algarve: uswnt vs sweden pbp - 3/7/12 - 5:15 am et

And unfortunately when this tactic didn't work against Japan, we lost the game. I agree, we need to change the point of attack on every possession so the defense is left guessing.

Unfortunately we didn't get to see the game and assess it. Matchtracker actually posted that we were switching the point of attack from side to side alot this game. Of course MT is definitely a fan, so can't be too sure if that was true.

It did seem like HAO was a lot more involved, but I'm a bit concerned with all the defensive give aways MatchTacker mentioned.

Yeh there were 5 defensive giveaways at mid field per matchtracker. We also can't tell how tight the marking was defensively by Sweden. Were we playing better under pressure, or was there alot less pressure?

I saw the game against Japan... it was streamed live

In regard to the Sweden game, the official Ussoccer report stated this:

Sweden did manage a few dangerous counterattacks, a few coming off giveaways by the U.S. in midfield, but the backs managed to run everything down.

Yes I saw the Japan game as well. There was no stream for today's US vs Sweden game. During the game matchtracker noted 5 giveaways in midfield. They were also mentioned on twitter while the game was happening.

I'm glad that they are mentioned what's going on in the game in matchtracker, not just the positive things...

just saw the highlights for the japan-germany final too. japan chased down to tie a german 3-2 lead on dying minutes, only to get beat by a last gasp 4-3 winner from germany's mbabi, who scored a hat trick on this game...

but then again, Ussoccer continue it's sometimes delusional post match reports with comments such as:

"The USA out-played Sweden in all three matches in 2011 but got the finishes it needed on Wednesday, striking all but two of its 13 shots on goal. "

Sweden hands down outplayed us in the WC and at home...

I didn't get a good look at the time. It's clear from the highlights that it was her head.

And Morgan managed to score from the endline because (it appears to me) the goalkeeper redirected the ball when attempting to block it. Looks more like an own goal to me from the replays.

Why wouldn't Pia play Engen in a game like this? It had zero stakes.

Watching the hi-lights I'd like to know what constitutes a penalty kick in this game. Morgan was pushed down in the penalty box without a call. Are the refs blind? I also saw some clear yellow cards on both sides without any calls.

Engen didn't step on the field this tournament.
I think she has one cap...45 minutes.

Boxx started and played i think 90 minutes in every game.
Lloyd started and played all but 60 minutes in the tournament.
Rampone all but 45 minutes...

All the positions where we really need some new players getting more experience. and also areas/positions that have underperformed were neglected...again.

i understand why you keep repeating this criticism, but i'm not sure it's warranted.

pia has a big tournament in a few months and then she is out. she should not be worrying NOW (between 2008 and 2011, yes) about new players. that's gonna be somebodyelse's job as they take a couple of years to retool for 2015.

pia has a big tournament coming up shortly. she has what she considers her best team - even tho we may disagree with her about individual players on it. with very few exceptions she's gonna play them - and she should.