USWNT vs. New Zealand: Can the Confidence Boost Carry into the SheBelieves Cup?
The USWNT were again utterly dominant in their second matchup with New Zealand, aka the Football Ferns. New Zealand was slightly better in their ability to keep possession and had the ball in the United States’ half for brief moments, but in the end, the USWNT was just too good. Let’s recap what happened in the second match between the United States and New Zealand and look ahead to the SheBelieves Cup and beyond.
USWNT vs. New Zealand Game 2
Alex Morgan was a late scratch from the lineup due to lower leg tightness. Naturally, the USWNT has to take every precaution necessary. Ashley Hatch came in to take her place and had an immediate impact with a nice finish. Trinity Rodman showed her skill as well. The left-footed pass while running as fast as she does is so tough to do.
GO ON, @ash_hatch33 🐣🐣🐣 pic.twitter.com/UmsJqDRyS5
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) January 21, 2023
Hatch was able to nudge the ball into the back of the net to give the Americans the early lead. Next up, Sofia Huerta provided a gem of a cross into the box, which Rose Lavelle slid home with a nice one-time finish. Huerta has the versatility to play as a midfielder but has been converted to play as a defender, and her crossing ability is the main reason why.
A beauty of a ball from @schuerta finds @roselavelle to make it 2-0 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/FnB83NRT20
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) January 21, 2023
Those two goals really took New Zealand out of the game and allowed the United States to continue to press on. The 2-0 lead at halftime would soon increase to three after a goal within the first ten minutes of the second half. Mallory Swanson would be the quickest to react on the deflected cross and gave the keeper no chance. Swanson’s three goals in two games were all impressive.
🔥 STAY HOT, @MALPUGH 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YE7Vm8yT4o
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) January 21, 2023
It was again encouraging to see Lynn Williams contributing in some shape or form to the offense. After scoring in the first game, the newly acquired Gotham FC striker would provide the cross to Rose Lavelle. Lavelle guided the ball home with a simple redirection to make the game 4-0.
.@lynnraenie 🤝 @roselavelle pic.twitter.com/QAdMELObBi
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) January 21, 2023
Finally, Taylor Kornieck would score the last goal of the match. She highlights how dangerous a weapon she can be in the box with her height.
.@taylorkornieck heads home the corner! pic.twitter.com/45gITngDeP
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) January 21, 2023
While New Zealand had slightly more possession in this matchup, they still didn’t have a shot the entire match. The USWNT had no trouble and flexed their muscles with an incredible attacking display. Their finishing was clinical, and the way the team played together shows they seem to be gathering momentum heading into the SheBelieves Cup.
Looking Ahead to the SheBelieves Cup
The United States will take on Canada, Japan, and Brazil in the SheBelieves Cup. Then, the USWNT will likely schedule two more friendlies in April and two more as a send-off to the World Cup. These games will test the USWNT with a variety of styles to go up against. But these will be the last times the USWNT will come together before the World Cup kicks off in July.
While the USWNT looked great against New Zealand, the eventual need for true wingbacks and a No. 6 could loom large for this team. Crystal Dunn and Sofia Huerta are playing great, but defending isn’t their natural position, and they were exploited in their losing streak last fall. Sam Mewis and Julie Ertz being out leaves a big void for this team to try and fill.
The team played well without Sophia Smith. So, her addition to this loaded lineup would be tough for any team to face.
The USWNT is in a great place. They have set a high standard for themselves in a quest for three straight world titles. Of course, it won’t be easy, but this team is gearing up to do something special and are more than capable of doing it.
Featured image via @uswnt on Instagram
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