The Odds of the USWNT Winning Its Fall Friendlies

The USWNT had a poor showing at the Women’s World Cup this year, finishing ninth in the tournament–their lowest finish ever. Will they be able to turn it around in their fall friendlies? The U.S. will take on South Africa in September and Colombia in October. Let’s take a look at where the three teams are at and what the soccer odds are for the U.S. coming out victorious. 

USWNT vs. South Africa

The USWNT will play two friendlies against South Africa, the first on September 21 and the second on September 24. 

South Africa, nicknamed Banyana Banyana, had a historic run at their second World Cup. They lost to Sweden 2-1, drew Argentina 2-2, and defeated Italy 3-2, advancing to the Round of 16. Ultimately, they lost to the Netherlands 2-0 in their first match out of the group. Their top scorer was Thembi Kgatlana (Racing Louisville), with three goals, which is half of their goals in the tournament. 

South Africa did well to score goals early and actually led Sweden and Argentina at first. They’ll definitely be looking to find Kgatlana up top.

As for the Stars and Stripes, they’ll be looking to redeem themselves after their World Cup letdown. However, after Vlatko Andonovski stepped down, they might have a different look come September. Expect some of the young stars to return, such as Trinity Rodman, Naomi Girma, and Sophia Smith. But also, we might see some faces we haven’t seen in a while, like Ashley Hatch, Sam Coffey, or Taylor Kornieck. 

If they are called up for these friendlies, Hatch, along with other players who didn’t make the World Cup roster, will be ready to prove they belong on the team. Keep an eye on these players; they could be the difference-makers. 

Additionally, with a change in coaching, we may see a change in the style of play. In the past, the USWNT had notable team chemistry that they relied on to maintain possession, but with a relatively new and young team, they rely on their physicality in the midfield and speed up top to score goals. 

The USWNT fell down in the FIFA rankings from No.1 to No.3, a drop they will not take lightly. On the other hand, South Africa rose nine places to No. 45 in the latest rankings, and they’ll be looking to continue their good form. These two teams have only met twice before. The most recent match was in preparation for the 2019 World Cup, where the USWNT won 2-0. 

Overall, the USWNT has something to prove with these September friendlies, but South Africa will not make it easy. 

USWNT vs. Colombia

Next, the U.S. will take on Colombia on October 26 and 29. Colombia’s Cinderella run in this World Cup was exciting and inspiring. In the Group Stage, Colombia beat South Korea 2-0, upset Germany 2-1, and lost to Morrocco 1-0, qualifying them for the Knockout Stage. In their first Round of 16 matchup, they battled Jamaica and ultimately won 1-0, setting them up for a huge quarterfinal match against England. The team finished eighth in the tournament after falling to the Lionesses 2-1.

This was their best World Cup showing ever, and it was thanks to true team effort. 18-year-old Linda Caicedo (Real Madrid) shined for the team and actually played for Colombia in the U-17 and U-20 World Cups in the past year as well. Caicedo scored two goals, including one in their incredible upset over Germany, and is a bright young player to watch in these coming matches. 

Additionally, Manuela Vanegas (Real Sociedad), Catalina Usme (América de Cali), and Leicy Santos (Atlético Madrid) were incredible to watch. Expect some of these stars to show up against the U.S. 

Colombia will be a very tough opponent for the USWNT. They are a physical team and will be looking to hold on to that World Cup high by beating the U.S. In Colombia’s ten matches against the U.S., they’ve never won, and they’ll be looking at these friendlies as an opportunity to change that. Colombia rose three places in the rankings and is now at No. 22. 

Likewise, the USWNT is looking at these friendlies as a way to show they are still a top team in the world–if not the best–despite their drop in rank by going against a team that has only recently exploded upwards. It’s great that the USWNT is scheduling games against fierce competition since that is the only way for the team to improve and maintain its reputation. 

The look of the USWNT may depend on their outcome against South Africa, but they will be wise not to underestimate Colombia. A solid defense will be crucial against the likes of Caicedo, among others. 

Overall, the USWNT is going through a period of transition following the World Cup, but they’ll have a lot of motivation going into all four of these games. 

Featured image via @uswnt on Instagram

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