2023 Women's World Cup - USA team thread

[LaJollaCreek]

Funny how respect for the country you are representing is now “triggered.”

If they don’t appreciate the opportunity to represent their county, I am sure other countries would take them.

I guess they are “victims”.

Huhhhh, some sang, some didn't. Just like any NFL and MLB event....but then again like I said some people like to be told to be "triggered" so great job. The feaux outrage police come out for the dumbest of things. LOL....wahhhh, they all didn't sing and they are girls to boot....exile must be next. Too funny.

 

[LaJollaCreek]

We got lucky. Portugal was the better team tonight. I don't have any confidence that this team will get back to the Final.

No doubt....I don't see them getting by Sweden. They have zero build up play and you can only send the ball over the top so many times before maybe you change tactics. Portugal looked more skilled simply due to this kick it over the top and hope Morgan, Smith, or Williams gets their first. Horan and Lovell where bypassed all match long.

 

[Connorpozlee]

Huhhhh, some sang, some didn't. Just like any NFL and MLB event....but then again like I said some people like to be told to be "triggered" so great job. The feaux outrage police come out for the dumbest of things. LOL....wahhhh, they all didn't sing and they are girls to boot....exile must be next. Too funny.

It’s crazy to me. I honestly don’t give a **** if somebody sings the national anthem or not. What if they sing the national anthem but they sing “the rockets red flare” instead of “the rockets red glare”? Also disrespecting the country? There is always a step further to take your rage.
I haven’t seen a second of this World Cup but the team less than impressive. What’s the deal? Is it just a team getting older and unable to play at the level they used to? Is it bad coaching?

 

[LaJollaCreek]

It’s crazy to me. I honestly don’t give a **** if somebody sings the national anthem or not. What if they sing the national anthem but they sing “the rockets red flare” instead of “the rockets red glare”? Also disrespecting the country? There is always a step further to take your rage.
I haven’t seen a second of this World Cup but the team less than impressive. What’s the deal? Is it just a team getting older and unable to play at the level they used to? Is it bad coaching?

Agree and it's honestly just a few people in the media telling folks to be triggered so they are. The ones that don't like soccer, don't watch the sport at all, but feel the need to be outraged over this.

They are actually younger in a lot of spots and haven't played really well under this new coach in over a year. This mornings game could have been a U12 game for the US as all they did was try to serve the ball behind Portugal's back line it seemed all night. The midfield was bypassed or were pretty bad in possession when they did get the ball. I don't see them getting by Sweden(probable opponent) in the next round unless some major switch goes on. They have talent, but they really don't have any ability to switch it up from a tactical standpoint it seems.

 

[kennyhim]

Agree and it's honestly just a few people in the media telling folks to be triggered so they are. The ones that don't like soccer, don't watch the sport at all, but feel the need to be outraged over this.

They are actually younger in a lot of spots and haven't played really well under this new coach in over a year. This mornings game could have been a U12 game for the US as all they did was try to serve the ball behind Portugal's back line it seemed all night. The midfield was bypassed or were pretty bad in possession when they did get the ball. I don't see them getting by Sweden(probable opponent) in the next round unless some major switch goes on. They have talent, but they really don't have any ability to switch it up from a tactical standpoint it seems.

This teams attack isn't clicking tactically. Whether it's poor releasing or just plan yips when shooting, they just aren't dangerous in front of the goal. In the Netherlands game, you could see Smith/Rodman giving the pass to morgan too late resulting in offside or intercepted pass. Portugal game was there worse game yet .. just aimless volley ball. It's been an ongoing issue with the USWNT under Vlatko. He hasn't found a formation or lineup that consistently puts the ball in the net. I don't expect it to suddenly get better, so they'll need some luck against Sweden.

 

[LionJim]

This teams attack isn't clicking tactically. Whether it's poor releasing or just plan yips when shooting, they just aren't dangerous in front of the goal. In the Netherlands game, you could see Smith/Rodman giving the pass to morgan too late resulting in offside or intercepted pass. Portugal game was there worse game yet .. just aimless volley ball. It's been an ongoing issue with the USWNT under Vlatko. He hasn't found a formation or lineup that consistently puts the ball in the net. I don't expect it to suddenly get better, so they'll need some luck against Sweden.

Any substitutions today?

 

[GreggK]

Agree and it's honestly just a few people in the media telling folks to be triggered so they are. The ones that don't like soccer, don't watch the sport at all, but feel the need to be outraged over this.

They are actually younger in a lot of spots and haven't played really well under this new coach in over a year. This mornings game could have been a U12 game for the US as all they did was try to serve the ball behind Portugal's back line it seemed all night. The midfield was bypassed or were pretty bad in possession when they did get the ball. I don't see them getting by Sweden(probable opponent) in the next round unless some major switch goes on. They have talent, but they really don't have any ability to switch it up from a tactical standpoint it seems.

No one is telling me to get "triggered". First, I don't really watch much of the news. Second, much to your surprise, I am pretty left on the spectrum as anyone on the old test board should know. And I normally don't care, in fact, I don't even think they should be playing the anthem during non-national team games.

Rapinoe doesn't sing because she doesn't think our country deserves it. She has said it. So I ask, why play for the national team then? It makes no sense. Why represent a country that you think doesn't afford the same freedoms to everybody? Seems a bit hypocritical to me. Don't get me wrong, there a lot wrong with this country and a lot that needs to be fixed, but the weirdos from the far left and the far right are trying to rip it apart. I certainly respect their opinion if they think this country is trash, but then don't play for it if thats what you think.

This team is flaccid and has no fire. I wish it had the fire of someone like Weston Mckennie. (Someone who has lived abroad BTW)



Not this

 

[LaJollaCreek]

Any substitutions today?

Rapino came on and then some stoppage time subs to save the draw. I think that was about it.

 

[LaJollaCreek]

This teams attack isn't clicking tactically. Whether it's poor releasing or just plan yips when shooting, they just aren't dangerous in front of the goal. In the Netherlands game, you could see Smith/Rodman giving the pass to morgan too late resulting in offside or intercepted pass. Portugal game was there worse game yet .. just aimless volley ball. It's been an ongoing issue with the USWNT under Vlatko. He hasn't found a formation or lineup that consistently puts the ball in the net. I don't expect it to suddenly get better, so they'll need some luck against Sweden.

When you ever see Morgan check back and take the ball? She is on the back line playing off their shoulders. It's ok every now and then to mix it up and be an outlet or relief for the backs and midfield. Drop her back and create space for others like Smith or Williams to run into....it just doesn't happen very often. Odd they never mix it up...keep 3 up top to run on to balls and decent organized teams can defend it. It doesn't have to be all the time, but if you have gone 60 minutes with no real chances...maybe try to mix it up?

 

[LionJim]

Impact of Lavelle missing the next match?

 

[kennyhim]

Any substitutions today?

Rapinoe came in for Smith in the 60th. Liked Rapinoe's game in the past, but it's obvious there isn't much left in the tank there. Used the remaining 4 subs as time wasting at the end the game. Vlatko doesn't have a solution, and it's obvious now. Sometimes teams just don't work on the field. This combo of vets and youth, isn't working. I don't think it's a locker room thing, they seem pretty unified and solid to be honest. I think it is strictly on-the-field and Valtko can't figure it out. Personally, I think Morgan should start on the bench against Sweden. Let Rodman, Smith, and Williams try to open up that Swedish defense, and then bring Morgan on in that 60ish min. mark for the change up.

 

[LionJim]

Rapinoe came in for Smith in the 60th. Liked Rapinoe's game in the past, but it's obvious there isn't much left in the tank there. Used the remaining 4 subs as time wasting at the end the game. Vlatko doesn't have a solution, and it's obvious now. Sometimes teams just don't work on the field. This combo of vets and youth, isn't working. I don't think it's a locker room thing, they seem pretty unified and solid to be honest. I think it is strictly on-the-field and Valtko can't figure it out. Personally, I think Morgan should start on the bench against Sweden. Let Rodman, Smith, and Williams try to open up that Swedish defense, and then bring Morgan on in that 60ish min. mark for the change up.

Ask a question, get a top-notch lecture. Well done.

 

[LaJollaCreek]

Impact of Lavelle missing the next match?

Sucks for sure, but they were bypassing the midfield today. I would be interested to see how many touches her or Horan had as the midfield was non-existent for long stretches in this match.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

 

[Tom McAndrew]

 

[Tom McAndrew]

 

[WVilleLion]

We got lucky. Portugal was the better team tonight. I don't have any confidence that this team will get back to the Final.

Too bad Portugal did not win. This team needs an injection of more youth and different player leadership. It will come after they exit before winning it all.

 

[manatree]

Rapinoe came in for Smith in the 60th. Liked Rapinoe's game in the past, but it's obvious there isn't much left in the tank there. Used the remaining 4 subs as time wasting at the end the game. Vlatko doesn't have a solution, and it's obvious now. Sometimes teams just don't work on the field. This combo of vets and youth, isn't working. I don't think it's a locker room thing, they seem pretty unified and solid to be honest. I think it is strictly on-the-field and Valtko can't figure it out. Personally, I think Morgan should start on the bench against Sweden. Let Rodman, Smith, and Williams try to open up that Swedish defense, and then bring Morgan on in that 60ish min. mark for the change up.

Rapinoe’s old and her game has gone downhill fast the past two years. She’s not even good enough to start on her club team anymore. Talent wise, she should not be on the roster. My ¢ynical $ide wonders just how much corporate sponsorship played a role. Those Google & Nike ads featuring Rapinoe are getting a lot of airplay.

That being said, given how poorly we have played in the first three games, Rapinoe is not our biggest problem.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

USWNT vs. Portugal: Three takeaways as USA underwhelm but advance to Women's World Cup knockouts

Is there officially a blueprint to beat the USWNT?

www.cbssports.com

 

[Tom McAndrew]

USWNT player ratings vs. Portugal: Smith sums up struggles in draw

The United States needed only to avoid losing to Portugal to advance at the Women's World Cup. It did that, but at the bare minimum with a 0-0 draw.

www.espn.com

 

[kennyhim]

Rapinoe’s old and her game has gone downhill fast the past two years. She’s not even good enough to start on her club team anymore. Talent wise, she should not be on the roster. My ¢ynical $ide wonders just how much corporate sponsorship played a role. Those Google & Nike ads featuring Rapinoe are getting a lot of airplay.

That being said, given how poorly we have played in the first three games, Rapinoe is not our biggest problem.

And what's even worse, is that Vlatko thinks using Rapinoe as 60/70 min sub is some kind of solution to a ineffective attack. It's like he thinks her leadership within the team will inspire goals. Not gonna work.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

USWNT’s group stage dud is a World Cup scheduling nightmare for FIFA, Fox and U.S. viewers

FIFA’s World Cup schedule was crafted under an implicit assumption of American dominance. That assumption backfired.

sports.yahoo.com

 

[NewEra 2014]

Rapinoe’s old and her game has gone downhill fast the past two years. She’s not even good enough to start on her club team anymore. Talent wise, she should not be on the roster. My ¢ynical $ide wonders just how much corporate sponsorship played a role. Those Google & Nike ads featuring Rapinoe are getting a lot of airplay.

That being said, given how poorly we have played in the first three games, Rapinoe is not our biggest problem.

Rapinoe may be the biggest problem in terms of creating distractions and splitting team unity. IMO, the team would have been much better off if Rapinoe were left off the roster entirely.

 

[PS7680]

Rapinoe may be the biggest problem in terms of creating distractions and splitting team unity. IMO, the team would have been much better off if Rapinoe were left off the roster entirely.

She has been a huge negative for the USWNT

 

[kennyhim]

Rapinoe may be the biggest problem in terms of creating distractions and splitting team unity. IMO, the team would have been much better off if Rapinoe were left off the roster entirely.

I disagree. Rapinoe is a central figure in the locker room and has a lot of respect. Her outspokeness obviously pisses a lot of people off, but she has absorbed the hate and advocated strongly for the players which resulted in a fair pay agreement for everyone in that locker room. That is why Rapinoe is on the team dispite not being fully fit. No way she makes the roster hurt and despised.

 

[NewEra 2014]

I disagree. Rapinoe is a central figure in the locker room and has a lot of respect. Her outspokeness obviously pisses a lot of people off, but she has absorbed the hate and advocated strongly for the players which resulted in a fair pay agreement for everyone in that locker room. That is why Rapinoe is on the team dispite not being fully fit. No way she makes the roster hurt and despised.

I think you are making my point. None of Rapinoe’s advocacy is related to winning soccer games. She needed to be left off of the World Cup roster in order to wake the rest of the team up. Instead, you are watching the least cohesive US Women’s World Cup squad in history.

 

[BobPSU92]

I disagree. Rapinoe is a central figure in the locker room and has a lot of respect. Her outspokeness obviously pisses a lot of people off, but she has absorbed the hate and advocated strongly for the players which resulted in a fair pay agreement for everyone in that locker room. That is why Rapinoe is on the team dispite not being fully fit. No way she makes the roster hurt and despised.

How do you know how the team views rapinoe? You’re not there. They may say the right things in public about rapinoe and the team in general, but we don’t know how they really feel. Maybe they see rapinoe as a drama queen (king? ) and a distraction. We don’t know one way or the other.

A commercial has been running (I won’t mention the advertiser) “thanking” rapinoe for her courage and all that horse-a$$. It has nothing to do with soccer. It is possible that her teammates see her as someone who is not all in with soccer. Her causes matter in the grand scheme of things, but not in the World Cup. They should not take place of the game when you are playing the best in the world. It is clear that rapinoe is not wholly focused on soccer, which is expected and required at this level.

 

[kennyhim]

I think you are making my point. None of Rapinoe’s advocacy is related to winning soccer games. She needed to be left off of the World Cup roster in order to wake the rest of the team up. Instead, you are watching the least cohesive US Women’s World Cup squad in history.

The USWNT are not cohesive on the field, but I think they have stuck together pretty well off the field my opinion. Rapinoe has been a sub for ~70 mins out of ~300 mins of game. Rapinoe isn't the problem, nor is she any kind of solution, just an easy polarizing target. It's the coach and players who playing those 200 or more minutes that haven't gotten the job done.

 

[LaJollaCreek]

The USWNT are not cohesive on the field, but I think they have stuck together pretty well off the field my opinion. Rapinoe has been a sub for ~70 mins out of ~300 mins of game. Rapinoe isn't the problem, nor is she any kind of solution, just an easy polarizing target. It's the coach and players who playing those 200 or more minutes that haven't gotten the job done.

Pretty much it. She triggers certain people in our country regardless and when they won last time some folks were probably upset by it if we're being honest simply due to her. She's barely playing right now and the only thing she can offer late IMO is deliveries into the box and set pieces. The fact that people are singling her as the main issue is funny. Yeah it's those 15 minutes at the end that are all her fault....OR some folks simply just don't like her as she is outspoken for what she believes in. It's not hard to see through either. Every major star in mens or womens cuts commericals for the world cup, so that whole line of BS is just that BS. We invent distractions or things on folks we don't like....but as you pointed out she isn't the problem, but some want her to be IMO.

The team has no real plan in place on the pitch. They aren't really mixing up formations and simply have a poor plan of attack. I have yet to see him really do anything different. Try a different CB and put Ertz back at CDM? Tell Morgan to drop deeper to bring folks with her to allow Smith or Williams more space behind. This team has issues with posession and are a bit sloppy with the ball....a ton of real issues, not made up media driven talking points about someones social beliefs.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

 

[Tom McAndrew]

 

[Tom McAndrew]

 

[LionJim]

Kickoff at 5 am ET, Sunday. I guess I’ll set the alarm.

 

[manatree]

Kickoff at 5 am ET, Sunday. I guess I’ll set the alarm.

I managed getting up at 3am on a work night for the last one, so 5am on a weekend is a relief.

I have no idea as to what Rapinoe's impact on team dynamics is, good or bad. My objection is that her ability on the pitch did not warrant her being on the roster. However, given what we have seen in the first three matches, I'm not sure having someone else on the roster would have made a difference.

My knowledge of footy is about the same level as Ted Lasso's. Maybe just a notch above. I only played it K-3. Going into this, my main concern was that we don't really have a backup for Morgan. I believe all of our other forwards are more comfortable playing the wings.

If you go back and look at the Olympics, it is eerily similar to this tourney. In that group stage, we were outplayed by Sweden and lost 0-3. Beat a lowly team (New Zealand) 6-1, and laid an egg against Australia to draw 0-0. and finished second in the group. In the quarters, we drew teh Dutch 2-2 and advanced on PKs. Lost to Canada and beat Australia for third. With two early goals from Rapinoe.

The team underperformed then and seemed to be all over the place on the field. I was willing to just chalk it up to the whole nutso situation of a new coach coming in and the pandemic, but it's been two years now. I'm hoping things will change by Sunday, but what do I know?

 

[Tom McAndrew]

 

[Tom McAndrew]

 

[Tom McAndrew]

 

[Tom McAndrew]

 

[NewEra 2014]

It looks like the USWNT really misses leadership from women like Carli Lloyd. I can see why they are struggling if someone like Lindsay Horan has risen to captain among that roster. Horan may be a very nice person, but this team needs a bit more fire at the moment.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

It looks like the USWNT really misses leadership from women like Carli Lloyd. I can see why they are struggling if someone like Lindsay Horan has risen to captain among that roster. Horan may be a very nice person, but this team needs a bit more fire at the moment.

I doubt who is the captain is all that important. All of these ladies are elite, have been stars in youth, US national teams, college teams, pro teams, and with the USWNT. If they are dependent upon who is the captain of the squad, they never had a chance to win, IMHO.

To me, the problems are complicated. To some extent they are a victim of injuries. Mallory Swanson was on pace to be their top scoring threat, and ended up suffering a torn patellar tendon in a friendly against Ireland in April. They've replaced her with folks that don't have near the experience that Swanson did, and not surprisingly, they're having real trouble scoring goals. Becky Sauerbrunn's injury may be an even bigger issue. She was the USWNT captain, and an absolute rock on defense on the back line. Julie Ertz (who was questionable just 6 months ago, as between an injury then a pregnancy had not played in more than a year) is their best defensive MF. To compensate for Sauerbrunn's absence, Ertz was moved to CB, and the midfield has been an absolute mess throughout the WC for the USWNT. A strong case could be made that the best lineup tweak to make to improve the play of the team is to move Ertz to MF, and use one of the other players at CB (with the acknowledgement that doing so would weaken your back line). Lastly, Catarina Macario's torn ACL in June of 2022 really has impacted the team. The plan was to basically build an offense around her, as either an attacker or an attacking middle. As with the two others listed above, the USWNT hasn't really come up with a good replacement for Macario.

You have to play with the ones you have, so if you focus on just the current roster, the main problems have been at MF. As mentioned above, Ertz was moved to the back line. Lavelle is their best middle, but she was out due to injury for several months before the WC. That's why she was a sub in the first two games. And while she started the third game, she ended up getting a yellow card (a harsh call which I disagreed with), and since it was her 2nd yellow she'll miss the R16 match against Sweden. Other than moving Ertz up to the MF, I don't have many answers for the mess that has been their MF. That's where the team is falling apart. Horan is a very good player, but her game is size and strength. She has trouble with quick opposing middies. Her weaknesses were minimized when Ertz was cleaning things up in the midfield (in past years), but they kind of were exposed by Portugal.

The attack has been unimpressive, but they haven't gotten the ball in great situations. For example, Portugal kept 5 field players back even when they had the ball in their attacking third. So even if the US backline made a great play and started a quick counter, Portugal had numbers to snuff out the attack. And since the US MF was such a mess, most of their efforts have been long passes over the opposition's back line. Those work when you're vastly superior to the other team, but aren't all that effective against well coached teams. Smith has talent and speed on the outside, but she tends to hold the ball too long. Morgan is one of the better attackers out there, but she's being constantly marked, so most of her best plays have been in taking passes and playing them to teammates. Rodman has been OK on the other side, but too often she's getting the ball in less than optimum situations from the middies, and/or hasn't been all that effective in centering the ball.

Coach Andonovski hasn't done a lot to inspire anyone that he can correct things in time for the Sweden match. We'll never know how much the problem is him and his staff in terms of the team they assembled and their coaching versus how much the problem is the aforementioned injuries which caused major changes to the expected team.