ASN: Christen Press Scores, Leads U.S. Girls to 1-0 Victory

The U.S. protection shined in back-to-back 1-0 wins over Sweden and Norway, however the American assault struggled throughout each contests. ASN’s John D. Halloran shares his tackle the 2 friendlies.

BY

John D. Halloran

Posted
June 11, 2017
10:00 AM

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WRAPPING UP a two-game European swing, the US girls’s nationwide group picked up one other win on Sunday, downing Norway 1-0 on the power of a second-half tally from Christen Press.

The win over the No. 11-ranked Norwegians got here simply three days after the People defeated No. 6 Sweden by the identical scoreline and marks the primary video games overseas for the U.S. squad since final summer season’s Olympic Video games.

Regardless of the wins, it’s laborious to recollect the final time the U.S. assault appeared to be in high gear and that didn’t change in both of those two matches. Towards Sweden, Rose Lavelle took benefit of one of many solely first rate possibilities the People created and slotted residence for the lone objective. Towards Norway, the assault as soon as once more appeared painfully stagnant and just some sloppy defensive play allowed Press to seek out the game-winner.

Christen Press comes by way of for the #USWNT! #USAvNOR https://t.co/8SzUEKjuUt

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 11, 2017

Definitely, the absence of Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath, and Morgan Brian (all out by way of accidents) didn’t assist, however the U.S. midfield has merely not been creating possibilities in 2017. In these most up-to-date video games, Allie Lengthy and Sam Mewis began within the heart midfield positions and each provided little in the best way of breaking strains or opening up the American assault.

Lengthy did effectively occasionally to modify the purpose of assault, however proved far too sloppy in possession far too usually over the two-game stretch. Mewis, for her half, contributed little exterior a handful of errant shot makes an attempt.

Brian, at her greatest, has confirmed she will be the deep-lying playmaker the U.S. wants, however her presence didn’t change the U.S.’ poor fortunes within the disastrous SheBelieves Cup and her accidents this 12 months haven’t helped. An alternative choice must be Lindsey Horan, however Jill Ellis has largely relegated Horan to a substitute position in current months and this week selected to make use of Horan as an alternative at ahead in opposition to Sweden and Norway.

However, one vivid spot from these two most up-to-date matches was the People’ defensive effort.

Casey Brief began the Sweden recreation at heart again—her third straight recreation on the unfamiliar place—and will have been the perfect participant on the sphere in Gothenburg. Whereas she in all probability may have achieved somewhat higher in opposition to Norway, again in her extra acquainted position as an out of doors again, it was one other stable camp for the up-and-coming defender.

Abby Dahlkemper

Abby Dahlkemper additionally took benefit of a superb displaying in these matches, taking part in effectively as a second-half substitute in opposition to Sweden after which getting a full 90-minute run-out in opposition to Norway. The 2 video games had been the primary minutes for Dahlkemper since final October when she acquired her first call-up and caps earlier than struggling a damaged foot within the group’s November camp.

Contemplating the truth that Ellis minimize longtime back-up Whitney Engen final fall, has solely given Julie Ertz one begin since final fall, and didn’t name in Ali Krieger, Dahlkemper’s efficiency ought to assist her earn extra alternatives and hopefully strengthen a middle again pool which has regarded unexpectedly depleted.

Lastly, Alyssa Naeher accounted effectively for herself within the internet. After a rocky efficiency in opposition to France within the SheBelieves Cup, Naeher made a number of necessary saves in every of the 2 European friendlies to assist the U.S. to back-to-back shutouts. Significantly within the Sweden recreation, Naeher regarded sturdy off her line, a marked enchancment after being far too gradual in her decision-making course of within the SheBelieves Cup.

The U.S. subsequent performs in opposition to Australia on July 27.