Defeat. That isn’t something the USWNT is used to hearing. They’ve been known as the best team in the world for many years, but should Coach Andonovski and his ability to prepare this team be questioned? For one, since the 2019 World Cup the USA have only played 3 games against top 6 opponents.
Why exactly did everything fall apart?
- Far too many players were having “bad” games to still be performing well as a team. Crystal Dunn was constantly getting beat on the left side and Abby Dahlkemper had many defensive mistakes as well. Likewise, Sam Mewis wasn’t contributing much on defense and all three forwards (Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath, and Christen Press) didn’t do much of anything on either side of the field. When they did get chances they had errant passes and bad shots.
- Then again, there was no sense of urgency with this team. No one seemed concerned that they were loosing even after giving up 3 goals. In fact, it was almost a game of pure shock for the USWNT as it didn’t seem to register what was happening to them.
- However, you have to give it to Sweden. They came in well conditioned with a good game plan and were able to break down our defense and team as a whole piece by piece until we had almost nothing left. Dunn looked exhausted as well as many players looked downright confused.
Did anything work well?
- Lavelle had a farely good game, controlling what little offensive power the USWNT had. The second half subs weren’t awful either as they gave more offensive power. Ertz, who’s health had previously been unknown, provided much needed defensive help. Lloyd and Rapinoe gave offensive help and set up Press in the 70th minute in which she missed a wide open goal. So the USA did have their chances, none of which they took advantage of.
- Keeper, Alyssa Naeher having not been tested in recent USWNT matches, proved she was a world class keeper after saving many 1v1 opportunities.
Scoring rundown:
SWEDEN – Stina Blackstenius (Sofia Jakobsson), 25th minute: Having been on the attack for the majority of the first 25 minutes, they finally broke onto the scoreboard in the 25th minute. Defender, Hanna Glas found Jakobsson on the run down the right side and she sent a nicely placed cross into the six-yard box. Finding the head of Blackstenius at the near post, she got a step on defender Abby Dahlkemper and was able to slide is past goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and into the back corner of the net. USA 0, SWE 1
SWEDEN – Stina Blackstenius, 54th minute: Off a Jonna Andersson corner, Amanda Ilestedt had a nice header which ricocheted off the woodwork. The rebound went to unmarked Blackstenius, who directed a half-volley into the top left corner of the net to double Sweden’s advantage. USA 0, SWE 2
SWEDEN – Lina Hurtig (Hanna Glas), 72nd minute: Sofia Jakobsson and Hanna Glas combined for a nice play on the right side with Jakobsson’s near perfect pass past Crystal Dunn to Glas. Just outside the penalty area, she sent a soaring cross in to an unmarked Hurtig just inside the six-yard box who put a neatly placed header in the back of the net.
USA 0, SWE 3
Game Notes:
- With the loss, the USWNT record against Sweden now stands at 23-7-12 and 1-1-1 at the Olympics.
- The loss ends the national team’s undefeated streak at 44 games and marks Andonovski’s first lost since being named USWNT head coach.
- This game marks the first time the USA has been held scoreless since playing Australia on July 27, 2017.
- Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, defenders Abby Dahlkemper and Tierna Davidson and midfielders Rose Lavelle, Kristie Mewis and Samantha Mewis made their Olympic debuts.
- Having earned her 17th Olympic cap, Lloyd surpasses Julie Foudy, Kate Markgraf, Kristine Lilly, Joy Fawcett and Hope Solo to move into 2nd place for all-time USWNT Olympic caps.
- The loss was the worst the national team has ever lost in Olympic play and worst defeat since loosing to Brazil 4-0 in the 2007 World Cup.
Feeling like they have much more to prove, this previously dominant US team will be back on the pitch Saturday July 23 at 7:30 ET against New Zealand.