A Tale of Two Halves as USWNT Win First Match of 2023
3 thoughts on the 4-0 win over New Zealand
January camp is a rite of passage for the USWNT, a chance to hit the reset button and get acclimated to the host country of the upcoming World Cup, just as they did in 2019.
Rookie and NWSL Defender of the Year, Naomi Girma, already looked the part of a veteran during media day, acknowledging the fluid nature of roster changes. "Change is par for the course on a team like this," she said. "It's great to have Emily Sonnett and Lynn Williams back, but our focus is always on the group we have in camp and moving forward from there."
The team's trip to Auckland, culminating in friendlies at Sky Stadium and Eden Park, has strategic benefits as well. FIFA is requiring the team to travel from their base camp to tournament matches on matchday minus-one during the World Cup, and the USWNT is replicating that travel to Wellington for the first time as a team, preparing in every way possible for the tournament.
A Tale of Two Halves
The USWNT got off to a slow start in the first half, with only Lavelle and Purce standing out, but came alive in the second half. While the goals were certainly a highlight, what was even more crucial was the team's ability to finally break through New Zealand's defense. Lavelle shone as the most dynamic player on the field, not only showing off her creativity, but also her ability to find space and make herself available for passes.
Lavelle balled out in the second half. I noticed her first touch was immaculate and her dribbles replicating that of Messi - keeping each dribble perfectly connected to her next move. The 2nd goal showed her total ability, with a no-look backheel assist to Alex Morgan.
The attacking machine really started to hum along in the second half, with a brace from Mallory Swanson including a ridiculously difficult header from a sharp Rodman cross to open the scoring.
Midfield Still Has Questions
The USWNT's move to deploy Taylor Kornieck as the No. 6 in the first half didn't pan out as well as hoped. While the idea of utilizing Kornieck's physicality in that role has merit, it was clear that the chemistry between her and Lindsey Horan as the No. 8 was lacking. Kornieck's positioning experiment was a bold move, but it didn't pay off in the first half.
The Meaning of These Friendlies
Some may wonder about the impact these matches against the USWNT might have on the New Zealand national team, especially with key players not released and the possibility of blowout losses affecting morale and attendance. But as USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski predicted, New Zealand was well organized under coach Jitka Klimkova. Goalkeeper Erin Nayler made several impressive saves, particularly in the first half. While the Ferns didn't generate much offense, Tuesday's match was still a valuable experience for the team despite the final score. We’ll have to reset back to 0-0 and go another 90’ on Friday at 10pm ET!