2015 Algarve Cup
Lloyd Lifts Yanks; Solo Returns; Wambach Woes
Jill Ellis' side opened its Algarve Cup campaign with a comeback win over Norway that both highlighted the team's strengths as well underscored a few areas of concern.
BY
John D. Halloran
Posted
March 05, 2015
6:45 PM
THE UNITED STATES WOMEN'S national team opened up its 2015 Algarve Cup campaign on Wednesday with a solid 2-1 win over Norway. After heading into the locker room down 1-0 at the half, the U.S. engineered a second-half rally on the back of two goals from Carli Lloyd.
The victory sets up the Americans for a Group B clash against 19th-ranked Switzerland on Friday (12p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1).
Here are three thoughts from the match.
March 05, 2015
6:45 PM
The Formation
The biggest talking point from Wednesday’s game against No. 12-ranked Norway was the U.S.’ formation. As she had done in recent matches against France and England, head coach Jill Ellis started the game with the U.S. deployed in an “empty-bucket” 4-2-2-2. Morgan Brian and Lauren Holiday were positioned in front of the center backs with Christen Press and Carli Lloyd playing slightly wider underneath the strikers. Under this arrangement Lloyd and Press can operate as the team’s playmakers—and both are more than equipped to handle the job. The problem is the lack of width the formation provides, both offensively and defensively.This is the #USWNT's front four yesterday against Norway. Narrow is an understatement. pic.twitter.com/nQhS9iTpT7
— John D. Halloran (@JohnDHalloran) March 5, 2015
When Press and Lloyd receive the ball centrally, their options are fairly limited, especially if the outside backs don’t join the attack. Against Norway (and last month against England) that wasn’t a problem, as Ali Krieger and Lori Chalupny were able to get forward well and provide service from the flanks.
But that occurred precisely because both Norway and England sat back and absorbed pressure. When the U.S. plays against teams like France, Brazil, Germany, and Sweden, the American outside backs will likely be pinned back for long stretches. If they are unable to get forward, the U.S. attack will be easy to smother.
Defensively, the lack of width in the 4-2-2-2 midfield means that the outside backs are on an island with little to no help. Against France that proved to be a disaster and, on Wednesday, even Norway was able to expose the U.S.’s lack of pace on the left side.
One solution would be to add either Kelley O’Hara or Crystal Dunn to the starting XI, but considering Ellis’ lineup selections over the past year, it’s fair to say that ship has sailed.
Thank Goodness for Carli Lloyd
Despite playing outside her preferred central midfield role for the third game in a row, Lloyd rose to the challenge, played well, and scored both U.S. goals. In the 57th minute she received the ball near the top of the box, turned a defender, and fired in a left-footed laser to bring the U.S. level. Five minutes later she converted a penalty that proved to be the game-winner. Most telling of all, however, was the effort that Lloyd put into Wednesday’s match. Sporting a fresh shiner, her commitment to the cause was obvious from the opening whistle. Lloyd played the entire match with a chip on her shoulder, something U.S. fans have seen time and time again.Carli Lloyd has had enough of your losing.
— The Yanks Are Coming (@YanksAreComing) March 4, 2015