USWNT vs CanWNT (OQ Final), Feb 21st 2016 pre/pbp/post

I don't think the US women have been playing direct at all. They're largely moving the ball on the ground. Hope did elect to launch some goal kicks as they got close to half time. But aside from that and one memorable dead duck pass to the end line I'm not sure why some think they were playing "too much long ball." You must be confusing the red jerseys of Canada with the US since the Canadians rarely string more than two passes together and chunk balls downfield at every opportunity.

 

46' 0-0 No subs. Pugh long ground pass to ... Labbé.

46' 0-0 Sauerbrunn backpass to Solo, switch right to Johnston. Prince harasses at box top (our) right, Johnston turns away -- momentarily stranded on an island because both our fullbacks are upfield. Sauerbrunn spins upfield at right touch, but pass picked off.

47' 0-0 Solo gk, Heath knockdown header intercepted by Scott. Backpass to Labbé, long kick over midfield, Canada head out.

 

When placed under pressure, in the first few minutes of the 2nd half, the U.S have turned it over needlessly at the back more than once

 

Ellis is playing her believed best 11. Canada isn't. Were tied. Not exactly good.

 

48' 0-0 Klingenberg spins away in a tight 1-v-1 at midfield box left, quick chip to box top left for Pugh to chase behind -- too far, to Labbé.

49' 0-0 USA ping in the back ... which consists of just two, Sauerbrunn and Johnston. Ugh. Prince knows to harass Johnston.

49' 0-0 Johnston long upfield pass to O'Hara at arc top wide right so that's where she went

 

"Another shout for a penalty denied..."

 

At least the U.S is trying to play, Canada is just lumping it forward and trying to high press. They aren't relying on skill. Not sustainable.

 

I think this is Herdman's doing on purpose. Not playing his full strength team as a kind of morale booster.

 

The commentary insists it wasn't a penalty because it wasn't DOGSO. C'mon Kate. A foul in the box is a penalty.

Oh well...


1-0

Horan header

 

It's a rivalry match; crazy shit happens.

That said, US isn't using Rapinoe or Dunn, so I'm not sure I'd say this is the USWNT's believed best 11.

 

not tied any more... I suspect we will now see Sinclair though she was limping a few days ago. I dont agree this is our best 11

 

Broon saw Horan the whole way. Great run - great service - great finish. Goals are the best revenge.

 

I think they're both nursing injuries.

 

50' 0-0 USA quick pass up wide right, O'Hara escapes on an overlap -- chases alone to endline, stops ball just inside. Cross to 1m right post, Labbé catches high.

51' 0-0 USA slip pass through box top mid-right for Pugh breaking through. Pugh one touch to 14m mid-right, LB Chapman micro-clips her plant foot, Pugh sprawls down. No call, ref waves: get up.

53' 0-1 USA right ck, headed back through box right. Canada hoof upfield, Sauerbrunn collects at 30m mid-right. Sauerbrunn serves to 8m center, Labbé comes out -- Horan cuts in from the left, jumps across Labbé and skims a header over her hands, drops just inside left post. Welp, keeper coming out must outrace every cut, because any little dink touch beats you.

 

"That's a good tackle by Tancredi."

There is no such thing. It was a called foul.

 

Broon put that in a great spot. Just the right distance from the keeper.

 

The CWNT aren't trying to actually play soccer. it's like watching the old CMNT, this style of play doesn't win against good opponents. Canada is just lucky no other Concacaf countries give a shit about women's soccer.

 

Not really (unless you're being sarcastic, based on your emoji). All the bad penalties the US received in earlier matches is now working against us. I have seen some calls that could be penalties, which are now not getting called. I don't mind, I think the US can win without a penalty, but I'm sure this ref is cued into this.

 

"because Chapman is shorter, it makes sense."

 

The whole tournament they've been playing too many long balls (even though they're doing it less so now than in years past) and I don't like it. I love to watch the short passing game.

 

55' 0-1 USA cross from box left to 6-top right post, Lloyd outjumps 1 and drills a header into Labbé's block, deflects across mouth to 6-left. Pugh chases across, Zadorsky(?) slide-pokes off Pugh and over endline.

58' 0-1 Canada subs in:
- (1 of 3) #8 Diana Matheson for #5 Rebecca Quinn
- (2 of 3) #13 Sophie Schmidt for RB #7 Rhian Wilkinson.

 

Heath gooooooooooooooooooooooolazo!

Make it 2!

2-0

 

61' 0-2 Pugh nutmegs Bélanger from a standstill at arc top left touch, beats her to 14m box left. Ground cross to 15m 6-right, Heath one-touch left instep with wicked bend, rises away from Labbé's dive, into back right high.

63' 0-2 Canada subs in (3 of 3) #12 Christine Sinclair for #15 Nichelle Prince.

 

I love that girl

 

Not only did Sinclair come on to the field complaining, she's swinging that elbow.