Good points. Has the US looked good so far in the Vlatko era? Yes. The US has been dynamic. Who's been a constant starter throughout that time? Lynn Williams. We all wish she could shoot better but it's a dynamic team with her — and it's been pretty clear that Vlatko likes the tactical flexibility of having 2 or 3 forwards who can interchange positions during the match (eg Press who can play left, center, right although she 's most consistent on the left; Williams who can play left, center, right, although she's most consistent on the right) You know who else isn't a great shooter? Heath. Williams isn't the player you'd look to who can put the team on her shoulders when they're bogged down. Guess what, neither has Heath. The last 6 years that player has been either Carli Lloyd or Megan Rapinoe for the most part. The US has been very dynamic under Vlatko. The main danger is occasional breakdowns on defense leading to counters. It partly come from playing so ambitiously with so many players pushing forward. It comes from an attacking attitude (but it sure makes for a fun game) with players thinking of attacking and sometimes getting careless (such as Horan's backpass against Sweden which almost led to a Swedon goal just before half). But even watching a subpar game against a strong Sweden team, I see how dynamic and dangerous the US team currently is. Only a top team could've gotten the ball in so many promising places against a good team like Sweden who was playing well and playing smart.
Set-back on Tobin Heath injury situation Tobin Heath has had an injury set-back. She's gone back to the US for rehab on her knee. Won't play again for Man Utd this season. Is "hopeful of making the Olympics".No decision made yet on whether she will sign a new contract. Also no decision on Christen Press. #MUFC— Emma Sanders (@em_sandy) April 16, 2021
She might be the fastest forward, but I'd lay money betting Rose is faster. Also, I said I would like to see the experiment, ala pre Olympics. There is no telling if Williams would even consider playing Defense. No clue. By contrast, I do know Dunn can play a forward position. Actually, if something serious happens up front, you could sub Davidson for Dunn and move Dunn up top. Edit: Bad news on Tobin. Could mean good news for Either Williams or Lloyd or both... >shrugs<
Sure did feel good to see her make that far sideline sprint with ball up the field past the two defenders.
I've been advocating rotating Rose through the wing spots, along with the 8/10 spots on the Olympics.
I don't think she's as durable as Alex, but Alex doesn't play wing. And, I'm not saying move Rose to wing. I'm saying create a rotation where she plays 2 games at the 8/10 spot, and a game at the wing. All of the players will have to sit a game to rest, because if the tight schedule. So, that would allow Sam and Lindsay to get a game off. And, whomever plays r/w to get a game off.
It's 50/50 if I'm being neutral. Half legit abuse and half aggrandized. With Lavelle, USWNT should provide her a personal trainer and dietitian. They have a coveted one of a kind player and any investment is really worth it.
Horan is not a 9 Vladko would ever use. She is way to slow for his pressure on the ball philosophy Vlad requires up top. In fact, if there is a reason she isn't starting in midfield, that's it. Lloyd runs her butt off when she is at the 9. In fact, I would go so far as to say, Horan is the slowest player on the roster. I love her game. Everything positive said about her... Her field IQ, her passing ability, her ability to protect the ball when she has it, her header, but she has that one glaring error.
in their big Champions League game against PSG today, Macario got to start for Lyon & scored in 4 minutes, but her team lost for anybody that wants to watch, here's the replay
I watched part of the game against Sweden, and I was shocked seeing the likes of Lloyd, Sauerbrunn, etc. still playing! still going strong and won't retire I see I might cheer for US in the next WC because Julie Ertz is a terrific player and really became a fan of Sam Mewis in France two years ago