Fansided

Sam Mewis, Julie Ertz key USWNT victory over Brazil in SheBelieves Cup

By Jordan Small

TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 05: Samantha Mewis #3 of the USA looks to pass the ball over Erika #4 of Brazil in the first half during the She Believes Cupat Raymond James Stadium on March 05, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 05: Samantha Mewis #3 of the USA looks to pass the ball over Erika #4 of Brazil in the first half during the She Believes Cupat Raymond James Stadium on March 05, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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The USWNT finished up the SheBelieves Cup on Tuesday with a 1-0 win over Brazil.

The third time’s the charm for the US in the SheBelieves Cup as they finally broke out a win in the tournament. Tobin Heath scored the lone goal for the US early in the first half to help the team break a two-game draw streak. One of the biggest differences in this game was the addition of Sam Mewis to the starting lineup.

Mewis came into the lineup, replacing Rose Lavelle in the midfield. It immediately made an impact because it allowed Mallory Pugh to open up in the attack. Early on, Pugh was freer to get into the attack and she did that in the first few minutes, getting into the box and almost scoring.

Another positive of having Mewis in the lineup was it added more height in the middle of the park. Especially in the midfield, it is important to have that height to win 50-50 balls and free kicks. It also was a nice compliment to Julie Ertz in the defensive midfield spot because unlike Lavelle, Mewis has a bit more of a defensive presence.

When it comes to the World Cup, the US will need the best from both Mewis and Ertz. Their ability to balance both the attack and defensive responsibilities is vital to the success of the backline in particular. They are key in holding the two lines together and that was apparent in the win over Brazil.

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Because these two are so important to the success of the US at the World Cup, it is important that they do not get injured. Ertz was beaten up a lot in the game against Brazil and many were surprised when she was not subbed off the second time she went down with a hard knock. With under 95 days until France, the US needs to do everything it can to protect these two. Especially with the NWSL season coming up, these next few months are crucial to the World Cup run.

The US will now have roughly a month off from the national team before they take on Australia in Colorado. The NWSL preseason kicked off on Monday so most of the next month will be focused on club team play.

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