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USWNT match ratings against Thailand: This was Alex Morgan’s night

By Kevin Parvizi

REIMS, FRANCE - JUNE 11: Alex Morgan of the USA celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's eighth goal during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France group F match between USA and Thailand at Stade Auguste Delaune on June 11, 2019 in Reims, France. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
REIMS, FRANCE - JUNE 11: Alex Morgan of the USA celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's eighth goal during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France group F match between USA and Thailand at Stade Auguste Delaune on June 11, 2019 in Reims, France. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) /
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The USWNT dominated Thailand in their first 2019 World Cup game, and Alex Morgan grabbed her fifth goal with a fabulous finish to punctuate a dominant display.

While France, England, Germany, and others can lay claim to being among the favorites in the 2019 World Cup, the USWNT entered the tournament as the favorites. After winning the tournament in 2015, expectations are high for the United States under manager Jill Ellis, and they got off to a dream start against Thailand.

From Sam Mewis to Alex Morgan, the United States’ deadly attack was showcased to perfection, as Thailand were left helpless. The USWNT defense was never really tested, allowing their midfielder players to roam free. This team will be tested much more by Sweden, who won their first game 2-0 against Chile after a rough start, but this was an emphatic statement of dominance from the defending champs.

Here are full match ratings for the USWNT after their 13-0 win to begin Group F.

GK Alyssa Naeher 6/10

She scarcely had a thing to do, so there really isn’t a point in grading her performance. But whenever Alyssa Naeher was called upon to collect the ball, she looked composed. The USWNT’s first two games against Thailand and Chile won’t test her, but they may serve to help her grow in confidence before the final group stage game against Sweden and the bigger knockout games. France could be the USWNT’s first knockout-round opponent, and that will give fans a better indication of how assured Naeher is in goal.

LB Crystal Dunn 7.5/10

One of the team’s most important players, Crystal Dunn’s growing defensive capabilities and sheer class on the ball as an attacker will make her a tournament favorite against tougher opponents. Dunn didn’t play a critical role against Thailand, but she looked impressive. Dangerous touches and teasing passes marked Dunn’s day against Thailand, and she’ll be called upon defensively far more as the tournament continues.

CB Julie Ertz 7.5/10

Asked to play centerback for the first time in years due to Becky Sauerbrunn’s injury, Julie Ertz acquitted herself well in a more defensive role while still looking dangerous inside the box on set pieces. Ertz is an aggressive player who has her eye on the goal whenever a shooting opportunity emerges, and she’s a capable defender whose experience makes her one of the USWNT’s most versatile players. This was a comfortable display from the Chicago Red Stars midfielder.

CB Abby Dahlkemper 7/10

Abby Dahlkemper is one of the NWSL’s best defensive players, but the North Carolina Courage star wasn’t really tasked to do much defending against Thailand. That said, Dahlkemper showed off her renowned range of passing and aided the build-up from the back. Dahlkemper will be a crucial player for the USWNT against the best of the best, not only for her work on defense but also for her composure on the ball.

RB Kelley O’Hara 8/10

Constantly bombing forward, Kelley O’Hara made quite the impression in the USWNT’s first World Cup game this year. O’Hara assisted the first goal with a cheeky chipped cross to superstar Alex Morgan, and her long ball helped set up the second for midfielder Rose Lavelle after some clever interplay with Morgan. Furthermore, O’Hara showed up defensively, making a last-ditch tackle on a rare counter-attacking opportunity for the underdogs. Going forward, O’Hara’s excellent crossing on the overlap and athleticism on defense will be key for the United States.