The US have been great out of the back with their challenges, duals and their ability to be involved on the attack and set pieces. Nothing changes here.
Through the midfield, Brian was solid vs. China. She provides quality decisions service for much-needed possession in a team that seems to be possession-challenged through the tournament. Even more so, Brian was brilliant defending, acting as a screen for the defensive block when out of possession. She allows C-Lloyd to get forward and fit into a much more natural position.
Heath has proven she is a quality two-way player that is calm and collected in possession.
Rapinoe outside in a three-front system seems to be what she is already doing on the wing in Ellis' 4-4-2. However, Rapinoe has been careless in her approach on the attack. Slower decision-making and too much dribbling through the midfield has provided less possession and has left the forwards disconnected. Rapinoe up top and out wide gives her the ability to play to her strengths and keep the lines connected.
Nothing to discuss on Alex Morgan, she is a constant threat.
Rodriguez needs to play. She has technical quality, speed and is savvy. She provides the spark. Her pairing with Morgan in QF was problematic for China. She provides plenty of movement and danger up top.
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Tim Romanello
almost 9 years
The US have been great out of the back with their challenges, duals and their ability to be involved on the attack and set pieces. Nothing changes here. Through the midfield, Brian was solid vs. China. She provides quality decisions service for much-needed possession in a team that seems to be possession-challenged through the tournament. Even more so, Brian was brilliant defending, acting as a screen for the defensive block when out of possession. She allows C-Lloyd to get forward and fit into a much more natural position. Heath has proven she is a quality two-way player that is calm and collected in possession. Rapinoe outside in a three-front system seems to be what she is already doing on the wing in Ellis' 4-4-2. However, Rapinoe has been careless in her approach on the attack. Slower decision-making and too much dribbling through the midfield has provided less possession and has left the forwards disconnected. Rapinoe up top and out wide gives her the ability to play to her strengths and keep the lines connected. Nothing to discuss on Alex Morgan, she is a constant threat. Rodriguez needs to play. She has technical quality, speed and is savvy. She provides the spark. Her pairing with Morgan in QF was problematic for China. She provides plenty of movement and danger up top.