USWNT vs. Wales Recap: Tuning Up Before the World Cup

The USWNT took on Wales in an important match to prepare for the World Cup. I mentioned in the preview that this would be a good test and that prediction was accurate. For most of the match, Wales stood tall and kept the match scoreless, but a young USWNT star would be the difference in the game. Let’s recap what happened between the USWNT and Wales.

USWNT vs. Wales Recap

As expected, Wales slowed the match down as much as possible to disrupt the USWNT’s tempo and rhythm. The one thing I did not see coming was the starting lineup. Ashley Sanchez and Alyssa Thompson started the game with the United States making five subs. Trinity Rodman, Lynn Williams, Emily Sonnett, Sofia Huerta, and Kristie Mewis all came on, indicating any one of them could get minutes during the group and knockout stages. 

For 75 minutes, Wales did the job defensively, and it seemed like they would secure the 0-0 draw. Jess Fishlock was out after picking up an injury in her last NWSL match, and it showed. The Dragons only mustered two shots the entire match, with none on target.

For the USWNT, this was a great way to simulate a specific situation they may encounter in the World Cup. In a game where no one can score, someone has to step up and create something out of nothing. 

In this case, Lynn Williams started the move with some great hold-up play getting the ball out wide to Sophia Smith. Once Smith got the ball, Trinity Rodman saw the space to run in behind and was wide open for an easy finish. ​

Trinity Rodman breaks through in the 76th minute for the USWNT 🇺🇸

(via @USWNT)pic.twitter.com/BFrRIzUdII

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 9, 2023

At 21 years old, Trinity Rodman is the youngest player in USWNT history to score a brace. Wales fans will call for a foul with the bump in the back, but the referee didn’t call it, and Rodman took full advantage. 

Take nothing away from Rodman’s finish; this was top-notch. Rodman pounced before Wales could react. 

TRINITY RODMAN WITH AN ABSOLUTE BANGER FOR THE BRACE 🔥

(via @USWNT)pic.twitter.com/ptyRAFZ6xc

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 9, 2023

The USWNT would go on to secure the 2-0 win. While they’ll be happy to get the result, there is still room for improvement in the finishing department. Twenty-two shots taken and seven on target with just two goals is okay. But, with the standard the USWNT sets for themselves, they’ll want their goal tally to be higher. Overall, there will be no complaints with a win over a team that was a game away from qualifying for the World Cup. 

Next is Vietnam, where the USWNT’s quest for five stars begins on July 21 in the land down under. 

Featured image via Noel Danseco (@drive_x_strike)

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