Cup is still a few months away, but if she can stay in top shape, Morgan will be the name to watch for the U.S. at the tournament.
And finally, Press. She has the talent to start, but right now she just doesn’t fit head coach Jill Ellis’ ideal starting XI. Press has the ability to create and also run past people. She’s had a better time of it in this tournament than a number of attacking players in the midfield, but Ellis has elected to stick with the same starting XI in both games. If Ellis continues to play Press off the bench, she has the ability to come in and out-run a worn out backline with her fresh legs. Heading into France, it will be interesting to see if Press can work her way into the starting lineup, or whether she remains an impact sub.
Next. The best player on every team at the World Cup. dark
When the U.S. take on Brazil on Tuesday night, they’ll need to get ahead early. If they win and Japan and England draw, the U.S. have the opportunity to win the SheBelieves Cup on goal differential. The attack is going to be very important on Tuesday night and will continue to be as the World Cup draws near.
The U.S. will take on Brazil on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. ET. The game can be found on Fox Sports 1.