By Amelia Hirtle
The United States Women’s National Team met Korea Republic in Kansas City for the first of their two meetings in October. Coming into the match, the USWNT had gone 10-0-3 against the visiting team. Their last two meetings came two years ago with the first coming as a 2-0 win and the second as a 1-1 draw. The game ended in a 0-0 draw, with the WNT’s 22-game home win streak came to end.
The USWNT held more possession and had more opportunities to score in the first half than Korea Republic. Lindsay Horan had a chance early on that just hit the post. With increased pressure on the back line from Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, Rapinoe was able to win the ball back, but her shot went right to the keeper. Forward Tobin Heath also had chances but keeper Younggeul Yoon made fantastic saves throughout the match.
The attack of Korea Republic tested the backline of the U.S. team. On a couple of occasions, Soyun Ji was able to break through the WNT defense and move the ball quickly up the field. However, the visitors only registered 1 shot on goal to the home teams’ 8.
Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski made three changes to start the second half, bringing on Mallory Pugh, Sophia Smith, and Kristie Mewis for Megan Rapinoe, Tobin Heath, and Catarina Macario, respectively. After the game Vlatko said that all the substitutions were predetermined, citing long flights and game minutes for Heath and Macario. Rapinoe’s minutes are still being managed for a leg injury that kept her out of her club team games for over a month. Pugh and Smith were able to increase the tempo in the second half with their transitions and off the ball movement however, the team was still unable to connect for a goal.
After the game, Vlatko praised the visiting team and their organization and determination on defense. He said he thought his team made good adjustments and ultimately, the Korea Republic keeper, Younggeul Yoon made some great saves. In the postgame, I asked Lindsay Horan about what it has been like to see Sophia Smith grow on this team. She said, “I felt like tonight was one of her most confident nights”. She also noted that Smith has “amazing potential” and that she can be “such a bright light for this team” moving forward.
Even with the draw, it was a celebratory night with Lindsay Horan celebrating her 100th cap with the team. The WNT will face Korea Republic once more on Tuesday October 26th in Minnesota. This will be Carli Lloyd’s final match with the team.