USWNT vs. Germany: Recap and What to Expect in Game 2

The USWNT has lost three matches in a row for the first time since 1993. That’s an absurd statistic when you think about it. The USWNT has been dominant for almost 30 years. This latest loss to Germany is likely sending many USWNT fans into a frenzy. It’s crazy to think people are calling for Vlatko Andonosvki to be sacked with a record of 41-6-6 as USWNT manager. The public honestly needs to make up their minds.

Ahead of the Olympics, he was criticized for picking an older team, and the younger players should’ve been included. Now that those younger players are getting opportunities with all the injuries, all of a sudden, Vlatko is considered wrong for playing them? Pick a side, please. Okay, rant over.

Overall, the match might’ve been the most exciting the United States has played in quite some time. So, let’s recap the first match and get you ready for the second showdown between the USWNT and Germany. 

First Match Recap

Vlatko Andonovski said after the game that the team played well and just didn’t take their chances, which is true. The USWNT could’ve absolutely been up 1-0 or 2-0 by halftime. Mallory Pugh and Sophia Smith had chances that they were taking during the NWSL season. There was also the headed chance that bounced just off the crossbar and on the line of the goal, another incredibly close chance. 

The Germans just had a slight edge in terms of their sharpness on the ball, possession, and finishing. That was truly the difference in the match. If the USWNT has a goal or two in the first half, it’s a completely different dynamic than 0-0 at halftime. Did the USWNT leave much to be desired defensively? Absolutely.

Yet when the game is so tightly contested, it truly is a game of inches. If Lindsay Horan’s insane scissor kick attempt goes in instead of off the post, all the momentum is on the USWNT’s side. 

🇺🇸 @LindseyHoran with a ✂️ kick 🤯 pic.twitter.com/EWggvYUk7W

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 11, 2022

Instead, Sofia Huerta had an unfortunate lapse in judgment and tried to play a ball, but the German defender was ready and waiting. Because of the errant pass, the entire USWNT backline is now out of position and in trouble.

Klara Bühl was able to get onto her right foot and curled a beautiful shot which also went off the post. The difference is the Germans had a little luck go their way with the ball bouncing off Casey Murphy’s back, nothing she could’ve done about this. 

Germany takes the 1-0 lead over the USWNT in Florida 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/yzngnbTM5k

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 11, 2022

Facing adversity, the USWNT responded with some extra effort from the vets. Alex Morgan made this goal happen with her pressure, and it was well-deserved for the United States. Morgan forced the deflection and just got to the ball before it went out and found a wide-open Megan Rapinoe on the far post, who made no mistake smashing the ball past the keeper. 

🔥@alexmorgan13 ➡️@mPinoe@USWNT equalizes at 1-1! 🇺🇸🙌 pic.twitter.com/sO31FD6zwU

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 11, 2022

Just when it seemed like the match would be headed for a draw after the equalizer, the Germans capitalized on another error. The USWNT were caught out of position for literally a split second. Again, Huerta comes down from right back to help out Rose Lavelle, commits a foul, and then the Germans play the quick free kick.

Lena Oberdorf played a perfect ball to her teammate, and Jule Brand’s first and second touch to get around Alana Cook is spot on. Cook had to rotate to Huerta’s position, forcing Crystal Dunn into the middle to fill the other center-back spot. Dunn knows there’s a player behind her, but she’s hoping Cook can make that play and she gets beat. Which is what allows for that easy goal on the back post.

Yes, the defense needs some work, but Crystal Dunn is still working her way back from the pregnancy. It’s still going to take time. 

USWNT vs. Germany, November 13th, 5:00 PM ET/2:00 PM PT, ESPN

Looking ahead to the next match, it would be an even bigger deal if the USWNT were to lose this match as well. Four losses in a row might lead to a mob of angry fans standing outside Vlatko Andonovski’s house with pitchforks at this rate. Don’t expect Vlatko to tinker with the lineup too much other than maybe giving Emily Fox an opportunity to start at the back.  

This team will respond. They know they’re capable of doing more and can perform much better. It’s just a matter of executing on the pitch. The game was open based on what we said in the first preview, and unless the Germans decide to play defensive, expect another open, free-flowing match. If the USWNT can shore up their defensive issues and take their chances like they normally do, this second match against Germany will be better.

Prediction: USWNT wins 1-0

All images via Noel Danseco

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