I would not say this was a much anticipated rematch of the World Cup Final as this has been such an odd year at all levels. It was thought to be a test of where the US team is as they had not played together in so long, while European national teams have been playing. Where the USWNT is, is the same as ever, the best, their GK did not make a save, the opponent did not have a shot, literally and figuratively. The team they put out there was very close to the teams in the past, with Williams and Press rather than the injured Lloyd and not yet fit Morgan, what difference did it make, other than not putting more shots on frame, not much. Rather than drone on about a game they had in had from the opening minute, feel free to go to the Facebook of Soccer Long Island Magazine to see my comments as the game went on.
Williams a scoring machine at the club level was wild with her shots today, she had many great looks and just did not get them on net, nerves, maybe, typical of her at the international level, yes, more likely mental, you belong at this level just play your game. She was not the only one, she was however I felt the worst offender in this regard. Great to see the Mewis sisters play together for a time, one even scored, first time in 7 years for the NT. Morgan was a bit off, as would be expected with a 500+ day gap in last USWNT games. Naher, not a clue, she was never pressed did come out for a ball collide with a Dutch player both seemed ok, and had a bit of a bump with one of her players, not much contact. She also did well grabbing a few crosses. The defense played well, they stayed in form, intercepted many passes, won their tackles and were never really under much stress. Dunn was great getting forward and getting involved with the offense as usual. It was a total team victory as no weakness was ever really exposed, even with the subs. I would have thought more would have been used and earlier, just to get a look at the others and give the starters a rest. Literally minutes prior to the goal by Lavelle, I commented that they need a goal by the half to help themselves and take some hope from their opponents, then she did just that.
During the game it was stated that Lloyd will be 40 at the Olympics, no doubt she will be able to play providing she is fit, she and/or Morgan do put away a few of the chances Williams had, they do lack her pace but more than make up for that with their presence, guile and finishing. Most of the subs did not get enough of the game to really make much of a mark but none were out classed by the next level in international play. The future which was afforded the briefest of sneak peeks does seem bright. Of course with our Long Island bias, would like to see Allie Long back and Pinto get a look soon.
The midfield did well, the forwards did not take all their chances and those that were taken were by and large not taken well, well too many by Press, Heath etc. went far off frame. Press had a hand in so many goals of late, I had hoped with her start she would have gotten one, by the chances afforded she and others may have gotten more than one, but no, not a one did so. If this is their biggest issue and they handle the #4 team on the planet as well as they did today, that would be a great issue to have.