Foudy says they look a little too patient. I think some players look a little too tired. And only 1 minute of stoppage time...what's that? I haven't seen that in awhile.
We're missing Davidson on the long balls. There's space behind, and I'm glad we're trying for it, but we're missing an accurate long passer.
Girma imo, is the sole US player who can hold her head up high after the World Cup debacle. She’s my current favorite player and it’s all down to her skill and tenacity. Can see her being a future captain
I can't decide what Foudy was worse at, actually playing soccer or calling soccer games? She lacks humility, always has.
Boring first half -- but Japan has had the better chances. I wonder if the U.S. players, especially Horan, might be tired. Fox also looks a little listless. Albert doing okay at the 6, but doesn't seem as much a part of the match as Coffey.
Wow. US has the ball forever and can’t generate anything. Japan gets the ball and it’s in the US box in 5 passes. Watch like minutes 30-35 back recalling the IA had had the ball for ages leading up to then. Surely xG here would be US .05 and Japan .3 or something. I don’t trust the midfield and front three (if they drop in) not to mostly cough it up in tight spaces either, so I can’t blame Emma too much for it, but Japan has a great plan. I am afraid the US will get impatient first and give up a few counters. Either the US will figure out and execute a few blind one twos up a channel or Japan will continue to suffocate them until Japan gets a chance down the left and scores.
Smith is just much less useful in a game like this where clever runs and vision and tight space skill are needed. She needs 3-4 breakaways where she can just be quicker to the ball.
If that's the issue, then it falls squarely on Emma Hayes for not rotating the players who've needed it more. Japan has played the same number of games we have, and they aren't looking tired. Horan and Smith should be subbed early in the 2nd if their play doesn't drastically improve.
coz they need to use her (Albert). Our back line doing too much back and side to side passing, it’s like they’re too scared to be the one to screw up. You gotta take chances… if you wanna pull that Japan defense out of shape—- but you gotta get it to Rose, Horan, or Rodman.
They are taking advantage of Sonnett. She is making poor decisions. She finally wins possession and kicks it out of bounds like grade school ball instead of playing it out from the back.
Japan is going for their chances in transition and is good at it. But, we either slow it down when we win back the ball and give them time to set up in their defense (which we can't break down) or squander the chances we get when we go at them in a fast break.
Sonnett still had some time and the sideline to use on that counter. I'm not sure if that type of foul was necessary.