Notes
Messi continues to be must watch TV – he scored a brace and added an assist in the 4-0 demolishing of Atlanta United Thursday night – as they moved to a perfect 2-0 in the Leagues Cup. Feeling bad for France star Mbappe what is he to do? Play at PSG 1 more year making over $100 million or make $700 million to play 1 season in Saudi Arabia before going to Real Madrid in Aug of 2024? Sad to see this story about a local team and issues at the Butler ladies program.
US Loses 1-1 – Faces Portugal Tues 3 am on Fox
As bad as the US looked in the first half – they looked that good or better in the 2nd half. Honestly they absolutely dominated the Dutch in the 2nd half after Rose came in. Horan finally scored on this header to even things up. At the final whistle, the U.S. had 18 shots to the Netherlands’ five, but the Dutch had 56% of the possession and completed 386 passes to the Americans’ 248. Mainly they couldn’t find the goal. I can’t believe Vlatko didn’t sub Lynn Williams in the 2nd half. I said she should start bringing Rodman’s fresh legs into the game in the last 25- but no subs in the last 20 minutes of a game you HAVE TO WIN? Are you serious? Listen if this guy can’t get us to at least the Semi-Finals – IT IS ALL ON HIM. The talent though young is there. This team CAN NOT SCORE. And its all on Vlatko right now!! How could he not have this team ready for the 3 man match up in the back by the Dutch – they have been doing that all year. Its like they had never seen it much less practiced against it The flow is just not there – the passing is just ok – the finishing is Crap. This team is a shadow of the teams we have had pre Vlatko. First and foremost – this coach can’t seem to set them up tactically. He left the 2nd leading scorer in the NWSL another #9 Hatch was left at home, #3Williams can’t get off the bench. What is this guy watching? He makes Berhalter look like a genius. Book him a ride on a slow boat to China if he can’t turn this around – I still don’t understand why the #1 Team in Ladies Soccer for 2 decades has a foreign coach? I just don’t get it? But that’s another story – there are so many things he needs to change – do you have a month? Lets start with when you are behind – you have to get Julie Ertz in the middle controlling the midfield as the Dmid #6. I am ok when we are ahead – she made this fantastic save in the ( box ) but when behind we need her controlling that midfield. We have to use our subs – I would sit Rodman (WHO DID NOTHING in Game 2) and put in Williams – Lynn Williams starts vs Portugal or we might just lose that one. Rose has to start – I know she has been hurt – but we need her in early to set the tempo and deliver decent set pieces. I still wonder why Sanchez has gotten no time – but he refuses to sub his mids. Listen this next game is a must win – by more than 3 goals or we will finish 2nd in the group and have a MUCH tougher go to the Finals. In Fact — I will state now if we go thru 2nd we will not make the Finals – heck we may not make the Semi’s which would dictate immediate dismal for Vlatko. Hopefully he figures it out. US Hi-Lights AO Indy at Union Jack American Outlaws in New Zealand
Shane’s Starters for Portugal 3 am Tues on Fox – Coverage starts 1 am
INDY 11 @ Louisville on ESPN+
The Boys in Blue return to action Saturday at rival Louisville City FC. This is the second of two matches between the clubs this season, with Louisville earning the 1-0 victory in Indianapolis on May 27.The Eleven are coming off a 3-1 win over USL Eastern Conference leader Pittsburgh and are 1-1-3 in their last five games. With a 6-7-7 record, Indy is eighth in the USLC Eastern Conference. Louisville is 1-3-1 in its last five matches and is coming off a 2-1 loss to Birmingham Legion FC. Louisville is sixth in the Eastern Conference at 8-7-5. Saturday marks the 19th meeting between the two teams, with Louisville holding the 8-4-6 all-time advantage in USL Championship action. The is the second meeting of two this season. Read all about the Indy 11 Ladies win it all- Cue the Smoke.
MLS – Is Winning vs Liga MX in Leagues Cup
Cool to see Cincy and Brandon Vasquez score vs Chivas. Overall MLS has fared well vs Liga MX and has won or tied many of the games vs them. Complete Standings – Cool concept – I would love to see Messi and Miami make a run to the Leagues Cup title amazing what he has done for the worse team in MLS in just 2 games. Here’s Messi’s first goal vs Atlanta United, Messi with the Assist in the 4-0 win.
Good luck to all our Carmel FC players trying out for High School soccer next week, especially our Goalkeepers.
GAMES ON TV
Sat, July 29
3 am FS1 Sweden vs Italy
6 am Fox France vs Brazil
8:30 am Fox Panama vs Jamaica
5 pm ESPN+ Real Madrid vs Barcelona
7 pm Univision Cruz Azul vs Atlanta United
7″30 pm Apple TV Atletico vs New England Leagues Cup
8:30 pm Univision Pumas UNAM vs DC United
10:30 pm Apple TV La Galaxy vs Leon
Sun, July 30
12:30 am Fox Korea vs Morocco
3 am Fox Switzerland vs New Zealand
3 am FS1 Norway vs Phillipines
5:30 am FS1 Germany vs Colombia
2:45 pm NBC Chelsea vs Fulham
7 pm FS1 Pumas vs DC United Leagues Cup
9 pm FS1 Monterrey vs Seattle Sounders Leagues Cup
9 pm ESPN2 Dortmund vs Manchester United
Mon, July 31
3 am Fox Japan vs Spain
3 am FS1 Costa Rica vs Zambia
6 am Fox Canada vs Australia
6 am FS1 Ireland vs Nigeria
8 pm ? ? America vs Columbus Crew
8 pm ESPN+ Louisville City vs Indy 11
Tues, Aug 1
3 am Fox United States Women vs Portugal
3 am FS1 Vietnam vs Netherlands
7 am Fox England vs China
7 am FS1 Haiti vs Denmark
11 pm ESPN AC Milan (Pulisic) vs Barcelona
Weds, Aug 2
3 am Fox Argentina vs Sweden
3 am FS1 South Africa vs Italy
7 am Fox Panama vs France
7 am FS1 Jamaica vs Brazil
7:30 am CBSSN Liverpool vs Bayern Munich
7:30 pm ESPN+ Juventus (McKinney) vs Real Madrid
8:30 pm ESPNU Chelsea vs Dortmund (Reyna)
9 pm ESPN2 Atletico Madrid vvs Real Sociadad
11 pm ESPN2 Sevilla vs Real Bettis
Thurs, Aug 3
6 am Fox Korea vs Germany
6 am FS1 Morocco vs Colombia
Sat, Aug 5
1 am FS1 1A vs 2C Round of 16 WC
4 am FS1 1C vs 2A Round of 16 WC
10 pm Fox 1E (USA?) vs 2G Round of 16 WC
7 pm TV 23 Indy 11 vs Memphis- Star Wars Night
10 pm ESPN2 Sevilla vs Atletico Madrid
Sun, Aug 6
5 am Fox 1G vs 2E USA?? Round of 16 WC
11 am ESPN+ Man City vs Arsenal Community Shield
11 am ESPN Man United vs Athletico Bilbao friendly
Mon, Aug 7
3:30 am FS1 1D vs 2B Round of 16 WC
5 am FS1 1B vs 2D Round of 16 WC
11 am CBSSN Liverpool vs Darmstadt 98
Tues, Aug 8
4 am FS1 1H vs 2F QF1
7 am FS1 1F vs 2H Round of 16 WC
Thurs, Aug 10
9 pm FOX USA? QF WC
Fri, Aug 11
3:30 am FOX QF2 WC
3 pm USA Burnley vs Man City EPL starts
Sat, Aug 12
3:am FOX QF3 WC
6:30 am Fox QF3 WC
7:30 am USA Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest
10 am USA? Everton vs Fulham (Ream, Jedi)
12:30 pm NBC New Castle United vs Aston Villa
2:45 pm ESPN+ Bayern Munich vs RB Liepzig Super Cup
3:30 pm ESPN + Athletic Club vs Real Madrid
7 pm ESPN+ Miami FC vs Indy 11
Sun, Aug 13
9 am USA Brentford vs Tottenham
11:30 am USA? Chelsea vs Liverpool
3:30 pm ESPN+ Getafe vs Barcelona
Tues Aug 15
4 am FOX Semi Final #1 WC
Weds Aug 16
6 am FOX Semi Final #2 WC
3 pm CBSSN Man City vs Sevilla (UEFA Super Cup)
Sun, Aug 20
6 am FOX WORLD CUP FINALS
9 am USA Aston Villa vs Everton
11:30 am USA West Ham United vs Chelsea
2:45 pm Para+ Udinese vs Juventus (Mckinney)
7:30 pm Apple TV Columbus Crew vs Cincy
7:30 pm MLS Pass Inter Miami (MESSI) vs Charlotte
Soccer Saturday’s are every Sat 9-10 am on 93.5 and 107.5 FM with Greg Rakestraw
US Women + World Cup
Playing it safe won’t get USWNT another World Cup title | Opinion
Draw with Dutch may be just what USWNT needed
USWNT scores highest Women’s World Cup group stage ratings ever vs. Netherlands
USWNT’s World Cup draw against Netherlands leads to record number of viewers
U.S. shows fighting spirit vs. Netherlands, but attacking issues remain Jeff Carlisle
USWNT player ratings vs. Netherlands: Horan, Lavelle, Ertz impress in gritty 1-1 draw
Horan’s equalizer helps USWNT rescue big point
Andonovski explains why Lynn Williams has not played at World Cup
USWNT left with plenty of questions after frustrating Netherlands draw
Horan: ‘I got a little pissed’ before scoring Netherlands equalizer
USWNT player ratings: Disappointing showing vs. Netherlands ends in draw
The US at this World Cup are young, talented … and running out of time to peak
Netherlands finds out the hard way not to mess with Lindsey Horan
2023 Women’s World Cup – USA 1-1 Netherlands: The Stars and Stripes grind out a hard fought draw
Inside the USWNT’s official base camp: ‘We are treated like Queens’
How are USWNT players spending their downtime?
What it’s like to feed a World Cup team
Report: Atlanta leading candidate to serve as new U.S. Soccer headquarters
WORLD CUP
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup: England battle to victory, Argentina fight back
In Keira Walsh, England lose the one player who is impossible to replace
Wiegman praises ‘fighting’ England after Walsh injury shock
England find World Cup balance but more adversity leaves one defining question
Keira Walsh: England’s midfield star who broke the world transfer record for a female player
France sweat on Renard fitness for World Cup clash with Brazil
Brazil gunning for World Cup revenge against France
Sweden won’t back down against ‘physical’ Italy at Women’s World Cup
Women’s World Cup Day 9 recap: Argentina comes back to deny South Africa its first World Cup win
Argentina completes dramatic comeback to earn draw against South Africa at Women’s World Cup
China was once a women’s soccer superpower. This year’s World Cup is a first step in reclaiming that status
Coach faces questions with Australia ‘teetering’ at World Cup
MLS
League Cup Standings – MLS vs Liga MX
Lionel Messi ushers in new era for Inter Miami, MLS as Messi mania sweeps across South Florida
FC Cincinnati, Chivas match suspended due to severe weather, to resume Friday afternoon
Leagues Cup notebook: Austin FC and Juárez to battle for second spot in tournament
Messi mania sweeping across South Florida
Indy 11
Indy Ladies win it all- Cue the Smoke
Indy Eleven Acquires Callum Chapman-Page on Loan from Miami FC
Dewey Named USL W League Divisional Player of the Year
Indy Eleven Wins USL W League Final in Front of Record-Setting Crowd
EPL
If Harry Kane leaves Tottenham, how will he perform at a club such as Bayern Munich or Man United? Ryan O’Hanlon
Declan Rice ready to return Arsenal to Premier League summit James Olley
Reffing
VAR Controversy at the World Cup
Announcing VAR the first time at the Women’s World Cup
Become a Licensed High School Ref
Become a Licensed Ref with Indiana Soccer – must be over 13
Goalkeeping
Chiamaka Nnadozie of Nigeria PK Save vs Canada
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HOW CAN THE US & AUSTRALIA ADVANCE
By The Athletic UK Staff h ago1 The Athletic
The Women’s World Cup group stage is heading towards its conclusion with the fates of several sides — including the USWNT and co-hosts Australia — still in the balance heading into the final fixtures. A draw against the Netherlands on Wednesday means top spot, which would impact the USWNT’s potential route through the knockout stage, is still up for grabs in Group E, while a shock Australia defeat by Nigeria on Thursday has thrown open Group B.The final games in each group will kick off at the same time and you can keep track of the permutations below as the tournament continues, with the final showdown in Sydney on August 20.
This article will be updated as games are played and scenarios become clearer.
- Women’s World Cup live news and updates
- Full Women’s World Cup schedule
- All the group standings
- World Cup bracket — plot route to the final
Knockout qualification at a glance
Qualified: Spain, Japan
Eliminated: Costa Rica, Zambia, Republic of Ireland, Vietnam
How the groups are decided
The straightforward bit?
The two teams in each group with the most points advance to the round of 16, while the sides finishing third and fourth are eliminated.
What if teams are tied on points after three rounds of matches?
Goal difference — goals scored minus goals conceded — is the first tiebreaker; whoever’s is greatest finishes highest.
If teams cannot be separated by goal difference, the nation that has scored more goals will finish higher.
In the unique event that points, goal difference and goals scored are all the same, head-to-head record is the next defining factor. If that (as may well be the case if just two teams are tied) is academic because the sides in question drew, then ‘fair play’ comes into force, defined by the number of cards the teams have accumulated during the group stage.
The fair play total is worked out as below, and if that fails to yield a conclusion, then there’s only one thing left to do: draw lots.
- Yellow card: -1 point
- Indirect red card (two yellow cards): -3 points
- Direct red card: -4 points
- Yellow card then direct red card: -5 points
Group A
New Zealand are still in the qualification hunt (Getty Images)
Remaining fixtures
Sunday, July 30: Switzerland vs New Zealand (8am BST), Norway vs Philippines (8am BST)
| P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| New Zealand | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Philippines | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 3 |
| Norway | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 1 |
Who needs what to qualify
Switzerland are in control of Group A — victory over New Zealand will see them through as group winners while a draw will also see them through.
New Zealand need to win to guarantee qualification; given the Philippines and Norway play each other, the co-hosts will be eliminated if they lose to Switzerland. If New Zealand draw, they will have to hope the other game is tied or that Norway only win 1-0.
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The Philippines could spring a shock; they will qualify with a win over Norway — and win the group if Switzerland and New Zealand cannot be separated.
Norway must beat them to stand any chance of progressing after a turbulent start to the tournament. They need Switzerland to win, too; if they don’t then goal difference comes into play in a complicated group heading into the final fixtures.
Group B
Australia are in peril of exiting their tournament early (Getty Images)
Remaining fixtures
Monday, July 31: Canada vs Australia (11am BST, 6am ET, 3am PT), Republic of Ireland vs Nigeria (11am BST, 6am ET, 3am PT)
| P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Canada | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Australia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Ireland | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 0 |
Who needs what to qualify
Australia could have secured progress to the last 16 with a game to spare — but the co-hosts’ qualification is instead in the balance after a shock 3-2 loss against Nigeria.
The Matildas, without injured Sam Kerr, must now beat Canada in their last match to guarantee passage to the last 16. Such are the ample permutations, Australia could still top the group if they beat Canada and Nigeria draw.
If Australia draw, they will need the eliminated Republic of Ireland to do them a favour and beat Nigeria.
Canada and Nigeria each just need a draw to qualify — but a defeat would put their participation in jeopardy.
Group C
Spain have scored eight goals without reply so far (Getty Images)
Remaining fixtures
Monday, July 31: Japan vs Spain (8am BST), Costa Rica vs Zambia (8am BST)
| P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 8 | 6 |
| Japan | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 6 |
| Costa Rica | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | -5 | 0 |
| Zambia | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 10 | -10 | 0 |
Who needs what to qualify
High-scoring Spain and Japan have booked their spots in the knockout round with a game to spare, without yet conceding a goal.
Monday’s showdown will decide who tops the group — and avoids the winner of Group A in the round of 16. Spain’s extra goal as it stands means they only need a draw to finish top.
Costa Rica and Zambia will be going home early, and will face each other hoping to avoid finishing bottom.
Group D
England only narrowly beat Haiti in their opener (Getty Images)
Remaining fixtures
Friday, July 28: England vs Denmark (9.30am BST), China vs Haiti (12pm BST)
Tuesday, August 1: Haiti vs Denmark (12pm BST), China vs England (12pm BST)
| P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denmark | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| England | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| China | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| Haiti | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
Who needs what to qualify
England and Denmark face off after winning their opening games and can progress with a game to spare with victory.
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England will advance if they win and China do not later beat Haiti. Denmark will be through if they win and, given who plays whom in the final round, Haiti do not beat China.
China and Haiti are both seeking victory to keep their chances alive heading into the last game.
Group E
USWNT’s Lindsay Horan earned a draw against the Netherlands (Getty Images)
Remaining fixtures
Tuesday, August 1: Vietnam vs Netherlands (8am BST, 3am ET, 1am PT), Portugal vs United States (8am BST, 3am ET, 1am PT)
| P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Netherlands | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Portugal | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Vietnam | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | -5 | 0 |
Who needs what to qualify
The draw between former World Cup finalists USWNT and the Netherlands means qualification — and top spot — is still in the balance.
Both heavyweights are tied at the top of the standings, but the U.S. have the edge as it stands in terms of goal difference and goals scored and need only a point to qualify.
The USWNT will top the group with a win against Portugal, unless the Netherlands beat their margin of victory by at least two goals.
If the U.S. and the Netherlands both win and finish level on goal difference and goals scored, top spot will be decided on Fair Play (given their meeting was a draw) and then by drawing lots.
If the U.S. draw and the Netherlands win, the U.S. will qualify in second spot.
If the U.S. draw and the Netherlands lose or draw, the U.S. will win the group.
But if the U.S. lose and the Netherlands win or draw, the U.S. will be out.
Portugal head into Tuesday’s finale with the qualification in their hands after ousting Vietnam from the tournament; beat the U.S. and they will progress.
If both the U.S. and the Netherlands were to lose, Portugal would top the group and tiebreakers of goal difference, goals scored, Fair Play and drawing of lots could come into play to decide second spot.
Whoever wins this group will book a date with the Group G runners-up — currently Italy — in Sydney on Sunday, August 6.
Simple, eh?
Group F
Brazil are on the brink of qualification (Getty Images)
Remaining fixtures
Saturday, July 29: France vs Brazil (11am BST), Panama vs Jamaica (1.30pm BST)
Wednesday, August 2: Panama vs France (11am BST), Jamaica vs Brazil (11am BST)
| P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 3 |
| France | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Jamaica | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Panama | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 0 |
Who needs what to qualify
Brazil will qualify for the round of 16 with a game to spare if they beat France.
Panama will be eliminated if they lose to Jamaica.
Group G
Remaining fixtures
Friday, July 28: Argentina vs South Africa (1pm BST)
Saturday, July 29: Sweden vs Italy (8.30am BST)
Wednesday, August 2: Argentina vs Sweden (8am BST), South Africa vs Italy (8am BST)
| P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweden | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Italy | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| South Africa | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 0 |
| Argentina | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
Who needs what to qualify
Sweden and Italy won their opening games and meet on Saturday, with any victor the likely group winners.
If South Africa fail to beat Argentina on Friday, Italy will qualify with a win. If Argentina fail to beat South Africa, Sweden will qualify with a win.
Argentina and South Africa could be eliminated early if they lose.
Group H
Germany are among the tournament favourites (Getty Images)
Remaining fixtures
Sunday, July 30: South Korea vs Morocco (5.30am BST), Germany vs Colombia (10.30am BST)
Thursday, August 3: Morocco vs Colombia (11am), South Korea vs Germany (11am)
| P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 3 |
| Colombia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| South Korea | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
| Morocco | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | -6 | 0 |
Who needs what to qualify
Germany and Colombia meet next in a potential top-of-the-table decider.
If South Korea fail to beat Morocco in the first match, Germany will qualify with a win. If Morocco fail to beat South Korea, Colombia will qualify if they win.
South Korea and Morocco could be eliminated if they lose.
Relax! Don’t panic about the USWNT at this World Cup
Ryan O’Hanlon, ESPN.com writerJul 28, 2023, 09:36 AM ET
Whenever an international soccer tournament starts up and some big team with lots of great players loses or draws or wins by only a goal, my mind immediately goes back to 2018.
France’s men’s team were a game away from winning the World Cup for the first time in 20 years. They’d comfortably beaten Argentina, Uruguay and Belgium in the first three knockout rounds. Teenage Kylian Mbappe was capturing the world’s attention for the first time. Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante were the perfect midfield duo.
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They were heavy favorites to beat Croatia — and a ton of people in France were still completely miserable.
For the Wall Street Journal, Stacy Meichtry and Joshua Robinson wrote a piece: “France, on the Brink of a World Cup Win, Has the Bleus.” The sub-headline: “Fans are disappointed by the team’s non-French, workmanlike approach; ‘We had to be pragmatic.'” In the piece, they quote a nurse who had called into a local radio station before the final and summed up a large chunk of the nation’s frustration with the way the team had been managed, “[Didier] Deschamps has a Ferrari in his hands and never breaks the speed limit!”
France, then, won the World Cup and scored four goals in the final.
The natural state of being for an international soccer fan is misery. You fall into one of two camps: You root for a team whose players aren’t good enough, but you convince yourself that the players are only not good enough because the manager isn’t selecting the right players. Or, you root for a team whose players are good enough but whose potential is severely limited by the structure of international soccer — short tournaments prone to randomness, limited practice time that makes it incredibly difficult to play a free-flowing attacking style — but you convince yourself that the team isn’t achieving both your aesthetic and results-based goals because the manager isn’t selecting the right players.
All of which is to say: Do not panic. Take a deep breath. The United States women’s national team is going to be fine.
Let’s start with the basics: You can’t win every game
The USWNT’s worst enemy is, well, themselves. Before Wednesday’s draw with the Netherlands, the Americans had won 13 consecutive World Cup matches. That is, to use an obscure statistical term, absolutely freaking absurd. It’s a record in the tournament, because of course it is.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- U.S. shows fighting spirit vs. Netherlands, but attacking issues remain2dJeff Carlisle
- Inside USWNT’s World Cup base camp: ‘Everyone got their own little touch of home’3dJeff Carlisle
- USWNT’s secret sauce at the World Cup? An endless menu of chef-prepared meals5dCaitlin Murray
To reiterate, this means that the USWNT outscored their opponents in regulation in 13 consecutive matches — at the highest possible level of competitive women’s soccer, at a time when the rest of the world has rapidly improved at playing the sport. By doing that, the likes of Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz created a completely false illusion of control.
You cannot control soccer. The bounce of the ball and the low-scoring nature of the sport is what makes us love it; it’s also what makes us hate it. Compared to favorites in other sports, soccer teams usually have a lower implied win percentage in a given game because there are so few goals, ties exist and you’re trying to use your feet to get the ball past the only person on the field who’s allowed to use her hands.
– Women’s World Cup: Schedule | Rosters | News
– How teams can qualify for the round of 16
After a couple of disappointing tournaments dotting the aughts, the USWNT then reached three consecutive World Cup finals and won two in a row. At the last tournament, they won all seven matches they played in regulation. While I don’t think there’s any real doubt over whether the USWNT were the best team in either of the past two tournaments, they weren’t 13-wins-in-a-row good because no team at any reasonable level of competition can ever be that good. Even if you literally have 100% of the possession, you still might not win the game.
Over the 13-game winning streak, the U.S. won five of those matches by a single goal. There’s no special skill to winning a one-goal game; one different bounce, and it’s a draw. Two different bounces, and the win streak never even happens. So, while not winning a match might feel like some massively disappointing shift in the global pecking order or whatever neuroses you want to bring into watching these matches, it’s worth taking a step back for a second.
Despite the draw against the Netherlands, the USWNT haven’t lost a World Cup match in regulation in more than 12 years. That’s three full presidential terms! It would be another nine years before anyone had even heard of COVID-19. Alyssa Thompson was six years old the last time the team she currently plays for lost a game at the tournament she is currently playing in.
Plus, it’s not like you have to run the table to win the whole thing. The Argentinian men lost to Saudi Arabia in their opening game — remember that? — before lifting the trophy last December in Qatar. In fact, it’s likely that the winner of the World Cup drops points in the group stages. Here are the previous five winners of the women’s World Cup, with their point totals from the opening round:
– 2003: Germany, 9 points
– 2007: Germany, 7 points
– 2011: Japan, 6 points
– 2015: United States, 7 points
– 2019: United States, 9 points
Oh, and one other thing: The USWNT are still leading their group.
Okay, but I don’t like how it looked!
We’ll start with the Vietnam match. Yes, the U.S. only won 3-0. If you take the last tournament’s first match as a measuring stick — a 13-0 win against Thailand — then obviously this year’s team is terrible. They’ve declined by 10 goals over four years. Pathetic! But, well, three goals is close to the minimum number of goals we’d expect the USWNT to score from the chances they created against Vietnam.
With slightly better finishing, this game ends 4-0 or 5-0 or 6-0, and everything is fine. Getting stuck on the number of goals scored also ignores the barely believable aspect of this game: The USWNT allowed zero shots and zero touches inside their own penalty area.
While most games have a vast array of potential outcomes based on the chances created by both teams, this one actually didn’t. There was essentially no world — outside of Naomi Girma deciding to rip a couple of shots at Alyssa Naeher — where the USWNT could have lost this game. Considering Vietnam didn’t attempt a shot, they could not have scored. And considering they never even touched the ball inside the penalty area, it’s not like they could’ve drawn a penalty, either.
Obviously the USWNT have a massive talent advantage over Vietnam, but if it were easy to create that many chances without conceding anything on the defensive end, more teams would do it. In fact, in all the World Cup matches since 2011 (which is as far back as the data goes), no team has ever done it. Against Vietnam, the U.S. had 100% of the shots and 100% of the penalty-area touches.
Now, if that wasn’t enough to convince you, then Wednesday night certainly didn’t do anything to change your mind. I don’t even think the USWNT played particularly well. Their press was a mess in the first half, they struggled to control the ball for long stretches, manager Vlatko Andonovski strangely only used one sub despite having the deepest roster in the tournament … and yet they completely dominated the balance of chances and should’ve beaten the defending World Cup runners-up and the ninth-ranked team in the world.
The main story of the match with the Netherlands is incredibly annoying and simple, but it’s true: The Netherlands scored with their first shot of the game. Or, the USWNT conceded a goal from the first shot they allowed in the tournament. Once that happens, the team with the lead no longer has to be as aggressive with the ball and the dynamic of the match totally shifts. In a club season, we have enough games that these score effects come out in the wash, but at an international tournament, there are so few games and therefore early goals can completely skew our perception of a team’s performance.
Against the Dutch, the U.S. attempted 18 shots and only conceded five. The shots they attempted weren’t particularly high quality, but that’s not because they weren’t working the ball into dangerous areas. No, they took 33 touches inside the penalty area (tournament average is 22) and conceded just 12. Play this exact game with these exact same chances for both teams 100 times, and the U.S. wins more often than not. Play this exact game with the exact same possession patterns 100 times, and the U.S. likely generates even better chances from all those touches in the box. The Dutch, meanwhile, pretty much maxed out the reasonable number of goals they could’ve scored from their limited number of attempts and dangerous possessions.
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Now, this isn’t to say that the USWNT are a perfect team. I really don’t understand the lack of subs. An older and much more stagnant Morgan has, at times, looked out of place within a lineup that is otherwise incredibly dynamic. And they’ve only completed 71% of their passes, which is just the 15th-highest mark in the tournament so far. Despite lots of turnovers, they haven’t had an issue controlling games, but what might happen when they come up against a savvy passing team like Spain that won’t give you the ball back once you lose it?
Ultimately, though, the story of the USWNT’s World Cup so far is that they’ve scored with 8.7% of the shots they’ve attempted and conceded from 20% of the shots they’ve allowed. The average conversion rate at the last World Cup was 11%. Unless you think that the most successful nation in women’s soccer history has suddenly produced a new generation of players that are good at everything else but terrible at converting and saving shots, then we should expect the USWNT to regress toward the average rates on both ends.
The U.S. still has Lindsey Horan, who might be the best player in the world. At least, I’ve never seen a more complete midfielder while in possession — at any level. Sophia Smith is as good as it gets on the wing. Crystal Dunn completed nearly as many progressive passes as the entire Dutch team on Wednesday. Rose Lavelle is still coming off the bench. And the big question mark coming into the tournament — the defense — has been fantastic through two games, with Girma and Ertz somewhat unexpectedly partnering at center-back.
And so all the consternation just leads back to here. The USWNT remain the betting favorites to win the World Cup. Their odds haven’t really budged; they’re significantly less likely than 50-50 to take home their third straight trophy. And so nothing has really changed. They’re the most likely team to win the World Cup, but it’s more likely that someone else wins. Despite what’s happened in each of the past two tournaments, it’s always been that way.
Vlatko’s no-subs call for USWNT in a World Cup is concerning
Caitlin Murray, ESPNJul 28, 2023, 10:20 AM ET
AUCKLAND, New Zealand — As the clock ticked on for the U.S. women’s national team in its biggest fixture of the Women’s World Cup group stage, the game seemed to be crying out for an American substitute or two.
With the USWNT level with Netherlands 1-1, wingers Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith started to look tired. They were pushing hard for a winning goal — in fact, three of Rodman’s four missed shots of the match came in the final 15 minutes. But the players’ passing accuracy started to drop, and their tendency to lose the ball went up, particularly after Lindsey Horan‘s 60th-minute equalizer. In the period from the opening minute of the second half to the 75th, Rodman completed zero of the nine passes she attempted, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
But USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski stood pat, opting not to bring in a player with fresh legs as a second-half substitute. It was a controversial decision, and after the U.S. settled for a draw, it’s one that will continue to be scrutinized if the Americans fail to win Group E and are forced to take a much tougher path through the knockout stage of this tournament.
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Former USWNT defender Ali Krieger, who played major roles in the USWNT’s 2015 and 2019 World Cup wins, said she thought substitutes could’ve put the game away for the Americans.
“They started to get tired — the Dutch really showed that — and that was the moment I was thinking Vlatko would sub one or two extra players in,” Krieger said on “Futbol Americas” on ESPN+. “That decision was a bit surprising to me. In a moment like that, experience could’ve been key.”
Former USWNT midfielder Tobin Heath, also a member of the 2015 and 2019 squads, said she expected a substitute after Horan’s goal. “The U.S. got momentum from that goal,” Heath said during her podcast, The Re-Cap Show. “I think you insert — you inject — a Lynn Williams into the game, and all the sudden, the couple instances you saw Trinity break through, I think if you have a fresh Lynn Williams breaking through, there’s a different result at the end of that play.”After the match, Andonovski was asked repeatedly about his decision, and he defended it by arguing that the USWNT didn’t need reinforcements — and bringing on a substitute might’ve backfired.”I just didn’t want to disrupt the rhythm at that point because sometimes a substitute comes in and it might take a minute or two to get into a rhythm,” he said. “We just didn’t want to jeopardize anything because I thought all three of our forwards were very good today, dangerous, created opportunities and were a handful.”Salazar: USWNT showed ‘promising signs’ in 2nd half vs. NetherlandsSebastián Salazar explains how the USWNT improved their game in the second half vs. the Netherlands.In the end, Andonovski made one substitution against Netherlands, swapping in Rose Lavelle at center midfield for Savannah DeMelo at halftime. That switch undoubtedly changed the game, but why stop there?”I do think there was a missed opportunity when the Dutch were tiring down,” Krieger said. “Especially in the last few opportunities we had at the end of the game, we could’ve made some changes to try to win the game. So, I don’t know what the ‘rhythm’ was all about, because I do think adding those substitutes could’ve actually created more rhythm than I saw.”
Group E
| GP | W | D | L | GD | PTS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – United States | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | +3 | 4 |
| 2 – Netherlands | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 4 |
| 3 – Portugal | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | +1 | 3 |
| 4 – Vietnam | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -3 | 0 |
| Top two countries qualify for round of 16 | ||||||
If Andonovski’s view were shared by other coaches — his notion that bringing on substitutes might make the team play worse — then we probably wouldn’t see subs happen with such frequency. But we do see subs most of the time later in games, regardless of whether teams are ahead or chasing the game.
The USWNT’s 1-1 draw with Netherlands was the first time since 2007 that the team used one or fewer substitutes in a World Cup game, per Stats Perform. The USWNT has used at least one substitute during every World Cup match, but the team used just one substitute six previous times, with three of those instances coming in the first Women’s World Cup in 1991.Making it even more head-scratching that Andonovski declined to use late subs: In previous cycles, three substitutes was the maximum number a coach could use. In this World Cup, Andonovski could use up to five.Carli Lloyd, who also won two World Cups with the USWNT in 2015 and 2019, agreed with Krieger and Heath: A sub could’ve turned the draw into a win, she said. “I would’ve liked to see Lynn Williams come in — I think she’s been having a really great NWSL run this season,” Lloyd told Fox Sports. “And sometimes making subs puts the other players on their toes a little bit — you’re coming off, the next person’s coming in and they’ve got to perform.”Indeed, Williams seemed like the most obvious choice to push the USWNT toward a win.While Smith and Rodman play more like strikers — they like to dribble inside and take shots themselves — Williams can play as a true winger, which would have given the USWNT added width after they were playing in a very narrow shape against the Dutch team. Striker Alex Morgan had some decent service but could’ve used more of it, which Williams could’ve offered.
Williams is also defensively a much stronger option than the players who were left in the game. No USWNT forward is as good at tracking back and winning balls as she is — going into the World Cup, her 14.01 defensive interventions per 90 minutes in international play was the highest among all USWNT forwards since 2022. She could’ve pressed the Dutch side, forced turnovers for counterattacks, and then helped protect a lead.
“I think Trinity should’ve come out in the 60th and Lynn Williams should’ve come in,” Heath said. “Vlatko raved about Lynn Williams being the best 15-minute player he could put on this roster, and in that moment we needed a 15-minute player to come in.”
Former USWNT coach Jill Ellis, who won back-to-back World Cups with the team in 2015 and 2019, said she thought Megan Rapinoe or Lynn Williams would’ve been good late additions.
“I thought the last 15 minutes of the game would have been perfect for Rapinoe because it was one-way traffic, we had them pinned in, and Megan is arguably one of the best set-piece takers in the world,” Ellis told the After the Whistle podcast. “She’s one of the best deliverers of the ball from wide areas. So when you’ve got a team on their back foot, you want that quality world-class service coming from the flanks.
“Lynn, she’s in form, she’s playing well — maybe bring her in for Rodman and give her some time out there on the right side.”
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Andonovski was asked pointedly about Williams after the match and offered a noncommittal response: “Yes, we of course talked about substitutes, and Lynn was probably one of the first that would’ve been on the field if we needed to change something.”
The USWNT didn’t secure a win, so it’s hard to argue they didn’t need to change anything.
Julie Foudy, who won World Cups with the USWNT in 1991 and 1999, said she thought Alyssa Thompson‘s speed could’ve helped as a substitute.
“Why didn’t we bring Alyssa Thompson in?” Foudy said on her “Laughter Permitted” podcast. “I don’t agree with the one sub. … I kept looking over saying, ‘C’mon, man, let’s get some fresh legs on!'”
So, if Andonovski’s public reasoning doesn’t seem to make much sense, the possibility exists that maybe there is another reason he didn’t use any substitutes — a reason he didn’t want to state publicly.
Could it be that he simply doesn’t trust his bench? Does he not feel confident that the USWNT has game-changers beyond his core starting group? That would be a major concern if so.
After all, Krieger stirred outrage outside the U.S. in 2019 when she said the USWNT had “the best team in the world, and the second-best team in the world.” But Krieger was right. The USWNT has always had extraordinary depth, and Ellis used it in 2015 and 2019. It is arguably how the USWNT won those tournaments.
For instance, Ellis made seven changes from the USWNT’s opener in 2019 to their second group game — that decision gave the starters valuable rest while also giving reserve players the chance to get into the tournament and feel like they had a role to play. Eventually every non-goalkeeper on the team got minutes. At the 2019 World Cup, the USWNT never used fewer than three subs, which was the maximum at the time, in a game.
Ellis said after the USA-Netherlands game that regardless of whom Andonovski put in, substitutions could’ve helped keep his core group of starters fresh by preventing them from having to play a full 90 minutes again.
“You’re also managing minutes,” Ellis said of the choice not to rotate. “You’ve got players in there right now that have done back-to-back 90s. It’s a long tournament. I always say you want to try to take at least one game off your legs if possible — once you hit the knockout rounds, it’s just not possible.”
For now, though, Andonovski has been sticking with his starting XI that no one would’ve predicted before this tournament began, and that means he’s sticking with them largely until the final whistle. If they aren’t winning and could use some extra help, for whatever reason, it seems bringing on a substitute is a risk that Andonovski might not be willing to take.
USWNT vs. Netherlands takeaways: Horan’s goal, Andonovski’s approach in 1-1 draw
By Jeff Rueter and Kudzi Musarurwa Jul 26, 2023
The U.S. women’s national team fought back from a goal down for a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in its second game of the World Cup on Thursday afternoon local time. Jill Roord opened the scoring for the Netherlands in the 17th minute as the U.S. struggled to keep up with the Netherlands’ passing and tempo in possession and their defensive cover out of it. Lindsey Horan scored the equalizer in the second half off a corner kick, just moments after coming to blows with her Lyon club teammate Danielle van de Donk.The result leaves the U.S. on top of Group E on goal difference, with both the U.S. and Netherlands sitting on four points. Neither team can secure a spot in the knockout round before their third and final group stage games.Kudzi Musarurwa and Jeff Rueter were watching, and have some instant analysis.
How the Netherlands opened the scoring
Against Vietnam, the United States could afford to prioritize its attacking intentions over team shape in transition and defensive moments. Most often, that meant sending fullbacks Crystal Dunn and Emily Fox forward and dropping Andi Sullivan deeper to compensate with little need to worry about counterattacks.
Given the Netherlands’ increased quality, running a similar gambit wasn’t sustainable. Still, head coach Vlatko Andonovski did little to change the team’s initial approach, giving the Dutch plenty of space to exploit beyond Fox and Dunn to stretch the U.S. center backs wide and open space near the box. It did a trick in the 17th minute, as an initial sequence beyond a back-tracking Dunn recirculated to Jill Roord at the top of the box for a clean finish beyond Alyssa Naeher. It was the first shot the United States had incurred in the tournament to date — and the first time they trailed in any World Cup game since 2011 against Brazil.Given Portugal’s tactical approach and the quality of teams that the U.S. would face in the knockout stage, the USWNT’s approach figures to be unsustainable without tweaks and adjustments. Perhaps it requires a change in team shape to push a midfielder further up to take creative pressure off of the fullbacks. Whatever the change, simply running it back for a third consecutive match could be ill-advised.
— Jeff Rueter
Horan gets an aggressive assist from a club teammate
For a full hour, the Netherlands did well to contain the United States. They clearly studied the tape from the Americans’ 3-0 win over Vietnam: shut down passing lanes to Sophia Smith, exploit the space beyond fullbacks Crystal Dunn and Emily Fox on the break, and contain the game in midfield. The latter focus was particularly stifling for Lindsey Horan, who was limited to just 22 touches in the first half after making 100 in the group opener.It all boiled over in the 60th minute as Daniëlle van de Donk made an aggressive tackle on Horan as she attempted a squaring pass near the endline. After having her knee examined by the trainers for a couple of minutes, Horan returned to the pitch for a corner kick and immediately confronted her fellow Lyon midfielder with a shoving match and exchange of words.
The center official brought the two together to attempt to restore decorum — but from a Dutch perspective, the damage was done. As the United States has done for much of the tournament to date, Rose Lavelle directed the corner kick toward the near post. Horan rose to meet it for a thunderous header to level the match, a sorely needed breakthrough after a frustrating hour of play.
It didn’t end the fracas between the teammates-turned-rivals; within a couple of minutes, Horan was whistled for a foul after pulling van de Donk down on a midfield possession. However, it was a pivotal moment that woke up one of the United States’ best players just in time to claw back into the game. And luckily for Lyon coach Sonia Bompastor: the two made up after the final whistle.
– Rueter
Weather plays a role
The wind was a factor throughout this game. With the harbor so close by, the stadium almost acts like a wind tunnel with no barriers in place to stop the gusts coming in off the south coast of New Zealand’s north island. All game, any time the ball hit a certain height, the wind carried it away from the players and toward the sidelines. Both teams had to adapt to that and played crosses that were lower or flatter than usual to make sure they got to their intended target.By the time the second half rolled around, both teams had adjusted. Both teams kept the ball on the grass, making for better passing sequences and better movement from all involved as the wind continued to swirl around the Wellington Regional Stadium.
— Kudzi Musarurwa
I don’t want no subs
The U.S. lineup went unchanged from the opening match against Vietnam to the clash against the Netherlands, with Andonovski electing to build consistency and back the players who notched a 3-0 win to step up against a more competitive rival. The Dutch came prepared in the first half (more on that in a bit), forcing a substitution at the break to bring Rose Lavelle in for Savannah DeMelo. With many other players having logged 135 high-stakes minutes in the span of five days, it seemed inevitable that a few other lineup holdovers would cycle out as the game progressed.
And yet, that did not happen. Even after Horan headed home an equalizer to wrestle back momentum, the team remained unchanged. Players were caught waiting for the pass to arrive as the Netherlands forced turnovers. Veterans Horan and Crystal Dunn were repeatedly seen begging teammates to step up their intensity. Despite obvious signs of needing personnel changes, the U.S. saw out the rest of (the) second half (regulation) without bringing on any other substitutions, while the Dutch made a total of four changes in the second half.It seemed clear that Lynn Williams would have helped against tired legs given her strong goalscoring form and capable pressing acumen. So, too, could have Alyssa Thompson or Megan Rapinoe given the Netherlands’ low block and willingness to concede set pieces (respective to each player). Even Ashley Sanchez could have provided another shooting option as the U.S. searched for an additional two points. Instead, six players have been on the pitch for all 180 minutes in the tournament’s early stages. Tired legs are seldom going to wake up with that kind of workload in a tournament’s early stages.
— Rueter
What the Netherlands did right in the first half
The Netherlands were brilliant in the first half at containing Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman in particular. They didn’t let any of their back three be isolated against either Smith or Rodman and it made it difficult for them to do what they do best. The Dutch also limited Alex Morgan, as she had no one to play the ball to and was surrounded every time she picked it up.In midfield, Jill Roord, Danielle van de Donk and Jackie Groenen made sure that Savannah DeMelo could not influence things going forward, and kept playing the ball around Lindsey Horan and Andi Sullivan. The second half was a different ball game altogether, with Lavelle coming on at halftime and Horan coming alive after her run-in with Van de Donk, but the Dutch had the lead going into halftime because of how well they contained the USWNT’s creative players.
— Musarurwa
What comes next
Portugal and Vietnam finish Group E’s second matchday as much of the U.S. sleeps; if either team wins instead of drawing, it’ll create a very nervy final day. If Portugal wins, a U.S. loss and Dutch win would knock the four-time champions out at the group stage. If Vietnam wins, however, it would ensure that a draw or win would be enough to breach the round of 16.It isn’t a comfortable position for one of the tournament favorites. However, it isn’t a crisis situation just yet… so long as there’s some evolution in the plans for the next match. — Rueter (Photo: MARTY MELVILLE/AFP via Getty Images)
Netherlands revealed the blueprint to stop USWNT with a near-perfect game plan
By Kudzi Musarurwa The Athletic
Going into halftime, the Netherlands had shown that it possessed the intelligence, tactical acumen and speed to back the U.S. women’s national team into a corner. The first half, despite a few partial chances by the U.S., was all about the Netherlands and how its game plan was working with almost pinpoint precision.With so many potent USWNT players starting in the attack, the Dutch knew the best way to win this game was to ensure the likes of Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Savannah DeMelo were not at their creative best, while also limiting what Lindsey Horan and Andi Sullivan could do with the ball at their feet. Of the 400 passes the USWNT attempted, only 292 were completed, while the Netherlands completed 403 of their 509 passes.“We knew exactly what they were doing so I think in the first half we showed exactly what our plan was today,” Dutch defender Dominique Janssen said. “The second half I think they just pressed a bit better, gave us a little less space and for us, it was a bit harder to play. I think we got impatient but at the end of the day, 1-1, I think it’s a good score.“We analyzed them and we saw that there were a few spaces available to play in. We know we can play a possession game very well, I think it’s one of the characteristics of the Netherlands. So that was one of the things we could do and that we could show in the first half especially.”Against Vietnam, the USWNT showed it was looking for Alex Morgan to draw defenders to allow Smith and Rodman to exploit the space in behind. The Netherlands negated that by playing with a back three and then making sure that neither Smith nor Rodman could be isolated against any of their central defenders during the first 45 minutes. With that plan in place, the Netherlands could also limit Morgan’s hold-up play by making sure no one was around to receive the ball, surrounding her quickly to win the ball back before the USWNT could build an attack.Teams looking to hold off the reigning World Cup champions should look for weak points with how head coach Vlatko Andonovski has asked his team to play. For 60 minutes, that’s exactly what the Netherlands did. Not only were they looking to shut down the front three of the USWNT, but they also made sure they took the midfield away from their opponents as well.The midfield three of Jill Roord, Jackie Groenen and Danielle van de Donk were matched up against DeMelo, Horan and Sullivan. The Dutch didn’t mark any of them one-to-one; instead, they looked to limit spaces and force the USWNT to chase after them as they kept the ball.“This is our quality to play the ball from ‘Oranje to Oranje’.” Netherlands head coach Andries Jonker said. “If anybody gives us the space to play, we will develop it. What you need is conviction within the group of players. We can do this against the No. 1 team in the world or the previous No. 1, or one of the top teams in the world.Part of what changed the game for the Netherlands, and what let the USWNT back into the match, was the injury in the first half to Stefanie van der Gragt. She was replaced by Aniek Nouwen at the start of the second half. Losing van der Gragt’s leadership was the first domino to fall in what had been a brilliantly executed plan by the Dutch.“(Van der Gragt) is, defensive-wise, our best defender and I think still one of the best in the world,” Jonker said. “And if somebody goes out at halftime, and that’s because the doctor asked me or tells me to do that, then it’s a shame. The replacement of Anieke Nouwen, it was OK, but yeah, Stefanie van der Gragt is another level.”In the second half, USWNT raised its urgency and physicality to counter how well the Netherlands had moved the ball during the first half. By the end of the match, the USWNT had broken through the lines of defense 51 times and increased their overall possession to 45 percent, having only had 33 percent possession in the first half.Although the Netherlands weren’t happy with the physicality, they understood that it was something they would need to learn from as they evolve as a team.
Lindsey Horan clashes with Danielle Van de Donk (Photo: Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
A big part of USWNT’s improvement in the second half was the introduction of Rose Lavelle.Lavelle helped move the ball faster in midfield, something DeMelo couldn’t quite do. She also raised the intensity of the press from those around her as she looked to steal the ball as often as possible.Right after the USWNT had scored their equalizer, the momentum was fully on their side and with Lavelle finding pockets of space, the team started to push the Netherlands further and further back.
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The combination of Lavelle coming off the bench and van der Gragt’s injury forced the Netherlands to “have less guts” as their manager said. It made them less willing to keep the ball and instead forced the Dutch team to play longer, which made the job easier for the USWNT midfield to pick up the second ball and for Julie Ertz and Naomi Girma to shut down anything the Netherlands threw at them.
“I think (the U.S.) have done everything to win the game,” Jonker said. “And I think the lineup, those were the best players available. The one substitution I guess, (Lavelle) came in because the team needed her badly. And I think after that the Americans have played with the best players to have in the eyes of the coach.”The Netherlands were disappointed to concede but content to walk away with only giving up one goal.“I’m just happy we didn’t concede too many chances, so overall we’re pretty content with our performance,” Janssen said.The draw gives them a chance to finish ahead of the USWNT on the final day of Group E games, but more importantly it increased their chance to qualify for the knockout stages. Today, though, was about figuring out how to stop the USWNT and, for a long time, they managed to do just that.Other teams watching this game now have a blueprint of how to hurt the USWNT and, if they can last longer than the Dutch, they could knock the USWNT out of the World Cup.(Top photo: Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
U.S. shows fighting spirit vs. Netherlands but issues remain
Jeff Carlisle, U.S. soccer correspondentJul 27, 2023, 07:00 AM ET- WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Some of the big questions surrounding the U.S. women’s national team heading into this World Cup revolved around its relative inexperience. Could the team, with 14 players performing in their first World Cup, deal with the pressure cooker environment? Could they handle moments when things weren’t going their way, especially against the best teams in the world?The final answers to those queries won’t come until later, but one question was answered in the affirmative in the 1-1 draw with Netherlands. Can the U.S. take a punch? You betcha. Shoulder charges, too.For much of the opening 60 minutes, the U.S. was losing the battle in all manners of ways. The Dutch possession game was humming with metronome-like efficiency. This was reflected on the scoreboard, with Netherlands ahead 1-0 following Jill Roord‘s 17th-minute goal.
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The physical encounters taking place on the field were going Netherlands’ way as well. It certainly didn’t help that referee Yoshimi Yamashita was taking the lightest of hands when it came to meting out discipline. Dutch midfielder Jackie Groenen committed six first-half fouls while somehow avoiding a yellow card, while U.S. midfielder Savannah DeMelo probably deserved to go into the book as well. It seemed the height of absurdity when, in the 51st minute, U.S. midfielder Rose Lavelle was booked for a foul after seemingly being impeded by Groenen — the only caution of the match.And then, in the 59th minute, the U.S. got mad. Danielle van de Donk barged into U.S. midfielder and Olympique Lyon club teammate Lindsey Horan, sending her sprawling. When the U.S. won a corner at the end of the sequence, Horan let Van de Donk know what she thought about the challenge, and Yamashita came over to make sure temperatures didn’t rise further.A yellow card to Horan at that moment would have been her second of the tournament, resulting in a one-game suspension.”I got a little heated and [van de Donk] got to hear it,” Horan said after the game. “Julie [Ertz] came up to me in the box and she was like ‘Linds, please, just don’t get another yellow card. Just score this goal to shut everyone up.'”That’s precisely what happened. Horan powerfully headed home Lavelle’s corner to even the score, letting out a cathartic roar in the process. The U.S. was running downhill after that, piling on the pressure and creating some clear chances. Yet, it couldn’t find the breakthrough to give it all three points.After final whistle, Horan and Van de Donk hugged it out on the field and the pair shared a laugh as Horan walked past her rival in the mixed zone. Horan spoke of how she loves Van de Donk’s fighting spirit — when they’re on the same team. But she also noted how the tackle changed the game for her.”I don’t think you ever want to get me mad because I don’t react in a good way usually [for the opponent] and I want something more,” she said. “I want to win more. I want to score more. I want to do more for my team. That moment — that little tackle, big tackle — changed the shift in my head. I want to do everything for my team, and let’s win this game.”Alex Morgan not happy with USA’s 1-1 draw with the Netherlands
Lindsey Horan and Alex Morgan give their thoughts following USA’s 1-1 draw at the Women’s World Cup.
That the U.S. managed to get a draw on a day when it played well short of its best in some ways can be viewed as a good sign. After all, this was the U.S. team’s first real test of the tournament. Netherlands are clearly a quality side and it is hoped that the calluses formed in terms of experience will come in handy for this group of American players later in the tournament.
Group E
| GP | W | D | L | GD | PTS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – United States | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | +3 | 4 |
| 2 – Netherlands | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 4 |
| 3 – Portugal | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | +1 | 3 |
| 4 – Vietnam | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | -3 | 0 |
| Top two countries qualify for round of 16 | ||||||
The U.S. also showed that by ratcheting up its press, it could disrupt Netherlands’ possession game. It certainly helped that Dutch defender Stefanie van der Gragt had to leave the game at half-time due to injury. After that, Netherlands manager Andries Jonker said his team “needed the guts to play through the midfield from the back” and that when Van der Gragt went out, “the guts were less,” resulting in more long balls. But some of that was down to the U.S. doing more to impose itself on the game.”No one was happy with our first-half performance, letting them have the ball a little bit too much,” Horan said. “But then we changed things and I’m proud of our team and how we responded and getting that goal.”What is the USWNT’s outlook moving forward in the World Cup?Marissa Lordanic breaks down why the USWNT should not be underestimated in the World Cup.
But there are still plenty of issues that the U.S. needs to address. The drop-off from the team with Lavelle on the field to the one without is steep. DeMelo seemed to wilt under the physical attention she was given by Groenen & Co., and the U.S. attack looked disjointed until Lavelle’s introduction. At that point, and much like the game against Vietnam, the tempo was raised, and the U.S. looked more dangerous as a result.As for why Lavelle didn’t start, U.S. manager Vlatko Andonovski said she was on a time limit of about 45 minutes, but are there really no other alternatives at this point? Apparently not, meaning the U.S. will be praying to the soccer gods that Lavelle continues to build her fitness.Then there’s the issue of the effectiveness and chemistry of the Americans’ front three of Sophia Smith, Alex Morgan and Trinity Rodman. Andonovski said he believed his front three were “dangerous, created opportunities and were a handful,” but it seems more obvious with each game that Smith is much more comfortable as a central striker. When given the ball out wide, Smith’s deliveries are too often off target and when she goes at defenses, she has a tendency to dribble into trouble.
USWNT camp reports:
– Inside the USWNT’s official base camp: ‘We are treated like Queens’
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– What it’s like to feed a World Cup team
Rodman is also a winger, who is less provider and more goal scorer. Nothing wrong with that, but on this day, she struggled to make an impact, losing the ball a team-high 36 times. And when presented with a clear look at goal in the 82nd minute, she pulled her shot wide. While Smith did set up Rodman for that chance, both players were guilty of taking too much time on the ball, with an extra touch resulting in the delivery window for a cross or pass closing. All of this contributes to Morgan not getting quality service.
Andonovski said that these days Morgan is more of a playmaker than she’s been in the past. That is all well and good, but the U.S. needs a few more clubs in its attacking bag than set pieces and Morgan as playmaker.Looking to his bench might have solved this problem. Lavelle was the only sub used by Andonovski and he explained that, with the U.S. on the front foot in the second half, he didn’t want to upset the team’s rhythm. But this match seemed to be crying out for a wild card like Lynn Williams or Alyssa Thompson, especially as Rodman was looking gassed late on. The knockout stages may very well require more risk-taking — and faith in the U.S. bench — late in matches.The U.S. manager insists that chemistry among the front three will develop. That will have to be the case, as the U.S.’ World Cup hopes depend on it.
Vlatko Andonovski liked how the U.S. played vs. the Netherlands, but not many other people did
“I thought we had control of the game, and I thought that we were knocking on the door,” Andonovski said. But his team didn’t force the door open, and it easily could have.
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WELLINGTON, New Zealand — To a certain kind of trained ear, Vlatko Andonovski’s assessment of the U.S. women’s soccer teams’ 1-1 tie with the Netherlands sounded familiar. In fact, it sounded a little too familiar.
“Even though it didn’t finish the way we wanted to finish, I thought it was a very good match for our team, especially for a group of young players,” Andonovski said after a game in which his team had a 18-5 advantage in shots, but was out-possessed 56% to 44%, completed 138 fewer passes than its opponent (386-248), and flat-out didn’t pass the eye test for too much of the afternoon.
Have you heard words like that before? If you’re reading this back home in Philadelphia, you probably have, and not just from Union manager Jim Curtin.
Does it help to know that Andonovski is a longtime Kansas City resident and a diehard Chiefs fan?
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At the end of a news-conference grilling from the American media horde, it was hard to avoid wondering if Andy Reid had watched the game back in the heartland. The two coaches know each other, and Andonovski has been a guest of honor at Arrowhead Stadium many times.
» READ MORE: Lindsey Horan’s header saves a 1-1 tie for the U.S. vs. the Netherlands at the World Cup
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A reporter from abroad joined the fray by asking Andonovski if he thought we haven’t seen the best of the U.S. yet at this World Cup. There was only one possible answer to that, and, this time, Andonovski gave it.
“I think that’s a fair statement.” he said. “This team has not had time together. The first time we saw this team together was in Game 1 [of the tournament], and now we saw them again in Game 2. So in Game 3, we expect to grow from there. … The baseline is the second half of this game, and then hopefully as we move forward, we’re going to see a better and better U.S. team.”
Lack of substitutes glaring
Though the U.S. did play much better in the second half than the first, Andonovski affected things in a big way by not making more than one substitution. No team on the planet has a deeper bench than the U.S., but Lynn Williams, Megan Rapinoe, Ashley Sanchez, and six other outfield players watched Rose Lavelle’s entry at halftime be the Americans’ only swap.
Williams’ absence was particularly glaring, since Trinity Rodman too often looked overmatched against the Netherlands’ veterans. Williams’ proficiency at pressing, cutting in from wide, and shooting seemed tailor-made for the moment, but she could only watch from behind the goal, where Rodman shot a big late chance wide of the far post.
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“Of course we thought about substitutes, and Lynn was probably one of the first that would have been on the field if we needed to change something,” Andonovski said. “But I thought we had control of the game, and I thought that we were knocking on the door of scoring a goal. The players played well; we were around the goal the whole time, and I just didn’t want to disrupt the rhythm at that point.”
» READ MORE: Rose Lavelle recalls her goal of a lifetime ahead of another U.S.-Netherlands showdown
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Doesn’t that also sound a little too familiar, knocking on the door without busting it open the way it could have been?
“We just didn’t want to jeopardize anything,” Andonovski said as he finished his thought. “I thought all three of our forwards were very good today: dangerous, created opportunities, and were a handful.”
Veterans stepped up
As for the U.S. players, this wasn’t a moment to hear from the youngsters. It was a moment to hear from the veterans who didn’t just know how much of a missed opportunity the tie was, but must now lead the locker room’s preparations for Tuesday’s group stage finale against Portugal (3 a.m., Fox29, Telemundo 62, Peacock).
“Going into the locker room, coming back out and having the fight that this USA team is about, it was a little bit different than the first half, and I think we were unlucky not to get a second goal,” Alex Morgan said. “The fact that this team fought back is a little bit of that mentality that we needed [going] into this tournament. And I think it’s just a little unfortunate that now first place in this group is up for grabs, but we’re going to do everything we can this next game.”
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The fire the U.S. needed to come from behind came not from any shots taken with the ball, but from a shot taken by Lindsey Horan in a crunching challenge with Daniëlle van de Donk. The teammates at French club Lyon then exchanged some heated words, and got stern talkings-to from referee Yoshimi Yamashita.
» READ MORE: Sophia Smith’s family revels in watching the USWNT’s World Cup breakout star
“Unfortunately I did not take it in a good way — I got a little heated, and she got to hear it,” Horan said. “Julie [Ertz] came up to me in the box and she was like, ‘Linds, please just don’t get another yellow card. Just score this goal to shut everyone up.’ And that’s what happened.”
Horan was steaming mad, and she took out her anger a few minutes later in the best way possible: by rising high for a superb header of a Lavelle corner kick.
Don’t get them mad
“That’s where you get the best football from [me],” Horan said. “I don’t think you ever want to get me mad, because I don’t react in a good way. Usually, I just go and I want something more — I want to win more, want to score more, I want to do more for my team.”
Van de Donk wasn’t surprised.
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“I already knew when she came up to me, and I was like, ‘You’re going to be smiling at me in 20 minutes after the game,’” she said, and, right on cue, Horan walked by and offered a teasing nudge.
That closed the book on that. But the book on the Americans’ group stage finale Tuesday against Portugal is now wide open. Though the U.S advances out of the group with a win, draw, or even any loss of five goals or fewer, in order to secure first place and an easier knockout-round path, the team has to not just win, but keep a plus-2 goal difference edge over the Netherlands.
“Absolutely, that’s in the back of our minds, not closing out this game,” Morgan said. “Now we have to work even harder to get the goals and make sure that we secure that first place.”
Those are the words U.S. fans, whether the thousands in Wellington or the millions back home, want to hear. Soon it will be time to live up to them.
» READ MORE: All of our 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup coverage in one place, from how to watch to who to watch
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Published July 27, 2023
Physicality in Women’s World Cup matches shows how quickly the game has moved on
By Michael Cox ul 27, 2023
Ahead of the most anticipated game of the Women’s World Cup 2023 group stage — a repeat of the 2019 final between the U.S. and the Netherlands — came perhaps the most significant pre-match press conference statement, courtesy of Dutch manager Andries Jonker.
“The intensity in European football really has grown the last couple of years, as well as the fitness,” he began. “In the past, the American women were a lot fitter than the rest of the world, but I really think those days are over. If you look at the Champions League nowadays, you see the same level of intensity.”
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It was a bold statement, the classic ‘pin this up on the dressing room wall’ kind of thing that might have fired up the USWNT. But the game itself didn’t disprove the theory. For a start, it was often very physical — and shortly before her goal, Lindsey Horan seemed to think her Lyon team-mate Danielle van de Donk had been overly physical. Clearly, it wasn’t too much for the Netherlands. They coped well with Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith, the reigning champions’ explosive wide duo.But this isn’t about that individual game; the physicality has been the main theme of the World Cup so far. Watching the matches, it’s been obvious the women’s game has changed significantly, even from four years ago. Previously, the matches were slow, featuring few genuinely powerful footballers. And the players from the more established nations sometimes found it simple to brush aside the weaker sides.But things are changing. In the aftermath of South Korea’s 2-0 loss to Colombia on Tuesday, for example, manager Colin Bell was frank about where his side lost the game — they just weren’t physical enough. “I think (these days) every team has players with power with a real physical strength, and speed, and speed of thought. And I think, at times, we were just a little bit intimidated,” he said.“That’s the point I’m trying to make, and people need to start listening in South Korea. We need more intensity. We need more intensity in training and a higher intensity in matches. And the players need to be coming to the table with a much higher physicality and condition.”It was a biting assessment of his players’ physical capabilities. And it was interesting to hear Bell’s reasoning for handing a debut to 16-year-old Casey Phair, the youngest player in World Cup history, born in Korea but raised in New Jersey. “We need strong, fast players with physicality,” he said. We’re looking for those type of players. And Casey can give us that energy and that power.”The emphasis on physicality has been a common theme of players’ and managers’ impressions of the opening round of this World Cup. Intriguingly, lots of those asked suggested the increased level of physicality was more apparent from the underdogs, helping them to compete and to keep scorelines relatively close.“From what we’ve seen so far, it could be the most physical World Cup — and the one in which everything is most balanced physically,” said Spain manager Jorge Vilda. “Teams are working better and have more resources, which leads to closer results. That’s the future, more equality in physical terms. Football will be the winner.”This was a common theme. “The whole physical part of the game has improved,” said Sweden striker Stina Blackstenius, in the aftermath of Sweden’s nervy come-from-behind 2-1 win over South Africa.“I think it’s not just about the physical duels, but teams now have a lot of speed. It gives an extra dimension to the games. Teams are getting better at defending, which makes it difficult for teams to score against any opposition. There have been a couple of games where there have been a lot of goals, like the Germany game (against Morocco, a 6-0 win), for example. But aside from that, numbers have been kept down.”Her team-mate Filippa Angeldahl said something similar. “It has become more physical, and you can see how (women’s) football has developed, and how these smaller nations also perform well. There are many factors — in some cases it’s about attitude.”England, like the USWNT, were another side who, once upon a time, might have had a physical advantage over opponents with little experience at this level. But Haiti, as well as boasting skilful individuals in attack, were also more than ready for the physical challenge. Their centre-backs weren’t intimidated by Alessia Russo. Their full-backs weren’t outmuscled in one-against-one duels. Their power on the break was hugely impressive.
Alessia Russo feels the force of Haiti goalkeeper Kerly Theus (Photo: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)
“It’s tough,” said midfielder Keira Walsh, who found herself up against the dangerous Melchie Dumornay, who both marked her and then charged past her at turnovers. “People are expecting teams like Haiti to be easy, and they are not. The games have been different, and it’s been 1-0 or 2-0. Haiti were probably one of the toughest teams I’ve played against in terms of speed on the counter-attack. You will see that more in the tournament as well. The teams that people are not expecting too much from, they have really improved.“If you look at the investment and facilities (compared to) what we had four or five years ago… the training that younger girls are having now, they are in the gym a lot more, which isn’t something we really had when we were younger. So naturally it is going to progress and you’re seeing that come to fruition in this tournament.”But the question is whether the physical component of the game might dominate too much. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but one enjoyable thing about women’s football, historically, is that the technical players have been afforded space to demonstrate their creative abilities. There’s a danger they might be pressed out of the game, especially because the officiating in women’s football is curiously lenient when it comes to penalising physical challenges.This isn’t just an issue for women’s football. At the start of the last Premier League campaign, the main focus was on ‘lighter-touch’ refereeing. In the long term, that means physical players enjoy it more, and technical players find it tougher. By the second half of the campaign, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola — who once seemed to think his sole mission in football was to promote technical play — was loading up on centre-backs like he was Tony Pulis. That’s probably not a coincidence, and nor is it a coincidence that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is spending pre-season promising that “when we want a game to become more physical, we have the options to be very, very physical”.But, back in the women’s game, maybe the balance between technical play and physical play has been maintained — it’s simply that the women’s game is progressing in every aspect. Ahead of England’s meeting with Denmark in Sydney, both managers were keen to point out that the physical improvement is just one component that has improved.“I think everything in women’s football has increased, in terms of the quality of football,” said Denmark manager Lars Sondergaard. “When you see the Euros last year, the high-intensity running, the sprinting, the one-against-one, the duels… it’s getting tougher. You also see the teams are getting more even, even those not ranked so high, they are also very good now. Which means it’s going to be more physical and the tempo is getting higher. There’s been an immense development in that part of the game.”England manager Sarina Wiegman said something similar. “I think the total game increases all the time. You can talk about it being physical, but we should say ‘football-physical’. I think the demands on the game are higher, that means the intensity of the game gets higher too, and when you’re in possession it’s about decision-making, doing the right thing, being tight on the ball, and that’s what you see in this tournament so far. It’s absolutely physical, that’s because players are fitter, but they’re more capable on the ball too.”That improved physical level in women’s football, though, bas been particularly striking at this tournament. Once upon a time, the big nations blasted the minnows off the park, and produced scorelines that invited ridicule. At World Cup 2023, they are finding it much tougher, in a very literal sense.
(Top photo: Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Michael Cox concentrates on tactical analysis. He is the author of two books – The Mixer, about the tactical evolution of the Premier League, and Zonal Marking, about footballing philosophies across Europe. Follow Michael on Twitter @Zonal_Marking
USWNT player ratings: Disappointing showing vs. Netherlands ends in draw
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Jason Anderson follow July 27, 2023 12:04 am ET
The U.S. women’s national team was far from its best against the Netherlands, struggling for a long spell in the middle of the match before recovering for a 1-1 draw. Jill Roord’s goal on the first shot conceded all tournament by the USWNT deflated the group, and until Dutch star Daniëlle van de Donk clattered into club teammate Lindsey Horan, it was starting to get hard to see a way back in for the favored Americans.However, Horan — after a fairly heated argument with van de Donk in the seconds that followed — powered home a header, and the U.S. took the game over for the final half-hour.The good news? Those final minutes were the “real” USWNT. The bad news? They arrived for a reason the team can’t control, and since a winner didn’t arrive (nor did any substitutions after Rose Lavelle’s entry at halftime), the flaws on the day aren’t going to be papered over by three points.
With all that in mind, let’s dig into who delivered, and who didn’t.As a reminder, here’s the Pro Soccer Wire player rating scale:
Our scale:
- 1: Abysmal. Literally any member of our staff would have been been able to play at this level.
- 6: Adequate. This is our base score.
- 10: Transcendent, era-defining performance. This is Carli Lloyd vs. Japan in the 2015 final.
GK: Alyssa Naeher – 6.5
Naeher has barely had to do any work in 180 minutes, but deserves some credit for navigating a really tricky environment. In the first half, the U.S. was defending a goal that seemed to be on the worse end of a driving wind at Wellington Regional Stadium. In the second half, the really strong sun/shade border was in her penalty area, a potential nightmare for any goalkeeper.Instead, Naeher claimed the occasional Dutch cross with confidence, and the only times the U.S. looked disorganized was in transition (i.e. when the breakdown came well up the field from where her voice might serve to organize the group).She did concede on the only shot she faced, but it’s hard to see what more she could have done on a shot through traffic that was tagged for the bottom corner.
RB: Emily Fox – 5
Fox was a clear focus of the Dutch high press, which seemed to kick into a high gear any time someone passed the ball her way in the first half. Normally confident and sure-footed, she made some iffy choices under that pressure as the U.S. structure unraveled after Jill Roord put the Netherlands ahead.Her second half was better as her recognition of where and when the press would be coming from increased, and frankly because Andries Jonker backed that pressure off significantly during the break. Still, not the best showing from a player who normally breaks the kind of pressure the Netherlands sent her way.
RCB: Julie Ertz – 7
On one hand, Ertz was a physical force in both boxes, and it’s hard to find too many complaints about a center back when the opponent takes just five shots all night. The Netherlands caused the U.S. some problems, but those problems translated to very little thanks to the center backs and some (mostly) good scrambling from the midfield.Ertz also came up with an enormous block on the one and only second-half chance for the Netherlands, which in and of itself got her score a bump here.The quibble here is that Ertz defaulted to long balls early and often. There’s a rationale for that: if a team wants to high-press you, and you have Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman, the ball over the top is the answer. However, Ertz wasn’t particularly accurate on these, and seemed to be forcing them a bit.
LCB: Naomi Girma – 6.5
The review for Girma is essentially exactly what was said above about Ertz. She won every single duel she was in, she had the speed to cover in behind — though it must be said, without Lineth Beerensteyn, the Dutch threat in those moments was reduced — and the U.S. held a good team to virtually no chances outside of one bad sequence.Again, though, the long ball accuracy wasn’t there. Girma went 3-for-10, in line with Ertz’s 4-for-12, and even the completed passes weren’t dangerous passes.
Still, all in all, solid stuff.
LB: Crystal Dunn – 5.5
There were a series of mistakes on the Dutch goal, but the biggest was also the least likely: Dunn, a player blessed with maybe the best balance of any player in women’s soccer, slipped. The attack was about to end with her making an easy interception, but her slip (followed by a rushed block attempt that could have been a clearance) turned into a goal.Now, that said, Dunn had a great response. She stepped her game up, particularly during the first half when the rest of the team wasn’t offering the kind of intensity in their reply. In the second half, the USWNT got to her level in a lot of ways.
RCM: Savannah DeMelo – 6
This was a very mixed bag performance from DeMelo.
On the plus side, she won six fouls and brought the sheer effort level to match and even exceed a Dutch team that seemed desperate to win the game through sheer high pressure. She also had the best U.S. look of the early stages, when they were in the ascendancy. The good aspects to her performance were legit positives.On the other hand, DeMelo’s normally reliable touch under pressure was absent on the day, and during the first half, no midfielder or forward lost possession more than she did. Additionally, she (and the entire USWNT front six, to be clear) struggled to offer the kind of early, urgent movement off the ball that was needed against an opponent that risked high-pressing.
DM: Andi Sullivan – 5.5
Sullivan’s step up without winning the ball is where the Dutch goal got started. It’s a moment where she has to get a touch, or take a yellow, or stay home. There are bigger mistakes that followed in the sequence, but the move forward wasn’t likely to amount to much if not for a step gone awry.This, incidentally, is the reason the U.S. eventually went to a 4-2-3-1 late last year: Sullivan’s game defensively is about protecting space, and in Andonovski’s approach to a 4-3-3, she can’t hold and take ownership of the zone in front of the center backs. The team builds this step into its gameplan, and going back to this formation is frankly a bit curious.Aside from that moment, though, the U.S. looked troubled, but not actually in danger, and that’s the scrambling work mentioned earlier. Sullivan played a big part in that, helping the USWNT stall Dutch counters long enough that the team could sort things out.
LCM: Lindsey Horan – 7
Horan looked ready to dominate early, but faded after the Dutch goal. It’s a play where she needs to be one or two steps closer to closing Roord down. Even if she doesn’t get a block, Roord has to adjust her shot, and an already low-caliber chance becomes even less likely to squeak into the bottom corner. She was on course for roughly a 5 rating here.However, Horan took van de Donk’s tackle to her bad knee, and had a choice to make once she got some treatment and carried on. The surface explanation is the accurate one: Horan got mad, and channeled that anger perfectly to equalize. From there, she drove the U.S. on, winning tackles, creating chances for others, and sensing that the tempo needed to go up as the Dutch lost their grip on the game.
RF: Trinity Rodman – 5.5
Rodman struggled with connections early, and ended the match completing just 43% of her passes. On the ball, she looked unusually far from her normally sharp self. Additionally, Rodman ended up dropping too deep on both sides of the ball in the bad first half, which instead of helping Fox under pressure ended up compounding the issue.Still, in moments Rodman was very good. Her shot immediately after the Dutch goal was inches from an instant equalizer, and her angled through ball for Alex Morgan would have been a signature assist if she weren’t caught a step offside.Rodman made a brilliant run late on to open up a passing lane that didn’t exist, but her finish after Sophia Smith met the opening with a smart pass was dragged wide.
ST: Alex Morgan – 5
Morgan really struggled to make a major impact on the game when the U.S. was in possession, with her runs coming too late or lacking the sort of incisive quality that would cause the Netherlands any issues. The USWNT’s attack slowed to a crawl after Roords goal, and a big part of the problem came from a lack of runs and availability up top.Morgan produced a good run and finish in the 68th minute that was correctly called offside, and was sneaky-good in winning her battles for 50/50 balls. However, the U.S. needs her to be more mobile and more insistent to make teams pay a tactical price for an aggressive pressing approach, and that element was missing on the day.
LF: Sophia Smith – 7
Like Rodman, Smith’s passing accuracy was too low, but she was also the fulcrum of most of the positive things the U.S. did going forward.Namely, even in the poor first half, Smith got into really promising pockets between the lines, got on the ball, and just needed one useful supporting run to give the Dutch defense too many problems to handle at once. Every single time, that run never came, and the Oranje escaped.Smith’s return pass to Rodman could have been a game-winning assist on another night, and while the data says she was merely fine, we’re giving her a higher rating because so many of the ideas she had were not met with the right choice from a teammate.
Coach: Vlatko Andonovski – 4
The U.S. came out flying, putting any worries about the unchanged lineup to one side for about 16 minutes and change. He even got the gift of Jonker for some reason deciding to question the fitness and quality of what so many USWNT players have called “a team of psychos” in the hours before the game.However, that group did lose its way following the Dutch goal, and while the bench offered some adjustments during stoppages, they were mostly just buying time rather than actually changing the game.
The fight in the second half is a credit to the team, but it’s hard to pay credit to the coach. If anything, in this case it’s an insane decision from van de Donk to bring heightened emotion into a game her team was controlling. The USWNT got back into this match mostly on that channeled anger than anything else.Most of all, though, Andonovski’s refusal to use his substitutes is a baffling one. Yes, the U.S. had regained control and were all over the Netherlands at times after Horan’s goal, but this was not the moment to say everything is fine and avoid making a change. Instead, what was needed — and crucially, what was available — was a move to take the good stuff going on up to the next level.In particular, the wide-open final 20 minutes that the USWNT created for themselves seemed to be crying out for Lynn Williams or Alyssa Thompson. Instead, Andonovski stood pat, and a chance to turn this into a stirring (if rocky) win went by the wayside.
Sub: Rose Lavelle – 7.5
Lavelle entered at halftime, replacing DeMelo as the USWNT’s No. 10, and was once again Rose friggin’ Lavelle.
You could even see it in the tackle that got her a quick booking: Lavelle wasn’t just trying to create and bring joy to the game, but also wanted to lead by example in adding some abrasiveness to a U.S. side that wasn’t fully charged up even after the halftime break.So in summary, she sharpened the team up technically, lifted them emotionally, and got the assist with the single best set-piece delivery the team has had in their two games thus far. It wasn’t perfect (she wasn’t always so sharp on the ball, and went for some challenges that were ill-advised), but it stands to reason that the U.S. will be looking to start her and hope she can get to the hour mark or longer provided they get to the knockout rounds.
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USWNT players honor memory of Katie Meyer with mental health initiative during the World Cup
By Meg Linehan Jul 19, 2023
(Content warning: This story addresses suicide and other mental health issues and may be difficult to read and emotionally upsetting.If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.)
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U.S. women’s national team players are using their World Cup platform for a new mental health initiative alongside Common Goal, a charity organization focused on helping global soccer players create social impacts. FOX Sports, the English-language broadcast rights holder in the United States for the tournament, has also promised to dedicate 1 percent of the tournament’s air time to mental health.
On Wednesday, USWNT defender Naomi Girma released a first-person essay via The Players’ Tribune dedicating this World Cup to her Stanford teammate Katie Meyer, who died by suicide in March 2022.
“This is personal for me, and for everyone who knew Katie,” Girma wrote. “I’ll be honest, it’s not easy to talk about this on the eve of a World Cup. It’s still very raw for me. I know what an honor it is to be a part of a World Cup team. I know all about the pressure and expectations.”
Girma said the project’s mission is to help people feel less alone. Ten USWNT players, including Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan and Sophia Smith, are featured in a video released this week to highlight the initiative.
In Auckland, New Zealand on Wednesday, Smith addressed the campaign. She and defender Emily Fox discussed their approaches to protecting their mental health during a major tournament.
“Anytime I talk about Katie, it’s obviously emotional,” said Smith, who was also teammates with Meyer at Stanford. “Just with everything coming out today, it kind of brings all those feelings back to the surface. But I feel like I’m in a place where I can talk about it, and talk about Katie in a really positive light and it brings me more happiness. … Everything we do is now for Katie, so it means a lot.”Smith said Girma approached her a few months ago with the idea to work with Common Goal on the initiative. She was immediately interested.“It changed the whole way I view life. I now don’t take things too seriously,” Smith said “I realized that there’s so many more important things happening than the little things that stressed me out or took a toll on me. That’s a good thing, because it puts things into perspective and just makes you value life a lot more, and friendships and relationships.”Following the World Cup, Common Goal said its mental health campaign “will bring together coaches from more than 15 sports-based youth development organizations working in under-resourced communities across the United States. The immersive training will teach positive coping strategies and provide personal support in communities who historically do not have access to mental health resources.”The organization also plans to offer training for players from some NWSL teams on incorporating mental health and emotional well-being into their professional environments.“It’s long overdue that our soccer communities put mental health at the forefront when we discuss player care,” Lilli Barrett-O’Keefe, executive director of Common Goal USA, said in the official release. “We are determined to create a culture shift, at all levels of the game, following this summer’s World Cup. We are grateful for the players that are pushing this narrative forward and holding us all accountable to not only talk but act.”It’s a heavy topic for a major tournament, but there’s also immense pressure on many young players to pull off a third consecutive World Cup win for the USWNT.“For the team in general, we had a team talk about (mental health), about the pressure, the external pressures that happen,” Fox said. “And really, it was cool to hear from the veterans and how we can lean on them. They’ve been through every position, whether starter, non-starter, coming in (to a match), all those things.”As for Smith, she said with a laugh that deleting Twitter was “the best thing (she’d) ever done,” as she’s now less aware of that outside noise.“It’s a lot, and it’s something new every day, so just trying to push that aside and focus on what we are here to do,” Smith said. “That’s to play soccer and win a World Cup. Finding that balance is super important.”But members of the USWNT team are also deeply aware of the platform they have, especially during this tournament.“We know first-hand how many people, especially student athletes, are struggling in silence, and we want to use our platform in this huge moment for something bigger than soccer. It’s exactly what Katie would have done. But she never would have stopped there,” Girma wrote in her essay. “We don’t want this to end simply at awareness. We want to make sure that young people have the tools to cope with depression, anxiety, stress, and the very bad days, when it feels like the weight of the world is on their shoulders, and it can never get better. It can always get better.”(Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
Assessing the USMNT key players and contenders whose club futures have been in doubt
By Greg O’Keeffe and Tom Bogert Jul 27, 2023 The Athletic
Ahead of the summer transfer window, uncertainty swirled around the USMNT.
A sporting director had just been hired, but there was a vacancy still on the coaching staff and, soon, a second interim to take over the team. Then there was the reality that no fewer than a dozen key pool players based in Europe were facing uncertain futures at club level.Within a few months there was clarity surrounding most of those issues. Gregg Berhalter was confirmed to return as head coach, another Nations League title was safely secured in the cabinet and several key transfers — including that of star forward Christian Pulisic — were over the line.Yet more moves are still in the air. Here The Athletic looks at the latest on the busy summer in the world of the USMNT.
Moves that have already happened…
Christian Pulisic — AC Milan (from Chelsea)
After being pushed to the periphery at Chelsea, Christian Pulisic left the London club for AC Milan. Pulisic had just a year left on his contract, which helped facilitate the move (and make it affordable for Milan).Pulisic won a Champions League with Chelsea and enjoyed some special moments, but due to his own injury record and a revolving door of managers, consistency proved elusive. At Milan, he will seek to establish himself as a regular starter at a big club once again.The 24-year-old will either line up on the opposite flank to Portuguese star Rafael Leao or play through the middle behind a center forward. Milan qualified for the Champions League once again this season after advancing to the semifinals last time out, and is expected to be in the Serie A title chase. –Bogert
Pulisic takes on Aurelien Tchouameni in Milan’s friendly against Real Madrid in Pasadena (Photo: Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images)
Brenden Aaronson — Union Berlin (on loan from Leeds United)
Aaronson is trading the Championship for the Champions League and is going to a domestic league that may better suit him. All in all, his season-long loan to Union Berlin from Leeds United is a great move.
Aaronson, 22, appeared in 36 of Leeds’ 38 games last season as they were relegated from the Premier League while cycling through three managers. Included as part of his €25million (£21.4m; $27.7m) transfer last summer were two relegation release clauses — one of which permitted Aaronson to leave on a free loan to a top division. Outside of Berlin, Fulham was among the clubs who wanted to sign him.Berlin made it clear Aaronson would be a key signing and an important part of the starting XI. A return to the Champions League is critical as well — Aaronson excelled in the competition with RB Salzburg in 2021-22, when his performances convinced Leeds to make him a priority transfer target.When Aaronson left the Philadelphia Union for Salzburg, several Bundesliga clubs were interested in signing him. The general style of the league, and specifically that of Berlin’s transition-based pressing ethos, should suit him. –Bogert
Aaronson (right) battles with Rapid Vienna’s Roman Kerschbaum (Photo: Andreas Gora / picture alliance via Getty Images)
Tim Weah — Juventus (from Lille)
After a few seasons, including a surprise Ligue 1 title-winning campaign in 2020-21, Tim Weah left Lille this summer having been acquired by Juventus for €12 million (£10.3M; $13.3M).
Weah’s versatility created opportunities for him to secure minutes for Lille, but it meant he had little consistency. Signed as a forward, he played both fullback positions more than anywhere else, as well as making some appearances on either wing.
At Juventus, Weah will likely be used as a wingback. It’s not ideal considering he plays as a vertical winger for the USMNT, but he should be attacking plenty from that position. –Bogert
Weah in training with Juventus in Santa Clara, California (Photo: Loren Elliott/Getty Images)
Ricardo Pepi — PSV (from Augsburg)
Ricardo Pepi’s record transfer from FC Dallas to Augsburg turned out to be a disaster, with zero goals across 16 appearances (mostly from the bench). However, he was able to make a quick exit. Dutch powerhouse PSV Eindhoven acquired Pepi this summer after the player made clear his desire not to return to Augsburg.
Pepi had an excellent season on loan at Groningen, with 12 goals in 29 appearances. He remains in the Dutch top flight but will be fighting for a title at PSV, not against relegation like at Groningen.
The 20-year-old has acclimated himself quickly in preseason — another welcome difference to this transfer than his initial move to Augsburg, coming mid-season in Germany. –Bogert
Potential moves still to come…
Tyler Adams — Leeds United
A stellar debut season in England for Tyler Adams was cut short by hamstring surgery in March, a crucial blow for Leeds United’s fight against relegation. The club’s demotion was confirmed on the final day of the season, as it finished 19th and will spend 2023-24 in the Championship.
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The expectation is Adams will depart, but Leeds will not sit back and let one of their best players leave without a fight. The club’s new American owners, 49ers Enterprises, have made keeping the 24-year-old an absolute priority, and manager Daniel Farke would ideally like to build a team around him as he plots an instant return to the top flight.
Adams acknowledges the crowd after Leeds’ relegation in May (Photo: Oli Scarff / AFP via Getty Images)
Adams’ performance and stylistic fit in the Premier League will make him an attractive option for any club outside the top six that can afford him. He also spent two and a half seasons at RB Leipzig and his style fits well with the Bundesliga, but German clubs will find it difficult to compete with Premier League clubs’ offers both in terms of transfer fee and wages.
Once he is fully fit, Adams and his representatives will have a decision on their hands and no shortage of options, including another season in Yorkshire. –O’Keeffe
Weston McKennie — Juventus
There had been a belief McKennie was one of several players deemed surplus to requirement by manager Max Allegri, after the midfielder returned following his loan spell at Leeds. However, despite initial suggestions he would be left behind on Juventus’ U.S. tour, McKennie did fly out with the club to his homeland.
Juventus’ new Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli wanted to dispel the rumours, insisting McKennie was part of his and Allegri’s thinking. “McKennie out of the project?” he said. “That’s never been said.”
McKennie, back at Juventus, trains in Los Angeles, California (Photo: Daniele Badolato – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
But he has plenty to do on tour if he is to impress Allegri after a disappointing second half to last season in the heat of an ultimately unsuccessful Premier League relegation battle.Those close to McKennie do not see a Juventus exit happening quickly this summer. His salary is considerable and could be an issue for interested clubs, meaning his focus remains on persuading Allegri to give him a chance despite the ambiguity.That does not mean he will sit tight and merely accept a fringe role. But any potential move is more likely to happen towards the end of the transfer window in September. –O’Keeffe
Folarin Balogun — Arsenal
With his international future resolved, the new USMNT international is facing a key period to decide where he will play club football in the coming season.Balogun trained separately from the Arsenal squad during Monday’s session in Los Angeles, where the Premier League club are on a pre-season tour, as he nursed a foot injury.It meant he missed the 5-3 victory over Barcelona having featured against MLS All-Stars in Washington last week and then sitting out the loss to Manchester United on Saturday in New York as an unused substitute.His future is uncertain, with Arsenal looking for £50 million ($64.4m) if they are to sell Balogun.
Balogun celebrates with Gabriel Martinelli at Audi Field in Washington (Photo: Stefani Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images)
Balogun returned to Arsenal following a productive loan spell at Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims, where he scored 21 goals in 37 matches. Asked whether Balogun has a future with Arsenal, having attracted transfer interest from clubs including Inter Milan, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta replied: “We will see. First of all, he needs to be fit and play minutes.”The Athletic’s David Ornstein has reported that Balogun wants to be a first-choice striker wherever he plays next season, which is unlikely at Arsenal with Gabriel Jesus and others in place. He also reported Balogun does not want to go on loan again, with a permanent transfer the preference. Inter’s rivals AC Milan, RB Leipzig, Marseille and Monaco are also interested. –O’Keeffe
Yunus Musah — Valencia
Musah had a low-key end to what was a disappointing season for Valencia, which finished 16th in La Liga. Musah was left out of the starting line-up for two of their final three games under new coach Ruben Baraja.He contributed no goals or assists during the campaign, but that has not diminished the memory of his impressive displays for the USMNT at the World Cup in Qatar, and he remains in demand.West Ham have monitored him and Chelsea were believed to be interested in January. If either returned to test Valencia with an offer it remains uncertain whether the Spanish club would resist, despite valuing Musah and believing he has plenty of room to flourish further.Musah has three years remaining on his deal at the Mestalla, so Valencia has a strong hand in any potential negotiations. The club had been asking €40 million (£34.3M; $44.2M), being aware of the commercial and marketing edge he offers in the North American market.However the club’s financial situation means they must bring money into the club this summer.
Musah is challenged by Carlos Clerc of Elche in April (Photo: Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
AC Milan has been in negotiations with Valencia, and Musah — who has an Italian passport having spent much of his childhood in Italy — is believed to be open to that move. The clubs have been unable to agree on a fee, however, although a bid of around €25 million (£21.4M; $27.6M) would most likely prove acceptable. –O’Keeffe
Sergiño Dest — Barcelona
The defender will be given every opportunity to impress Barcelona manager Xavi after his spell on loan at AC Milan last season.“I have to prove myself,” the 22-year-old told The Athletic earlier this month. “I’m fully focused on myself at the moment. It’s up to me. I feel like I can do it. My mindset is to stay here and to have a really nice season with Barca.”Spain’s champions are certainly in need of further strength at right back. Although the team’s defence was one of last season’s great successes, centre-back Jules Kounde played the position most regularly and has since expressed his desire to return to his natural spot.Without a pure right back, Dest knows that his return from a season-long loan at San Siro comes at a good time.“(Xavi) told me: ‘OK, I’ll give you a fair chance to prove yourself.’ So that’s what it is at the moment,” Dest said. “He told me: ‘I think you have qualities but it’s up to you, you have to show me.’ And I fully agree.”
Dest (left) in action against Arsenal in Inglewood, California (Photo: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Dest was loaned to Milan on deadline day last September, but things did not go to plan. He made just eight Serie A appearances (only two of them as a starter) and by the halfway stage of the campaign, the Italian club had already decided not to exercise its option to make the move permanent.
There has been previously reported interest from several Premier League clubs but, for now, Dest will look to take full advantage of that clean slate at Camp Nou. –O’Keeffe
Zack Steffen — Manchester City
Steffen has been clear that he plans to leave Manchester City this summer, whether on a permanent deal or another loan.“I don’t think I’ll go back,” Steffen told the Philadelphia Inquirer in March. “No, I want to be playing. Although I had a great time at City and I love those guys, and it’s obviously an amazing club, but I don’t really have any plans to go back.”Steffen, 28, spent last season on loan with Middlesbrough in the Championship. They failed to win promotion, losing in the playoffs, and announced Steffen as one of the players who would be departing this summer. Steffen was acquired by Manchester City in January 2019 for around $7.5 million (£5.8M) up front, with add-ons potentially to take the fee up to $10 million.There are options for a loan or permanent deals elsewhere in England as well as Germany, where he spent 2019-20 on loan with Dusseldorf. Yet the fact he underwent knee surgery at the end of last season is a complicating factor in Steffen’s hopes for a move. –O’Keeffe
Malik Tillman — Bayern Munich
On loan at Rangers from Bayern Munich, Malik Tillman had an impressive season in Scotland.His deal included a purchase option that the Glasgow club attempted to trigger, only for Bayern to cancel the clause; a decision which reportedly cost them a £1 million compensation payment to Rangers.However, Tillman did not travel with Bayern’s squad for their pre-season tour of Japan, and Rangers remain keen to sign him permanently.It is little wonder that manager Michael Beale is a fan. Tillman scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 43 appearances across all competitions for the Scottish club, but a hamstring injury picked up in the Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic ended his season and the loan spell in April.
Aberdeen players attempt to knock Tillman off the ball (Photo: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
His contribution at Rangers has put him on the radar of other Bundesliga and English Premier League clubs after the German-born player was named the Scotland PFA Young Player of the Year and Rangers Young Player of the Year. –O’Keeffe
Ethan Horvath — Nottingham Forest
Horvath spent last season on loan at Luton Town and played a significant part in the club’s unlikely promotion to the Premier League. Horvath started 44 games for Luton with a rate of 0.84 goals against per 90 minutes. Luton had the option to make the loan permanent and, considering his influence, it was perhaps surprising that they decided against signing Horvath this summer. The 28-year-old has returned to pre-season training with Forest, whom he joined from Club Bruges in the summer of 2021.However, his long-term prospects for regular minutes at the City Ground are uncertain. Horvath only made six league appearances during his first season, with Brice Samba emerging as the club’s No. 1 as they won promotion to the English top flight.
Horvath leaps to claim during the Championship playoff final against Coventry (Photo: Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images)
This summer Forest wants to complete a permanent transfer for Dean Henderson, who impressed for them on loan from Manchester United last season.
But their failure to do so thus far has not resulted in opportunities for Horvath to play. He has not started any of Forest’s friendlies so far, with manager Steve Cooper preferring 22-year-old George Shelvey. –O’Keeffe
Auston Trusty — Arsenal
After an excellent loan to Birmingham City last season, in which he was named the Supporters’ Player of the Year, Auston Trusty remains with Arsenal during preseason.
The defender started 44 of Birmingham’s matches in the Championship last season, chipping in four goals. He is unlikely to be in Arsenal’s first-team plans.
Rangers have been linked with Trusty, but there has yet to be much noise around his future. If no permanent deal is found, Arsenal could facilitate another loan. After his performances last year, there is sure to be plenty of Championship clubs who would be interested in his services. Arsenal could keep him around as an emergency center-back as well if they so choose. –Bogert
Trusty played for Arsenal against Nurnberg earlier this month (Photo: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Bryan Reynolds — AS Roma
Bryan Reynolds remains in limbo as securing an exit from Roma proves complicated and slow.
Reynolds is close to a deal with Westerlo, where he would become the Belgian side’s club-record signing after a successful loan last year, but final agreements have yet to be reached on all fronts. The right back, who turned 22 this summer, had five assists in 27 league games for Westerlo last year. It was his first consistent run of playing time since his initial break into senior soccer at FC Dallas in 2020.
Roma agreed a deal with West Ham earlier this summer, which would have included a loan to Sparta Prague for the first season, but Reynolds wanted more stability. He has made only eight appearances in all competitions for the Italian club, playing just one Serie A minute under Jose Mourinho.
A permanent deal this summer is the priority. –Bogert
Reynolds playing for Roma in 2021 (Photo: Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Taylor Booth — Utrecht
Taylor Booth wrapped up a breakout season with FC Utrecht with two goals and four assists over 24 appearances, which earned him his USMNT debut in March. The versatile midfielder has returned to Utrecht for preseason, amid reported interest from Manchester United and PSV, where he would replace Xavi Simons and join Pepi. There are still five weeks left in the window to sort his future, if it is to lie outside of Utrecht.
Booth taking a penalty for Utrecht during the Eredivisie Conference League Playoffs in June (Photo: Hans van der Valk/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Booth, 22, came through Bayern Munich’s academy (after the early part of his youth at Real Salt Lake) before heading to the Netherlands last season. –Bogert
Teams match up for second time this season, LOU won first meeting 1-0
#LOUvIND Preview
Indy Eleven vs Louisville City FC
Saturday, July 29, 2023 – 8:00 p.m. ET
Lynn Family Stadium – Louisville, Kentucky
Follow Live
Streaming Video: ESPN+ (click to subscribe)
In-game updates: @IndyElevenLive Twitter feed
Stats: #LOUvIND MatchCenter at USLChampionship.com
2023 USL Championship Records
Louisville City FC: 8W-7L-5D (-5), 29 pts; 6th in Eastern Conference
Indy Eleven: 6W-7L-7D (1), 25 pts; 8th in Eastern Conference
Community Health Network Sports Medicine Indy Eleven Injury Report
OUT: DF B. Rebellon (L adductor), DF J. Vazquez (leg)
QUESTIONABLE: None
SETTING THE SCENE
The Boys in Blue return to action Saturday at rival Louisville City FC. This is the second of two matches between the clubs this season, with Louisville earning the 1-0 victory in Indianapolis on May 27.
The Eleven are coming off a 3-1 win over USL Eastern Conference leader Pittsburgh and are 1-1-3 in their last five games. With a 6-7-7 record, Indy is eighth in the USLC Eastern Conference.
Louisville is 1-3-1 in its last five matches and is coming off a 2-1 loss to Birmingham Legion FC. Louisville is sixth in the Eastern Conference at 8-7-5.
| LOU | IND | |
| 20 | Games | 20 |
| 18 | Goals | 23 |
| 23 | Goals Conceded | 22 |
| 13 | Assists | 13 |
| 66 | SOT | 63 |
| 73 | Shots Faced | 76 |
| 9 | Clean Sheets | 6 |
SERIES VS. LOUISVILLE
Saturday marks the 19th meeting between the two teams, with Louisville holding the 8-4-6 all-time advantage in USL Championship action. The is the second meeting of two this season.
LOU leads: 8-4-6
GF 19, GA 28
Recent Meetings
5.27.23 | home | L, 1-0
8.31.22 | home | W, 2-1
3.26.22 | at LOU | D, 1-1
10.12.21 | home | W, 1-0
9.18.21 | home | L, 2-0
USL Championship Regular Season
Indy Eleven 0:1 Louisville City FC
Saturday, May 27, 2023
Michael A. Carroll Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.
Scoring Summary
LOU – Wilson Harris (Serrano) 20’
PARTY CRASHERS
Indy is unbeaten in its last three matches, playing the top three teams in the USLC Eastern Conference. The Eleven’s 3-1 win over Pittsburgh put the first blemish on the home team’s record after coming into the match 7-0-3.
| Current Place/Team | Current Record | Result |
| 1. Pittsburgh (7.26) | 10-4-8 | W, 3-1 |
| 2. Charleston (7.12) | 10-5-6 | D, 1-1 |
| 3. Tampa Bay (7.22) | 10-5-5 | D, 0-0 |
20,000 AND COUNTING…
Aodhan Quinn became the USL Championship’s leader in regular-season minutes played at 20,096 after 90 against Tampa Bay on July 22.
20,000+ minutes | 20,186 | 1st
Appearances | 243 | 7th
Approaching… 50 assists | 49 | 3rd
Quinn has 52 goals after a SportsCenter-worthy strike against Pittsburgh (7.26). He is the 24th player in USL Championship history to hit 50 goals. He is one of only seven players to have a combined 100 career goals and assists with 52 goals and 49 assists.
Quinn has recorded 24 penalty kick goals in 27 attempts in his career in the league, the most of any individual player on record in league history.
SPORTSCENTER TOP 10 FOR THE 11
Indy Eleven midfielders Cam Lindley and Aodhan Quinn have been featured on SportCenter’s Top 10 for goals in 2023. Lindley’s match-winner at Hartford landed at No. 10, while Quinn’s opening strike against Pittsburgh took the No. 4 spot. The club saw a third selection, this time from the women’s side, as Sam Dewey came in at No. 4 for her goal in the USL W League Conference Semifinal.
LAST TIME OUT
PIT 1:3 IND
JULY 26, 2023
Indy Eleven earned a solid three points on the road, taking down USL Championship Eastern Conference leader Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, 3-1. The loss was the first at home for the Riverhounds in 2023 (7-1-3).
In a first half that was largely dominated by the Eleven in the possession column at 62%-38%, the Boys in Blue’s leading goal scorer Aodhan Quinn scored his first from beyond the spot in 2023 to give him seven this season. The midfielder collected a clearance by the Pittsburgh keeper nearly at half, played it down with his chest, and converted a volley from just past the center circle.
Indy doubled its lead in the 35th minute with a tally that goal scorer Sebastian Guenzatti started himself from half. By way of passes from Younes Boudadi and Solomon Asante, Cam Lindley found himself with the ball on the right flank and played it into Pittsburgh’s 18 to Guenzatti for the score.
The Eleven tacked on a second insurance goal compliments of Harrison Robledo’s first of the season off an assist from Indy assist leader Douglas Martinez.
USL Championship Regular Season
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 1:3 Indy Eleven
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Highmark Stadium – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Scoring Summary
IND – Aodhan Quinn 13’
IND – Sebastian Guenzatti (Cam Lindley) 35’
IND – Harrison Robledo (Douglas Martinez) 73’
PIT – Tola Showunmi (Marc Ybarra) 89’
Discipline Summary
IND – Cam Lindley (caution) 34’
PIT – Arturo Osuna (caution) 43’
PIT – Tola Showunmi (caution) 90+3’
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USWNT
The opponent: The Netherlands
Becky Sauerbrunn and Vivianne Miedema will miss the rematch due to injury (Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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Alex Morgan’s penalty is saved against Vietnam (Photo: Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Mina Tanaka (No 11, second from left) was key in Japan picking apart Costa Rica (Photo: Sanka Vidanagama/AFP)
Photo by Georgia Soares, The Athletic.
McKennie signs autographs after reporting back to Juventus (Photo: Daniele Badolato – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
McKennie lifts the Supercoppa Italiana trophy in January 2021 (Photo: Miguel Medina / AFP via Getty Images)
A dejected McKennie after Leeds concede to West Ham (Photo: John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images)
McKennie during the USMNT’s game against Mexico at in Las Vegas last month (Photo: John Dorton/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
Photo by Brad Smith/USSF/Getty Images for USSF
Sophia Smith is set to make her Women’s World Cup debut (Photo: Brad Smith/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)
Gift Monday (Photo: Catherine Ivill – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Maika Hamano on media duty for Japan (Photo: Omar Vega/Getty Images)
(Photo: Harriet Lander – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Khadija Shaw has excelled for Manchester City (Photo: Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
(Photo: Elsa/Getty Images)
(Photo: Gabriel Aponte/Getty Images)
Kyle Bonagura, ESPN Staff WriterJul 13, 2023, 02:39 AM ET
Pioli instructs Pulisic’s former Chelsea team-mate, Fikayo Tomori (Photo: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)The feeling in Milan — seven-time winners of the 
Pulisic played his part in Chelsea’s European Cup success of 2021 (Photo: David Ramos/Getty Images)
Shannon Boxx and Abby Wambach celebrate after a goal. (Photo by Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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USWNT’s Crystal Dunn signs a collective bargaining agreement signifying equal pay between the U.S. men’s and women’s teams. Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images.
The Ole BallCoach 
