by Debby von Winckelmann
It wasn’t perfect, but the United States Women’s National Team got a much-needed 1-0 win against England today at stadiummk in Milton Keynes, England.
Alex Morgan’s goal in the 25th minute was all that was needed to give the U.S. the victory.
Well, the goal by Morgan, along with an offsides call that negated a potential leveler by England’s Jodie Taylor in the 56th minute. Replay showed Taylor in an onside position.
Morgan’s header off a well-served cross from Lauren Holiday became the 50th international goal in 79 matches for Morgan, making her the third fastest player to reach 50 goals in U.S. history.
The goal worked to lift the confidence of the U.S. players, who showed a quickened pace and better ball movement after taking the lead.
US head coach Jill Ellis made some key changes that had a positive impact on the team’s performance: starting Abby Wambach and Ali Krieger.
Despite the fact that Wambach is one of the older players on the team, her leadership, experience, and scoring abilities are still crucial to the team’s success and until someone else is up to that role, the U.S. is a better team when she is on the field. Krieger still has to grow in her role, but she helped to widen the field and served some good balls, creating opportunities. Krieger’s defensive header in extra time may have saved a goal, as well.
This win may have slowed some of the panic that has been setting in regarding the lackluster play of the U.S. women, but doubts still remain. Even though the Americans dominated possession throughout this match, the score doesn’t reflect that dominance. The U.S. needs to create more chances AND score more goals. Right now, they do not look like the team that will be hoisting the World Cup trophy in July.
Next up for the U.S. is a March 4 match against Norway in the 2015 Algarve Cup in Portugal.
Lineups:
USA: 24-Ashlyn Harris; 11-Ali Krieger, 6-Whitney Engen, 4-Becky Sauerbrunn, 25-Meghan Klingenberg (22-Crystal Dunn, 79); 23-Christen Press (5-Kelley O’Hara, 90+2), 15-Morgan Brian, 12-Lauren Holiday, 10-Carli Lloyd; 13-Alex Morgan (8-Amy Rodriguez, 90), 20-Abby Wambach (capt.)
Subs Not Used: 7-Shannon Boxx, 9-Heather O’Reilly, 14-Julie Johnston, 16-Lori Chalupny, 17-Tobin Heath, 19-Rachel Van Hollebeke, 21-Alyssa Naeher, 26-Tori Huster
Head coach: Jill Ellis
ENG: 1-Karen Bardsley; 2-Alex Scott, 5-Steph Houghton (capt.), 6-Laura Bassett (19-Jessica Clarke, 90), 3-Demi Stokes (14-Alex Greenwood, 70); 7-Jordan Nobbs (16-Fara Williams, 81), 8-Jill Scott, 4-Jo Potter (20-Eni Aliko, 79), 11-Karen Carney; 9-Jodie Taylor (22-Lianne Sanderson, 81), 10-Fran Kirby
Subs Not Used: 12-Gemma Bonner, 13-Siobhan Chamberlain, 15-Casey Stoney, 17-Katie Chapman, 18-Jade Moore, 21-Carly Telford
Head coach: Mark Sampson
