photo by USA Today Sports Images
By FRANCO PANIZO
It took the U.S. Women’s National Team more than 45 minutes to get going in its World Cup opener, but a constant threat throughout the match was Megan Rapinoe.
The U.S. got off to a winning start in the 2015 World Cup by defeating Australia, 3-1, and it was Rapinoe that played an integral part in grabbing the three points. Rapinoe scored the opening goal in the 12th minute of the Group D match at Winnipeg Stadium thanks to a kind deflection, but also fired a well-taken shot into the back of the net in the 78th to put the game out of reach.
The veteran midfielder’s goals combined with her sharp touches and hard work down the left flank earned Rapinoe the SBI USWNT Woman of the Match award. She edged out goalkeeper Hope Solo, who had several key saves in the first half; centerback Becky Sauerbrunn, who helped the U.S. deal with Australia’s constant pressure; and Christen Press, who scored the game-winner in the 61st minute.
What did you think of Rapinoe’s performance? Agree that she was the best American vs. Australia or was Solo more deserving?
Share your thoughts below.
Hard not to give her WOTM honors. But in my opinion she tends to hold the ball too long. Needs to get rid of it quicker. Liked the way the team played after Tobin Heath came in the game. Overall a good result in the first match against a quality opponent.
Honorable mention: Tobin Heath!
While those were nice saves by Solo, I hate the assumption that her backups are apparently sieves who couldn’t stop a beach ball.
WOTM Hope Solo.. Without her they are probably down 2 or 3 goals and lose the match.
Agreed Beto. I agree that although the “fire it up the left… every time” tactic worked in the end, there was no balance to the attack, and much of that was due to some lack of quality play for much of the game by Rap. Leroux was a similar a story,some positives some negatives.
I thought the fact that Julie Johnson was able to make adjustments to create better balance in the back after giving up a goal and meeting tackles more aggressively higher up the field created room to put continuous pressure on the ausies right defense. She my WOTM.
Success is a result, right now. #Ibelieve. #shebelieves
Rampone hit an equal amount of bad shotspasses as good ones but two goals! Solo had the best performance overall. Glad we started off vrs a quality team that pushed our defense early on.
… “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”…
you mean Rapinoe..not Rampone.