The USA has a depth problem. Do the math. The squad has 20 players. Two are keepers, so there are 18 field players. Ten start. That leaves eight reserves. The ten starters will be those who started against Norway. The eight field reserves: Chastain (injured), Hucles (injured), Slaton (question as to full recovery), MacMillan (question as to full recovery; if there were no question, wouldn't she have come in instead of Milbrett versus Norway?), Wagner (totally underperforming, perhaps confidence shot), Milbrett (totally underperforming, perhaps confidence shot), Roberts (consistent play, but not a midfield defensive stopper and not a goal scoring threat) and Bivens. At this point, Bivens is the USA's only reliable healthy sub playing well in the tournament who can play two positions. Admit it, for that to be the case at this point is a surprise. And the USA is playing Germany on three days rest (fortunately, the Germans only have two). Now, this is not a fatal problem. Hamm and Lilly, after all, will play better against Germany than they did against Norway, and they have no problem going 90. The defenders all can go 90. Wambach is going to have to go 90. She can, like she showed against Norway (Rob Stone was out of his mind for saying she was gassed after 60; what game was he watching?), and in any event she is the USA's most potent threat and thus has to go 90. The real problem is, who provides firepower off the bench if the USA needs a late goal? My guess: It's going to have to be Mac, knee questions and all. Best solution for the USA: score early and keep the lead.
I agree with you that the lack of depth could be a problem. Up front, Milbrett and Mac, in their current form, are a clear dropoff from Hamm, Wambach and Parlow. In the midfield, Roberts is a clear dropoff from Boxx, Wagner has not looked good, and Slaton was unremarkable during her limited amount of playing time. We should just be thankful that the US hasn't suffered any injuries other than Chastain's. The Germany game is probably going to be the biggest challenge for the US during this world cup (Sweden or Canada in the finals should be easily disposed of), and it's a good thing that the US has all of its key players available (save Chastain).
You make some good points. One concern about putting Mac in ahead of Millie is the possibility of the match against Germany going into overtime. How many minutes could Shannon realistically be expected to play?
Parlow seems exhausted at about the 60 minute mark of every game. She 's been on this team for years, why doesn't she have the fitness to go 90. My choice would be Mac off the bench up front, Millie and Aly have done nothing with their minutes. Boxx and the back line should play the full 90, if they play like they did against Norway, there should be no trouble. I hope Abby can carry this team again.
The Wombat provides the firepower... there's no need for a sub. Please keep Milbrett on the bench! I also think Wagner has played okay... not great, but she could come in if necessary.