What to Expect: USWNT vs. New Zealand
The USWNT is months away from the 2023 World Cup, and while the end of 2022 didn’t end as well as the United States hoped, the new year brings new opportunities to improve. Next month, the SheBelieves Cup will serve as necessary preparation for the World Cup. But first, they take on New Zealand in two friendlies this week. So here’s a preview of how the USWNT vs. New Zealand could go.
USWNT
At the end of 2022, we saw Vlatko Andonovski give new players a chance to work into the USWNT and get some experience. Now, we’re seeing more veterans come back into the team, like Lindsey Horan and Lynn Williams. Sam Mewis still isn’t back yet but could work her way back into the national team before the summer. Her sister Kristie is a critical player in the middle for chance creation, but Sam does more of the dirty work and distribution that this team doesn’t have a lot of.
Ready for 2023! 👊
Roster Details » https://t.co/K3ZlvlC6n0 pic.twitter.com/HWPsj8b7ul
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) January 5, 2023
It is strange to see Taylor Kornieck listed as a midfielder when she’s built like a striker with a height advantage over most teams. Still, the attack is as formidable as ever on paper. It’s a matter of how well they combine. If Lynn Williams can be her usual self, with Mallory Swanson on the other wing and Alex Morgan in the middle is still a tough ask for anyone on their best day.
New Zealand
The USWNT take on a New Zealand side that they’ve utterly dominated. Just one loss in 20 tries is a great record. The Americans smashed the Football Ferns 5-0 in the SheBelieves Cup last year, and that was with their star defender, Ali Riley. New Zealand has numerous young players who play collegiately in America, along with others scattered around Europe.
They are still growing but with Abby Erceg no longer around, Ali Riley does not have enough help, unfortunately. So while it’ll be great to see Riley out there, unless the USWNT comes out completely flat and have no energy, New Zealand won’t be able to stop the United States.
Last year, the 5-0 result featured the bizarre own-goal hat-trick from Meikalya Moore, and the Ferns only mustered one shot on goal. So this should be a great opportunity for the USWNT to gain some added confidence in playing together and figuring out what works and what doesn’t.
This matchup shouldn’t be close, and if it is, the panic among USWNT fans could reach a fever pitch. Still, be sure to enjoy. The Americans look solid in all areas, and anything less than a win wouldn’t be acceptable for the USWNT against New Zealand.
Featured image via @uswnt on Twitter
_
GIRLS SOCCER NETWORK: YOUR SOURCE FOR GIRLS SOCCER NEWS
Girls Soccer Network
Your source for girls soccer news
