What To Expect in the 2022 SheBelieves Cup
The SheBelieves Cup is back for another year of exciting action. What’s better is we have a new group of teams to watch and learn about and see how they stack up against the USWNT.
The three new countries at this year’s tournament are Iceland, the Czech Republic, and New Zealand. These are three teams with plenty of star power. Let’s take a closer look at how we expect the SheBelieves Cup will go.
USWNT Roster:
GOALKEEPERS (3): Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit; 0), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage; 2), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars; 78)
DEFENDERS (8): Alana Cook (OL Reign; 4/0), Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars; 45/1), Emily Fox (Racing Louisville FC; 8/0), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign; 9/0), Kelley O’Hara (Washington Spirit; 148/2), Emily Sonnett (Washington Spirit; 63/0), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns FC; 199/0)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Morgan Gautrat (Chicago Red Stars; 87/8), Jaelin Howell (Racing Louisville; 2), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign; 68/18), Catarina Macario (Olympique Lyonnais, FRA; 12/3), Kristie Mewis (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 33/4), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit; 2/0), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit; 22/2)
FORWARDS (5): Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit; 4/2), Mallory Pugh (Chicago Red Stars; 67/18), Margaret Purce (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 9/2), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC; 10/1), Lynn Williams (Kansas City Current; 45/14), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit; 0)
USWNT vs. Czech Republic, February 17, 11 PM ET/8 PM PT, ESPN
Based on the roster that Vlatko Andonovski selected for this tournament, one thing is clear; it’s time for the next generation to step up. Lindsey Horan is now out of the competition with knee irritation; Jaelin Howell will take her place in the side.
From a backline and defensive perspective, the USWNT is as rock-solid as it can be. The Czech Republic features a team that has plenty of talent that we haven’t heard of before.
They pose a different challenge for the USWNT backline because they will be more technical on the ball and look to keep a bit more possession. The Czechs have stars in England and France, but their biggest stars play in Italy.
Kamila Dubcova is one of Sassuolo’s best players, and Andrea Staskova is a striker for Juventus. Watching them go up against the USWNT defense will be fun, but the Czechs likely won’t have the defense necessary to slow down the firepower of the Americans on offense.
Prediction: USWNT win 3-0
USWNT vs. New Zealand, February 20, 3 PM ET/12 PM PT, ABC
New Zealand’s roster features three defensive stars who we happen to know pretty well in states. Abby Erceg and Ali Riley are the anchors of this team, and there’s the return of Rebekah Stott. With the heart of a warrior, Stott managed to battle back from Stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma to make her return.
The Football Ferns will be a great story at the SheBelieves Cup, but outside of their defense, they will have a tough time creating chances against the USWNT. On the flip side, the USWNT has an embarrassment of riches in attack.
Riley and Erceg will have to be at their best to slow down whoever Vlatko chooses to put out as his front three. New Zealand won’t be able to stop any of the USWNT strikers, and they can only hope to contain them.
Prediction: USWNT win 4-0
USWNT vs. Iceland, February 23, 9 PM ET/6 PM PT, ESPN
Iceland should pose the toughest challenge for the USWNT in this competition. They’ve had numerous players play college here in the states, and many of their players play in the biggest leagues in the world.
Dagny Brynjarsdottir is a former NWSL vet who played for the Portland Thorns, and Gunny Jonsdottir is still with the Orlando Pride.
They are a tough, physical group that will refuse to back down and give up. Their ability to defend and score from set-pieces will be the key to generating an upset against the USWNT.
Iceland might have a bit of an edge that other countries don’t, with their players having seen the American style of play up close. This should be a fun game to watch, but the USWNT should be able to edge this out.
Prediction: USWNT win 2-1
Final Standings:
- USWNT
- Iceland
- Czech Republic
- New Zealand
While the teams this year are different from what we’re used this seeing, this is a great chance to see how other countries play the game, what their strengths and weaknesses are, and appreciate some talent we haven’t previously seen.
Not only that, but USWNT will likely see some of our young stars get the chance to showcase their skills as well.
Featured image via @USWNT on Instagram
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