USWNT v Germany (SheBelieves), March 1, pre/pbp/post

For nought. (8 second delay??? really BS????)

 

I don't like the idea of leaving two opponents unobstructed at the top of the box on a corner.

 

Actually I've been very impressed with Press' game in that she seems both faster and stronger than last year. This isn't Costa Rica-- these are big strong beefy women and she is not only outrunning them some, she is also muscling through them some. Maybe it is just that her back liked the rest or something, but it is very noticeable...

 

Very uninspired German team.

 

+2 min.

 

It's sort of sad that this is the lackluster game you get from #2 in teh world... doesn't say great things about the state of women's soccer. France v. England was a much more interesting game.

 

Congrats.

 

Final
US wins 1-0

 

As a ref, I see far more exciting matches in the lower divisions than at the top.

 

It says nothing about the women's game. I can't tell you the amount of tedious Bayern, Arsenal, Barca, etc games that I have sat through.

 

Not that Press is a bad player, but she's had better games.
Her weakness today was that she got bullied off the ball a lot. It became frustrating to watch.

 

Who did themselves good?

Williams great runs, lousy touches -- cept one and that made all the difference.
The backline -- three backs worked well against the No. 2 team in the world. Will it work against the flashy French? I have my doubts.
Pugh. The game seemed to open up when she came in and burned a couple of Germans.
Naeher. She looked good.

Ho hum game.

 

Meinert is coaching the U-20's.
Jones took over last fall.

 

I think both teams have respect for each other and were afraid to make mistakes. Too afraid in fact and it made attacking timid.

 

Jones took over this year. Meinert is still in the same position (U-20 coach) with the DFB. There's been some speculation why she didn't get the job, but I think the fact that she hasn't left means neither side is unhappy with her current position.

 

Because the monitor says to? (Not that I agree that Lloyd has been terrible...)

 

Thanks, y'all. Meinert was a magician on the pitch. OTOH I'm surprised she did not move up to the top squad, however, she always had a private life and likely chose to stay where she was for her family. Absolutely loved her as a player for the Breakers.

 

France will clearly surpass Germany soon (if they haven't already).

 

When I was a half-century younger, I clerked for a federal judge. He was very clear with me that when an attorney in court said something "clearly" was the law, it meant the attorney could not cite any good authority for his/her position.

 

In another spring preseason game that was going on at the same time on TV, NY Yankees beat Atlanta Braves 8-7. I don't put much weight in these early game (see WNT last year), but at least the Yankees will play a meaningful season this year.

 

On a 23 player roster for the 2019 World Cup:

Assuming you have 3 Goalkeepers, 4 Outside Backs, 4 Center Backs, and 4 Central Midfielders on that roster.
That leaves 8 spots for the lethal attackers (Outside Mids/Strikers).

Out of these 12 players, which 8 will make the 2019 World Cup roster?

Alex Morgan (Almost a lock, if healthy. Her popularity carries her forward)
Christen Press (no guarantee. She'll be age 30 going on 31 at the World Cup)
Lynn Williams (not a lock, but she's improving her chances)
Amy Rodriguez (those odds continue to get slimmer by the day, may only have one more chance, if that, to prove)
Sydney Leroux (she is gonna have to fight the biggest uphill battle to get back on that roster, but she is street tough)
Crystal Dunn (almost a lock, because she is as versatile as anyone on this list to play any "attacking" position needed)
Carli Lloyd (I just don't see them having the marbles to cut her. At the very least, she provides a "clutch" super sub)
Tobin Heath (if she continues to progress and mature with her rising age, then there's no doubt she'll be there)
Mallory Pugh (Lock, if healthy. Biggest "Lock" on this list)
Kealia Ohai (will possibly need a different head coach in place to be on that roster)
Ashley #1 (Ashley Sanchez) (you would think she "should" be there by then, but she'll still be a college student)
Ashley #2 (Ashley Hatch) (it may be a battle of the Ashley's for one of the final coveted spots on the roster by then)


Megan Rapinoe is out.
Jill already showed her poker hand on that.
She is weeding her out for sure, and doesn't see her as part of that team at all.
Jill only viewed her as an experienced clutch reserve for the Rio Olympics, but no long-term value to her after that.

And there will be questions on where Lloyd plays on the field by then (I don't think they see her as a defensive mid).
And where Rose Lavelle plays (inside or outside), if she is on the roster.

As for the mids, Morgan Brian, Sam Mewis, Andi Sullivan, and Lindsey Horan appear to be the front-runners.

 

True.

Couldnt see the game but Im surprised this young team -who havent really adjusted to Jones' kamikaze tactical approach yet- didnt concede more. I thought a 4-0 was possible. 0-1 is a decent result for a game they dont really care about ahead of the euros.

and sorry for giving you green eye cancer

 

Some pre and post match interviews (the Philly Soccer Page on YouTube):
https://www.youtube.com/user/ThePhillysoccerpage/videos