Why the USWNT Needs Rose Lavelle in the Midfield
The USWNT’s start to the World Cup hasn’t been the start that anyone expected. Sure, they have gotten a win and a draw, but the U.S. has yet to secure a knockout round spot going into the third group stage match. They’re entering into a must-win match against Portugal on Tuesday to try and secure the top spot in the group. One player that has been super important to this team and will be a key piece if the USWNT moves onto the knockout stage is Rose Lavelle. The team looks better with Lavelle on the field, but she’s been on limited minutes because of an injury she suffered leading up to the tournament.
Presence on the Pitch
Rose Lavelle brings creativity to the midfield and attack that the USWNT is struggling without. She brings a calm energy to the ball and helps the team to keep possession. No other player on the team has the vision and control that Lavelle does.
As a whole, is missing her presence; they’ve struggled in the midfield in both group stage games so far. If they can’t secure the midfield, this team won’t make it to the finals.
History With the Team
Lavelle burst onto the national team in 2017 and has since gone on to make 90 appearances and is currently playing in her second World Cup. Since earning her first call-up, Lavelle has become an irreplaceable presence in the midfield.
During the 2019 Women’s World Cup, Lavelle was the hero in the final, scoring a goal against the Netherlands to help the USWNT win their second straight World Cup. For the USWNT, she scored 24 goals and tallied 21 assists.
When the USWNT faced the Netherlands in their second group stage match last week, they were dominated in the first half. They could not keep possession in the midfield and were just struggling to create chances or get any momentum. They went into the half down 1-0.
Lavelle was a second-half substitute, and she made an instant impact. While the team still struggled to score goals, they were able to control the play and create chances in large part due to Lavelle’s presence and play in the midfield. It was Lavelle’s cross that Horan headed into the back of the net to secure the draw against the Dutch.
LINDSEY HORAN SENDS THE ULTIMATE MESSAGE 🇺🇸
THE @USWNT HAS LEVELED IT 🤫 pic.twitter.com/IV7hnG4CyK
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 27, 2023
It’s good news for the USWNT that Lavelle could go for 45 minutes. If the USWNT wants to win their third straight Women’s World Cup, they’ll need Lavelle on the field for as long as possible.
Featured image via Getty Images
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