By Amelia Hirtle
After two losses in the October window, the US Women’s National team returned to action to face Germany. It was the first of two friendlies to occur before the end of the year.
Vlatko Andonovski kept a similar starting IX with Alex Morgan and Mallory Pugh back in the lineup after missing the last two games. After losses to England and Spain, many chalked it up to missing those key players, however, some of the same problems persisted.
Germany is the Euro-runners up and are the highest-ranked team the USWNT has faced this year, coming in at number three. It looked to be a good test, especially for the younger players, who have had limited experience playing the best of the best.
The opening minutes of the match did not bode well for the Americans as they were constantly under pressure before they were able to settle. As the first half continued, the frontline began to get more chances, however, the final pass wasn’t there. They will need some faster decision-making and precision going forward.
Andonovski began to make changes in the 60th minute by bringing on Taylor Kornieck, Sam Coffey, and Crystal Dunn for Rose Lavelle, Andi Sullivan, and Emily Fox. Megan Rapinoe and Trinity Rodman came on in the 73rd minute and immediately brought a spark with them. Ashley Sanchez was the final substitution for the Americans.
The veterans came to the rescue in the 85th minute. Germany had the ball in their own half and were attempting to pass out of the high press of the US. Sanchez and Morgan attacked the ball which resulted in a turnover. The ball spiraled toward the endline, and Morgan raced with it, sending the ball back toward the goal with a swift kick. Rapinoe was already lurking near the box and cut it when she saw Morgan making her run. The German defender was too far from the play and the goalkeeper got back in position, but Rapinoe blasted it past her as she went the other direction. The equalizer was much needed as the Americans were chasing a goal. Rapinoe has continued to play her role
The joy in the crowd from the late equalizer lasted less than five minutes. Germany earned a free kick and took it quickly, catching some of the home team off guard. Alana Cook was forced to sprint back to catch up with the German player, however a simple move had her beat heading toward the net. Crystal Dunn was tracking back, but she didn’t look behind her to see if anyone was there, as a German forward snuck in. The cross was sent in and by that point it was too late. It quickly became 2-1 in favor of Germany.
Alana Cook has struggled in international competition as of late. At least one time each match she has an error that leads to a dangerous opportunity for the opposition or a goal. Cook will have some competition for that position when Tierna Davidson returns from injury. A center-back pairing of Naomi Girma and Davidson may be a better option.
Andi Sullivan has struggled in the midfield but played well yesterday. Some of her struggles can be boiled down to tactics. In her position, she is asked to play a similar style to that of Julie Ertz, who is the type of player that will run someone over to win the ball. Sullivan isn’t that type of player and the tactics haven’t been changed to reflect that. Up until now, Andonosvki has been reluctant to change the style and the personnel, but he may be forced to sooner rather than later.
This is the third straight loss the Americans have faced, which hasn’t occurred since the 1980s. They will look to bounce back on Sunday at Red Bull Arena at 5:00 PM ET.