USWNT v Japan in April 2026, pre/pbp/post

Cannot play out from the back with a GK who is this uncomfortable with her feet. Japan baiting the USA with mid block and then counter pressing. Surprised that the technical quality of the USA is not solving this. Lack of experience?

 

She ain't. They have been working at her club, from what I understand, on her foot work on the ball. Her club coach REALLY likes playing out of the back but PTJ is the weak link in that idea.

That was a beautiful goal by Japan. The defense really let down the team by allowing the Japanese player to receive the ball with zero pressure and then reacted late allowing the player to take exactly the shot she wanted.

 

Sears has to square that. Foudy talking nonsense imo

 

Why do they have these long asides when the ball is in play. They just lingered for at least a minute on the booth while the ball was in play. Some of the most unprofessional announcing/directing I have ever seen.

 

What is Tullis Joyce doing?

 

At times, it feels the back stories take over the actual playing of the game. I don't like it, but I think a lot of the audience they are going for, do.

Imagine cutting away from a men's international during play to look at X players kid in the booth!!

 

Yep. I think I said that

 

Which is NOT soccer. It is just stupid to do that kind of crap.

 

Half

United States of America 0 Japan 1

That's different.

It took a while for them to settle in. Hopefully they will take shots in the second half.

 

I feel disappointed. Not because of the play or even the score but much of the USA squad seems to be just waiting for something to happen when good soccer is played players do not react they act to make something happen.

 

And what is unusual about that? She seems to have a real ability to spout nonsense at will.

 

The USA are not a possession team and Japan is letting them have it with key pressing triggers. If the USA get heads up and break that press, there will be opportunities galore with mids driving at the back line with the ball. Needs one of the CMs to demand the ball in those areas and make Japan pay.

 

I am not the target audience. It feels like they are going for a similar impact Lalas has. People watch because they like him or hate him. Polarising, but gives you something to talk about. I prefer the focus to be on the field, with less "color"