USWNT Sendoff Series: How Does the Team Look Going into the Olympics?

July 6, 2021
By Rohtas Wadera

The USWNT’s dominant run under Vlatko Andonovski continued with two convincing wins over Mexico in the Olympic Sendoff Series. With the team having played their final games before the Olympics, it’s safe to say they’re the favorites to win Gold in Tokyo. The return of Tobin Heath was a major highlight, along with a slightly different lineup from the first game to the second. Here’s a recap of the USWNT Sendoff Series and a closer look at the lineups we might see.

In both matches, the USWNT did not give Mexico much of a chance to breathe on the ball with their pressure. Early goals were a common theme and certainly something to keep an eye on at the Olympics. Opponents of the USWNT have to make it through the first 10 minutes without conceding, or it will be a long day. In the first game, Mexico did well before the Mewis sisters broke through and shared a cool moment.

Mewis ➡️ Mewis.

The opening goal from Sam Mewis to put #USWNT on top in the first half. #USAMEX | 1-0 | #SendOffSeries pic.twitter.com/fPLnIu7xOG

— Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) July 2, 2021

With the match at 2-0 by halftime, a comeback from Mexico was highly unlikely. This set the stage for Tobin Heath to make her return, and it did not take long for her to make an impact. 52 seconds after coming onto the pitch, she does what only Tobin Heath can do.

Tobin Heath goal – from distance! #USWNT ??pic.twitter.com/QH7CNLrjqr

— Billy Heyen (@BillyHeyen) July 2, 2021

The midfield that Vlatko used with the Mewis sisters and Lindsey Horan is at least one combination we could see at the Olympics. With each passing day, it makes it harder to put Julie Ertz in a starting spot considering her injury. Kristie Mewis has earned the right to start, but the main question is will Vlatko choose to go with her or Rose Lavelle? It would be hard to have a midfield without Sam Mewis or Lindsey Horan.

With the first match ending 4-0, the USWNT handled their business easily and looked great in the process. Mexico was not bad, but it’s tough for them to try and simulate what it will be like for the USWNT against the tougher teams at the Olympics.

Vlatko Andonovski made a nice adjustment for the second game with a few changes. Lavelle came in for K. Mewis along with Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath. Vlatko mentioned they would treat the beginning of the game as if they were down by a goal with five minutes to go. So the USWNT came out in an attacking 3-4-3 formation. Sure enough, it was mission accomplished for the USWNT; they ended up getting a goal just after the 5-minute mark. It was a thing of beauty from Lloyd to Horan.

Textbook Tekkers ⚽️?@LindseyHoran | (via @USWNT) pic.twitter.com/TwpulwuXp5

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 5, 2021

The video doesn’t do the build-up play justice, but the bottom line is, the USWNT looked scary in the attack against Mexico. As a team, everyone looks completely in sync and sharp with each touch on the ball. There have barely been any mistakes; it’s been truly flawless.

Carli Lloyd scored with a nice diving header to make it 2-0, and Tobin Heath added a fourth goal after an own goal in which Heath had almost scored. It’s a clear sign that she’s back.

Raise your hand if you love having @TobinHeath back on the field ? pic.twitter.com/mIT9bHY89F

— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) July 5, 2021

After four first-half goals, the USWNT decided to slow things down for the second half and go to a more 3-5-2 for the purposes of defending a lead. In the end, the match ended 4-0, the same scoreline from the first match. The team’s ability to execute with different players is very impressive and a joy to watch.

It’s tough to gauge how that first match against Sweden will go considering the quality of opponents the USWNT has faced. The USWNT has only conceded four times under Vlatko, and three of those goals were scored by Sweden. Outside of their one rival, the USWNT look virtually unstoppable when they are in good form, and it would take a true series of unfortunate events for them not to come home with the Gold Medal this year.

Featured Image via @USWNT on Instagram