USA vs. Spain Women's Soccer: Date, Time, Live Stream for 2019 Friendly
Jan 22, 2019
PAISLEY, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 13: Mallory Pugh of United States congratulates team mate Alex Morgan after she scores the opening goal during the Women's International Friendly match between Scotland and United States at The Simple Digital Arena on November 13, 2018 in Paisley, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The United States women's national team have the chance to bounce back from their friendly loss to France when they take on Spain at the Estadio Jose Rico Perez in Alicante on Tuesday.
Head coach Jill Ellis watched her team put in a below-par performance in Le Havre on Saturday, with the 3-1 scoreline an indication of Les Bleues' dominance. Ahead of the FIFA World Cup in France later this year, that would have been a worry.
Spain may not be as fearsome an opponent, although they will be dangerous on home soil. After the United States' first loss in 29 games, they may also sense some vulnerability and the chance to score a famous win over the world champions.
Here are the viewing details for this friendly encounter and a preview of what's to come as Ellis seeks to get a response from her players.
USA's coach Jill Ellis is seen before a women's friendly football match between France and USA at Oceane stadium in Le Havre, on January 19, 2019. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP) (Photo credit should read CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP/Getty Images)
After a tough training camp away from home, the match against France was always going to be a challenging way for the United States to start 2019.
In the end, they were a long way below their best, as Les Bleues dominated for long spells and could have won by a bigger margin. Mallory Pugh's consolation goal in stoppage time made the scoreline a little more respectable for the visitors:
"I think we can be disappointed in the result, but not be discouraged," Ellis said, per Jonathan Tannenwald of The Inquirer. "I think where (we) are in terms of our process right now...we told our players we're in a preseason—and this was a big ask—but not to lose sight of where we want to be. This was a great test for us tonight, but the final exam is in June."
Former USWNT captain Julie Foudy was also keeping things in perspective following the humbling loss:
Fear not USWNT fans. It’s January. Lots of players out. Lots to learn from today. These losses are what drive the best teams. No need to panic. #USAvFRA
Still, it would be naive to brush aside all the issues that reared their head against France, with the team struggling for control in midfield and cohesion at the back.
Without a number of key players—Tobin Heath, Megan Rapinoe, Rose Lavelle and Julie Ertz were all absent—there appeared to be a lack of figures willing to take responsibility, too. It meant key attacking stars such as Alex Morgan and Christen Press were unable to stamp their authority on the match.
Football journalist John D. Halloran believes the loss will eradicate some complacency in a World Cup year:
If I'm Jill Ellis, I'm smiling - just a little bit - on the inside.
Nothing like a loss to keep the team focused over the next six months.
Now the onus will be on them to perform against Spain, something USWNT defender Meghan Klingenberg thinks they will do:
🇺🇸 USWNT will bounce back strong. I’m stoked to watch their game vs. Spain to see how they respond. Hopefully they look at this as an opportunity for growth
La Roja are ranked 12th in the world by FIFA and are on a good run of results coming into this fixture. They've drawn their last two games—including a dogged 0-0 stalemate against Germany—and prior to that won eight games in succession.
They are a team making positive strides under the guidance of head coach Jorge Vilda, and while they are underdogs for this fixture, the likes of Jennifer Hermoso and Vicky Losada are players who will pose a threat in the final third.
However, expect the world champions to bounce back after their loss to France and find a way to victory.
Prediction: Spain 0-2 United States
Alex Morgan, USA Women's Soccer Win CONCACAF Final 2-0 over Canada
Oct 17, 2018
FRISCO, TX - OCTOBER 17: Rose Lavelle of United States celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during a match between Canada and United States as part of CONCACAF Women's Championship at Toyota Stadium on October 17, 2018 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images)
The United States women's national team defeated Canada 2-0 to win the 2018 CONCACAF Women's Championship on Wednesday at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
Rose Lavelle got the Red, White and Blue off to a fast start with a goal in the second minute, and Alex Morgan put the game away with a goal in the 89th minute, the 97th of her international career.
This marks the United States' eighth CONCACAF title.
United States' Depth Makes Attacking Offense Impossible to Stop
When teams take on the United States, they know they will have to try to find ways to contain stars like Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe and Tobin Heath.
However, the attack doesn't stop there. The U.S. has plenty of other viable scoring options, such as Julie Ertz, Christen Press, Crystal Dunn and Lindsey Horan. And as Canada quickly found out on Wednesday, Lavelle can also find the back of the net.
In this tournament, the U.S. had 10 different players score and had six with multiple goals:
Alex Morgan (seven)
Tobin Heath (four)
Rose Lavelle (three)
Carli Lloyd (three)
Megan Rapinoe (three)
Julie Ertz (two)
Crystal Dunn (one)
Lindsey Horan (one)
Sam Mewis (one)
Christen Press (one)
Morgan won the Golden Boot with her seven goals.
Morgan, Rapinoe, Heath and Lloyd are nightmare matchups for any opponent, so when the rest of the squad gets in on the action, opposing defenses are going to have a hard time keeping the U.S. off the board.
The United States scored in the first 10 minutes of every game in this tournament, but two of those goals came from younger players. Mewis and Lavelle each managed to get on the board within the first five minutes of a match during the tournament.
When the supporting cast steps up like that, especially early in a contest, it helps the team settle in while also taking pressure off the stars to carry the team.
Alyssa Naeher Makes Strong Case for No. 1 Job
EAST HARTFORD, CT - JULY 29: Alyssa Naeher of United States of America during the Tournament of Nations match between Australia and United States of America at Pratt & Whitney Stadium on July 29, 2018 in East Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Robbie Jay Ba
Alyssa Naeher had not conceded a goal while starting three of the four games through the semifinals, but the championship game against Canada figured to give coach Jill Ellis a chance to see how her top goaltender fared against top competition.
Up until this point, Naeher had yet to really be tested. Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica provided very little challenges, mustering a total of just one shot on goal between the three. However, Canada has a much more prolific attack.
Canada, the No. 5 team in the world, outscored its first four opponents of the tournament by a combined 24-1. Canada star Christine Sinclair (177 international goals) ranks second only to U.S. legend Abby Wambach in career scoring.
Facing an offensive attack like that would be a solid test for a goalie with just 37 career caps.
The U.S. did a great job of controlling the ball and limiting Canada's scoring opportunities. Naeher may not have had many moments where she had to make a play, but when the ball came her way, she was ready.
NAEHER WITH THE BIG SAVE
Canada looks dangerous on the set piece but Naeher has a great reaction to push it wide!
Most importantly, she was never caught out of position, a key against a top team.
Of course, the defense deserves credit as well for helping keep opponents completely off the board throughout the tournament. Back in 2015, the defense, featuring Meghan Klingenberg, Becky Sauerbrunn, Kelley O'Hara and Julie Johnston (now Ertz), played a crucial role in helping the team return to World Cup glory.
Sauerbrunn, Ertz and O'Hara remain, with Dunn and Abby Dahlkemper now also key pieces of the back line.
Naeher may not have Hope Solo's resume and accolades, but as the U.S. prepares for France, she appears to have the edge over Ashlyn Harris for the No. 1 job.
United States Ends Qualifying as World Cup Favorite
FRISCO, TX - OCTOBER 17: Captain of United States Alex Morgan celebrates after teammate Rose Lavelle (not in frame) scored a goal during a match between Canada and United States as part of CONCACAF Women's Championship at Toyota Stadium on October 17, 201
The U.S. ended the 2015 World Cup as the No. 1 team in the world, and it enters 2019 as the team to beat.
While the competition early in the tournament may not have been the toughest of tests, Ellis' squad has proved itself against top teams time and time again this year. And Wednesday was just the latest example.
Though the overall series (49-3-7 all-time in favor of the U.S.) may be lopsided, Canada has given the United States plenty of competitive games in recent years. That includes a dramatic extra-time goal by Morgan in the 2012 Summer Olympics semifinals.
Any matchup against the neighbors to the north has proved to be a physical clash. Once again, the U.S. showed it can answer the bell, even in rainy conditions.
The CONCACAF tournament is not the only reason the United States ends qualifying as the World Cup favorite, though. The victory pushes the squad to 23-0-3 in its last 26 matches, going 16-0-2 in 2018. This year alone, the United States has beaten, among others, Germany, England, Japan, Brazil and Canada while also producing draws against France and Australia. Those are all teams ranked in the top eight in the world, and the U.S. did not drop a single match.
Even as the reigning World Cup champs, the United States has something to prove to the world. The 2016 Summer Olympics ended with a stunning loss in the quarterfinals, which ultimately led to Solo's departure following her controversial comments criticizing Sweden. That loss has been looming over their heads for two-plus years now.
Ever since, Ellis has been trying to work different players into the mix and get her team ready for the future. The 36-year-old Lloyd has taken on a reduced role as Ertz, Horan and Lavelle are among those being asked to do more.
Meanwhile, Morgan has been playing as good as anybody in the world all year long. She led the tournament in scoring despite sitting out against Panama in the group stage. Her goal in the 89th minute gave her 24 goals in 24 games:
If she stays healthy and continues to play at that high of a level, this team will be unstoppable in France.
The 2019 World Cup is now less than a year away, and this team is on a serious roll. As a result, it is in good shape to prove the 2016 Olympics are a thing of the past.
What's Next
Both the United States and Canada qualified for the 2018 FIFA Women's World Cup by reaching the championship game of the tournament. Neither squad currently has a match remaining on their respective schedules in 2018.
USA vs. Jamaica Women's Soccer: Start Time, Live Stream and Predictions
Oct 14, 2018
CARY, NC - OCTOBER 04: Alex Morgan #13 and Megan Rapinoe #15 of USA celebrate after a goal against Mexico during the Group A - CONCACAF Women's Championship at WakeMed Soccer Park on October 4, 2018 in Cary, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
The United States can book their spot at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup if they beat Jamaica in the semi-finals of the 2018 CONCACAF Women's Championship on Sunday.
Defeat will not prove terminal for either side, as the top three teams in the tournament are guaranteed a spot at France 2019.
But the prospect of having to play a tension-fuelled third-place play-off against either Panama or Canada is not an attractive one.
Not only would victory at the Toyota Stadium in Texas on Sunday ensure the winner a World Cup spot but also a place in the CONCACAF Women's Championship final.
The CONCACAF Women's Championship has been played nine times before, and the United States women's national team has won it on seven occasions.
After a group stage in which they beat Panama, Mexico and Trinidad & Tobago by a combined score of 18-0, Jill Ellis' side are well on track for another triumph.
Jamaica finished second in Group B thanks to a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica and 9-0 win against Cuba, but they were defeated 2-0 by Canada.
The Caribbean side are huge underdogs for Sunday's clash. The USWNT are the No. 1 ranked side on the planet, and with good reason. Their squad is packed with quality throughout.
Becky Sauerbrunn, Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd, Tobin Heath, Kelley O'Hara and Christen Press boast more than 1,000 caps between them and continue to play crucial roles for the U.S.
CARY, NC - OCTOBER 04: Megan Rapinoe #15 reacts after scoring a goal with teammate Carli Lloyd #10 of USA against Mexico during the Group A - CONCACAF Women's Championship at WakeMed Soccer Park on October 4, 2018 in Cary, North Carolina. (Photo by Stre
Meanwhile, the likes of Mallory Pugh, Rose Lavelle, Abby Dahlkemper, Hailie Mace and Emily Sonnett represent an exciting new generation of stars who are likely to continue the States' dominance into the next decade.
Jamaica have nothing like the same talent pool to draw from. They are the No. 64-ranked side in the world and have been soundly beaten in their two previous meetings with the U.S.
Ellis' side have not lost a match since July 2017—a 24-game unbeaten run that includes 21 wins. Jamaica had won five on the bounce before losing to Canada, but they are unlikely to be able to go toe-to-toe with the U.S.
Sunday's game may simply be a case of damage limitation for Jamaica as they look at the third-place play-off as their chance to claim a World Cup spot.
Prediction: USA 3-0 Jamaica
Alex Morgan Brace Leads USA Past Trinidad and Tobago in 2019 World Cup Qualifier
Oct 10, 2018
CARSON, CA - AUGUST 31: Forward Tobin Heath #17 of the U.S. Women's National team joins Rose Lavelle and Christen Press in celebration during the friendly match against Chile at StubHub Center on August 31, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
The United States women's national team continued its domination of the CONCACAF Women's Championship, earning a 7-0 win Wednesday over Trinidad and Tobago.
Rose Lavelle broke the game open with two first-half goals and Alex Morgan had two as well to help the Americans secure an easy win at Sahlen's Stadium in Cary, North Carolina.
After prior victories over Mexico and Panama, the United States has now won Group A and will advance to the semifinals of the World Cup qualifying tournament. After outscoring their opponents 18-0 in three games, the hosts are the clear favorite to bring home the continental championship.
Alex Morgan on Her Way Toward Becoming All-Time Great
Entering the game with 92 career international goals, Alex Morgan was already known as one of the best players in United States history. However, she has been on another level in recent months.
With two goals against Trinidad and Tobago, the forward now has 21 goals in her last 22 games.
This includes four goals in two starts this tournament as the squad inches closer to a World Cup berth.
Morgan also continues to show a wide skill set as a scorer, putting two in the back of the net in this game on tough shots from nearly impossible angles:
It's not easy to turn your body and foot like that while running away from goal to make the finish Alex Morgan just did. #USWNT up 1-0 in the ninth minute.
She would have scored more goals had she had a bit more luck before coming out at the 60-minute mark.
Morgan took eight shots in the game with only one being off target. One hit the crossbar, and the others were quality saves by Saundra Baron.
The 29-year-old is now just six goals away from 100 for her career, and based on her current form, she could get there in the next two games of this event.
Rose Lavelle Emerges as Impact Player in Deep Attack
There are no shortage of offensive options for USWNT, but Rose Lavelle is playing well enough that she should not be ignored.
The midfielder showcased her speed and footwork throughout the first half, making strong passes while keeping the ball in the attacking half of the field as much as possible.
When the team needed a play at the end of the first half, Lavelle came through with two goals, including one incredible shot from distance:
These two scores within two minutes of each other represent 40 percent of her career goals.
Even when she isn't scoring, Lavelle has stood out on a team that is loaded with proven players.
Considering she is just 23 years old, the young player could become one of the faces of the program once the older generation retires.
USWNT Learning How to Beat Defensive-Minded Opponents
Based on talent alone, there are few teams in the world that can match up with the United States. However, opponents have frustrated this team at times by parking the bus in front of the net and preventing easy looks at the goal.
Who can forget the loss to Sweden in the Olympics, which caused goalkeeper Hope Solo to call the opponent "a bunch of cowards," perKevin Baxterof theLos Angeles Times.
Trinidad and Tobago employed a similar strategy Wednesday, keeping all of its players behind the ball and focusing much more on defense than offense. Per the tournament'sofficial site, the underdogs held only 25 percent possession in the match and completed 45 total passes, compared to 292 from the USA.
For the first 40 minutes, this plan worked as the Americans struggled to break through in a 1-0 match.
However, things changed when the United States started to be more aggressive with the ball, taking longer shots that eventually found the back of the net.
Lavelle started the run, but Crystal Dunn and Lindsey Horan also had impressive goals from outside the box:
Crystal Dunn scores the USWNT's 4th goal of the night, and this one might be 'dunn' and dusted at halftime.
This forced the defense to step up, creating more openings in front of the net.
Instead of complaining about the opposing strategy, the United States changed its thought process and found ways to score. This will be important heading into matches against more talented teams.
What's Next?
The United States advances to the semifinals, which means one more win will at least clinch a spot in the 2019 World Cup. The next matchup will be Sunday against the second-place team from Group B, most likely either Costa Rica or Jamaica.
Thisarticle will be updated to provide more information soon.
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USA Women's Soccer Dominates Mexico 6-0 in 2019 World Cup Qualifier
Oct 4, 2018
EAST HARTFORD, CT - JULY 29: Megan Rapinoe #15 of the United States controls the ball against Australia during the second half of a Tournament of Nations game played at Pratt & Whitney Stadium on July 29, 2018 in East Hartford, Connecticut. Australia and the United States played to a 1-1 draw. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
The United States women's national team took its first step toward qualifying for the 2019 World Cup with a 6-0 win over Mexico on Thursday.
Megan Rapinoe had two goals and an assist while Alex Morgan added two more goals to help the Americans cruise to an opening win in the 2018 CONCACAF Women's Championship at Sahlen's Stadium in Cary, North Carolina.
This tournament serves as both the continental championship in the sport and the qualifier of up to four spots in next summer's World Cup, which makes this win a great start for the United States' potential run to a title.
Megan Rapinoe Excels in Leadership Role
While there are more experienced players on the roster, head coach Jill Ellis decided to let Rapinoe wear the captain's armband against Mexico. PerCaitlin Murrayof theNew York Times, this was only her second appearance as captain of the national team, with the only other time being a tribute to her 100th cap during a friendly.
Rapinoe took advantage of the opportunity with one of her best games in the red, white and blue.
She scored two goals that each came off scrambles in front of the net, including one just three minutes into the game that gave the Americans an early advantage:
OptaJack noted the chemistry she has shown with Morgan as of late:
5 - Megan Rapinoe has eight assists in international play since April 8th. Five of them have come on Alex Morgan goals. Pals. pic.twitter.com/1k73urNJks
Although the United States struggled to turn opportunities into goals in the 1-0 first half, this wasn't an issue in the second as the team's best players made plays in the final third.
In this one, no one was more important than Rapinoe, who pushed the action with and without the ball to help turn the match into a rout. While her goals won't necessarily be on highlight reels, she showed great awareness to take advantage of Mexico's mistakes.
This type of effort will help make the United States' offense nearly impossible to defend, especially when Morgan, Tobin Heath and others are also playing at their best.
Rebuilt USA Defense Passes First Major Test
The United States is clearly the most talented team in CONCACAF and possibly the entire world, but the biggest question mark in the next few weeks and months is on the defensive side of the field.
Graham Hays of ESPNW.com noted the lack of experience playing togetherthe back line had coming into the match:
USWNT 2018 starts together by line: Heath, Morgan, Rapinoe: 2 Horan, Lavelle, Ertz: 2 O'Hara, Dahlkemper, Sauerbrunn, Dunn: 0
"Chemistry is important, but obviously we haven't had the same back line in games consistently," Becky Sauerbrunn said before the game, per Hays. "So a lot of it is just making sure you know your role, so when you're on the field everyone can kind of guess and know where that other person is going."
With Crystal Dunn still relatively new at the position after playing forward much of her career, the defense is full of unknowns.
However, the group came to play Thursday with a simply dominant performance.
Mexico had few opportunities close to the net, while the Americans' pressure prevented the team from even stringing many passes together at a time. Per the tournament'sofficial site, El Tri only held 34 percent possession while completing just 68 percent of their passes.
This led to just three total shots in the match, compared to 25 from the United States.
Meanwhile, the defensive players also showed their ability to contribute to the offense as both Dunn and Sauerbrunn earned assists after impressive runs:
There will be stronger competition in the road to the World Cup, but the defense eased some concerns with its performance in this one.
What's Next?
Both teams will continue their Group A play Sunday while hoping to secure a spot in the tournament semifinals. The United States will have the harder battle against Panama, while Mexico takes on Trinidad and Tobago.
USA vs. Mexico Women's Soccer: Start Time, Live Stream and Predictions
Oct 4, 2018
HOUSTON, TX - APRIL 08: Cecilia Santiago #12 of Mexico takes the ball away from Alex Morgan #13 of United States in the second half at BBVA Compass Stadium on April 8, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
The United States and Mexico will kick off their 2018 CONCACAF Women's Championship campaigns on Thursday in their first Group A fixtures.
The two rivals have already met twice this year, culminating in two easy friendly wins for the Stars and Stripes in April.
Thursday's meeting will be at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina, with kick-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Fox Sports 2 will cover the match, and live streaming will be available via Fox Sports GO.
American Juggernaut vs. Upstart El Tri
There's little question who the favourites are heading into this fixture. The hosts have yet to lose a contest in 2018 despite facing a busy schedule, and only France and Australia have been able to hold them to draws.
They beat Mexico 4-1 and 6-2 in consecutive friendlies in April, underlining the gap in talent between the two teams.
Here are some of the highlights of those matches:
The #USWNT scored 10 goals in 2 friendlies vs. 🇲🇽 in April. Next week in Cary, the stakes will be raised. pic.twitter.com/dNmmNT5R9o
El Tri followed up those two losses with a great run at the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games, though, winning the title and building up some momentum ahead of the CONCACAF Championship.
They crushed Trinidad and Tobago in that tournament, and the Women Soca Warriors will be opponents again in Group A.
This should be a relatively easy win for a talented American team, who have undergone some changes in the last two years and appear to have found great balance in the squad. Top talents such as Rose Lavelle and Mallory Pugh have found their place in the team, and the overall depth of the side is impressive.
U.S. international Alex Morgan talked about the many new faces taking part in this FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying tournament:
Mexico are not to be overlooked, but barring a poor showing from the hosts, this should be a routine win for the Stars and Stripes.
The Americans are unlikely to be tested until they meet Canada in the knockout stages—if they don't drop the ball in Group B.
Prediction: USA 4-0 Mexico
Alex Morgan, USA Women's Soccer Beat Chile in 2018 Friendly
Sep 1, 2018
CARSON, CA - AUGUST 31: Alex Morgan #13 of United States jumps over the slide of Carla Guerrero #3 of Chile as she chases the ball during the first half at StubHub Center on August 31, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The United States women's national soccer team rolled past Chile 3-0in a friendly at StubHub Center in Carson, California, on Friday night.
Tierna Davidson opened the scoring for the Americans in the eighth minute before Chile's Carla Guerrero scored an own goal in the 32nd minute to hand the U.S. a comfortable 2-0 cushion entering halftime.
Christen Press, who made her 100th career appearance for the Stars and Stripes, added to the lead with a goal off a feed from Mallory Pugh in the 59th minute.
USWNT Remains a Cut Above International Foes
At this rate, it's hard to envision a scenario in which the United States won't be the overwhelming favorite to repeat as world champions when the 2019 World Cup kicks off next summer in France.
The Red, White and Blue are 17-0-3 since losing to Australia in the 2017 Tournament of Nations, and they moved to 10-0-2 in 2018 thanks to Friday's win.
Plus, the U.S. has now won 23 straight games against first-time opponents.
Tactically speaking, it's hard to find a group more impressive than the one Jill Ellis presides over.
The Americans sliced apart Chile through the midfield and generated 24shots (11on goal), and their decided advantage in both size and speed proved overwhelming against FIFA's 39th-ranked side.
Factor in a defensive display that allowed Chile to muster a single shot, and it was once again hard to find holes in the United States' performance.
Chile Must Fortify Set-Piece Defense Before World Cup
Chile qualified for its first World Cup in April with a runner-up finish at the Copa America Femenina.
But if Las Chicas de Rojo wants to stay past the group stage when the international spectacle rolls around, they'll need to shore up their defense on set pieces in a big way based on Friday's performance.
The Americans used the exhibition as a de facto training-ground exercise with 17corner kicks, and their first two goals came off set pieces as Chile struggled time and again to mark would-be goalscorers.
Forward Alex Morgan had the first chance at goal after winning a free kick off a set piece in the third minute, but her attempt missed to the left.
The opener came courtesy of Davidson when she flicked a picture-perfect service from Tobin Heath past goalkeeper Christiane Endler:
Now, Chile was sacrificing size and speed—and it won't be operating at such a big deficit against other clubs next summer in Paris.
But if the Chileans want to solidify themselves as a sleeper after a strong showing in qualification, some serious film study will be in order over the next few months.
What's Next?
The two sides will reconvene for a second showdown Tuesday in San Jose, California. Once that match is complete, the U.S. will be off until CONCACAF qualifying begins in October.
USA vs. Australia Women's Soccer: Date, Time, Live Stream and Predictions
Jul 29, 2018
KANSAS CITY, KS - JULY 26: Julie Ertz #2 of the United States controls the ball as Saori Ariyoshi #6 of Japan defends during their Tournament Of Nations match at Children's Mercy Park on July 26, 2018 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
The United States and Australia both claimed impressive wins in their opening matches at the 2018 Tournament of Nations.
Alex Morgan netted a hat-trick for the hosts as they beat Japan 4-2 in Kansas City after the Matildas had downed Brazil 3-1.
The two sides go head-to-head on Sunday at the Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Connecticut, in what could be the tournament's decisive fixture.
At last year's inaugural Tournament of Nations, Australia shocked the U.S. in their opening match by claiming a 1-0 victory.
They went on to beat Japan and Brazil to win the competition in impressive fashion.
After securing a fourth consecutive win in the tournament on Thursday, Alen Stajcic's side will be confident of causing another upset in Connecticut against the world's top-ranked side.
Tameka Butt of Australia hits the ball during the Tournament of Nations football match against Brazil at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas on July 26, 2018. (Photo by Tim Vizer / AFP) (Photo credit should read TIM VIZER/AFP/Getty Images)
The U.S. not be complacent because they know firsthand of the threat the Matildas offer. However, Jill Ellis' Stars and Stripes must still go into Sunday's clash as favourites.
Since losing to Australia in last year's tournament, Team USA have been on a 17-match unbeaten run—15 of which they have won.
They also have their biggest stars in fine form.
Orlando Pride's Morgan has been fantastic of late on the international scene:
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 26, 2018
Australia are a fine side with recent experience of beating the United States.
But their defence can be got at, and assuming Morgan and Rapinoe are on form again, the hosts should edge Sunday's clash.
Prediction: USA 2-1 Australia
Megan Rapinoe, USA Women's Soccer Beat China in Tobin Heath's Return
Jun 12, 2018
United States' Megan Rapinoe, center, celebrates with Samantha Mewis, left, and Crystal Dunn after scoring a goal against China during the first half of an international friendly soccer match Tuesday, June 12, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
The United States women's national team defeated China 2-1 in a friendly Tuesday night at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio.
Megan Rapinoe opened the scoring in the 35th minute, with Tobin Heath delivering the winning goal in the 75th minute. It's the United States' second win over China in less than a week after the national team earned a 1-0 victory on June 7.
U.S. Still Looking for Cohesion Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
The United States looked better Tuesday night than it did in its previous friendly with China, but the team is still lacking the fluidity necessary to be firing on all cylinders.
Although China isn't a pushover on the national stage, the squad isn't among the world's elite either, sitting 17th in the FIFA ranking. A 3-1 score line over two matches is far from an emphatic result, and the United States ended up with the same number of shots on target as China (eight) during the friendlies.
It's hard to blame coach Jill Ellis too much, though, when the point of friendlies is largely to experiment with the lineup and make mid-game adjustments:
This game was a good example of why I don't like friendlies. Once you get past the third sub, the original game plan is in tatters and the game loses its entire rhythm.
But the United States is bound to make some mistakes as Ellis finds which starting XI best suits the talent at her disposal.
China's only goal was a perfect example of that, as Becky Sauerbrunn and Tierna Davidson, the latter of whom was making her seventh USWNT appearance, went to clear the ball at midfield at the same time. That allowed Tingting Li to have acres of space down the left flank before finding Li Ying for an equalizer in the 72nd minute.
Heath Shows No Signs of Rust in Emphatic Return
According to the national team's official Twitter account, Heath hadn't suited up for the USWNT since Sept. 2017. The 30-year-old hardly missed a beat when she entered Tuesday's match in the 64th minute.
Heath was a bit lucky with her goal, as the referee appeared to miss a handball in the 18-yard box:
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 13, 2018
Hot take:
Tobin Heath is good at soccer, folks, and the #USWNT is better when she's playing well.
Fire away.
— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) June 13, 2018
Having a healthy Heath will go some way toward solving the USWNT's lack of cohesion. Tuesday was Heath's 133rd cap, so she'll almost certainly be one of the leaders Ellis will lean on during qualifying for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in October.
Heath will also be another creator to play alongside Alex Morgan, who was left somewhat isolated over the past two friendlies.
As much as this World Cup cycle is about letting some of the next generation stamp its place on the national team, veterans such as Heath will play key roles on the road to France.
Ellis to Examine Options for Captaincy
Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl likely wasn't the only one surprised to see Morgan listed as the captain Tuesday:
Christen Press gets 100th cap and first start in a long time. Ashlyn Harris back in goal, and do we have an explanation on why Alex Morgan is captain against instead of Becky Sauerbrunn? https://t.co/clWjkt6n2C
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) June 12, 2018
During the ESPN2 broadcast, analyst Julie Foudy said Ellis won't have a set captain for the time being, with the armband shifting to the player with the most national team appearances (h/t soccer writer Caitlin Murray).
It's not the first time Ellis has toyed around with the strategy. The approach is a sensible one with the USWNT's most important matches still months away, and giving the captaincy to the most experienced player is a diplomatic way to resolve the issue for now.
At the same time, basing the decision simply on a player's number of caps could lead to problems because not every player is suited to be a field general and maintain captaincy demands. Not to mention, midfielders and defenders tend to fit the job better because they're more frequently in the middle of the action.
Plenty of questions will linger in the months ahead, with Ellis' handling of the USWNT leadership among them.
What's Next?
The United States kicks off the Tournament of Nations on July 26 against Japan in Kansas City, Kansas. The USWNT will also play Australia and Brazil during the event, so the tournament will provide the squad with much-needed experience ahead of qualifying for the 2019 Women's World Cup.
Hope Solo Exploring 'All Legal Remedies' After Dropped Domestic Violence Case
Jun 7, 2018
MONACO - FEBRUARY 26: Hope Solo is interviewed prior to the 2018 Laureus World Sports Awards at Le Meridien Beach Plaza Hotel on February 26, 2018 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images for Laureus)
Former United States women's national team goalkeeper Hope Solo announced she intends to explore legal options after a domestic violence case related to a 2014 arrest in Washington was dropped.
On Thursday, TMZ Sports provided comments from Solo, who said: "I always knew this day would come but I never imagined it would take nearly four years."
"Any sense of relief and gratification is matched by frustration and disbelief knowing the great lengths the City of Kirkland and all involved went to in order to further their own interests," she added. "The harm caused to me, my family and my career has been immeasurable and I intend to explore any and all legal remedies to hold those with no regard for the truth, fully accountable."
Solo was arrested and charged with two counts of domestic-violence assault, perScott GleesonofUSA Today. Responding officers deemed the soccer player the "primary aggressor" and noted injuries to her sister and 17-year-old nephew. The police report also noted that she appeared intoxicated.
Although the case was originallydismissedin January 2015, prosecutorssuccessfully appealedthe ruling and reopened the case in October 2015.
Prosecutors decided to drop the case due to a lack of co-operation from witnesses, while it was also felt Solo wouldn't attack a family member again, per TMZ Sports.
"Despite the negligence and the errant motivations of the prosecution, these four years have been a testament to my personal resolve," she said. "I remained focused on creating positive change around things I care most about with people who truly know and support me."
Solo made 202 appearances for the USWNT between 2000 and 2016 but hasn't returned to the program since she received asix-month suspensionin August 2016 for calling Sweden's women's national team "bunch of cowards" after it eliminated the USWNT at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
