By Juan Carlos Maygua
The USWNT is ready to begin its participation in the SheBelievesCup alongside Argentina, Canada, and Brazil. The tournament will serve as a testing platform for many players in the squad that looks forward to the Olympics this coming summer. Head coach Vlatko Andonovski, defender Abby Dahlkemper and forward Lynn Williams spoke in a video conference ahead of their opening game against Canada tomorrow.
What to look for
The game against Canada is key for the USWNT, in what is one of the most direct sporting rivalries, the coach emphasized that they prepared the game completely focused on the sporting side of their rivals rather than focusing on their missing players. The tournament will have the team play 3 games in the space of 7 days, head coach Andonovski was confident in the team’s fitness and is expecting to compete without any issues. “We’re going to use this opportunity to evaluate players individually in connection to other players on the field, possibly in different spots”. He did leave an option open for rotations due to the format of the tournament, meaning that most of the squad will see minutes. This would also help the team get familiar with the upcoming Olympic schedule.
The importance of Alex Morgan in the team was also highlighted being that she is not only the face of the team but also a key player. “We’re very happy that she’s with us, she’s progressing with every training session, we know that when she’s at her best she can be deadly”. In regards topreparation methods, Andonovski is pleased to get an extra two extra camps, something that would have changed if the Olympics were held as scheduled. “Aside from aiming for the gold medal, it’s important to have a good time.” In the tactical aspect, the team will maintain a “High Pressure” system to control the game in their favor, possession is key for upcoming tournaments.
Trusting the process
Abby Dahlkemper spoke about the adjustment to a new league and playing overseas after recently joining Manchester City. “It was an interesting challenge, I’m looking forward to helping the team win titles, taking it one game at a time”. She highlighted the importance of getting adjusted to a new way of life and her work ethic in her position. “I feel best when I’m able to watch the team play, as well as watching films of different training sessions”. Arriving in camp physically fit was also important because of how competitive the next games will be. Having played earlier in the year before camp makes her feel confident about her contributions to the team. The competitive nature of the squad is the main source of motivation to stay at the top level, “Canada is a great team with amazing players, but we have look at our journey and keep working hard”.
Lynn Williams a returning forward for the national team spoke about her upcoming role in the tournament. “I’m ready to do what the coach (Vlatko) wants me to do, but I’m just happy to be on the field”. The rivalry with Canada was the center of discussion after the 20-year unbeaten record was brought up, “It’s talked about in the squad, and while it’s not nice to face them, it feels good to beat them afterward”. Williams also spoke about her journey in the national team after missing out on a spot for the last World Cup. The learning experience she obtained helped balance her professional and personal aspects. “After missing out on the World Cup, I decided to take a step back since up to that point, it was National team or bust. It was important for me to realize that I was more than a soccer player”. She praised her endurance in the mental perspective of the game while accepting all the challenges in the way while staying involved in any way possible. The hunt for a spot in the Olympic team will likely be determined in this tournament, staying healthy and contributing to every game will decide who stays on for the summer Olympics, “It’s stressing, but the competition will be tough, so you have to do the little things to hopefully be considered in the end”.
The upcoming tournament will be interesting. Looking forward to the next games and see what each team brings competitively.