Top Stories

Newcomers shine as USWNT dominates Switzerland in first of two friendlies

Photo by Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Photo by Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

While a U.S. Women’s National Team victory comes as no surprise, the manner in which they defeated Switzerland was very impressive.

In the first of two friendlies against the Switzerland Women’s Team, the USWNT coasted to a dominant 4-0 victory with a four goal second half eruption. All four goals came from four different scorers, as the team’s experimental 3-5-2 setup proved wildly successful, with usual midfielder Allie Long playing in defense for the first time in her international career.

Adding to the sense of experimentation from coach Jill Ellis were the debuts of five players earning their first ever caps for the USWNT. Andi Sullivan and Casey Short both started their first matches while making their debuts and Lynn Williams, Abby Dahlkemper, and Ashley Hatch joined them, making their debuts as subs in the second half.

Williams in particular had a night to remember. The Western New York Flash forward, fresh off her team’s NWSL championship, subbed in at halftime for Lindsey Horan and wasted absolutely no time, scoring the eventual game-winner just 49 seconds into her USWNT debut.

Tobin Heath, Christen Press, and Samantha Mewis added the three remaining goals to seal the 4-0 rout, with Mewis’ goal coming just moments into her night as she headed in a Press cross on her first touch of the night.

In the wake of the Hope Solo’s departure from the National Team, Alyssa Naeher continues to impress in her stead. Making her fourth start and fifth appearance this year, Naeher earned her sixth shutout in her ninth career cap.

The USWNT will have a chance to build on their success in their next match against Switzerland, this Sunday (October 23rd) at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN.

Comments

  1. Lynn Williams was just what the doctor ordered for a USWNT which seems to have a hard time
    getting going. But this was no surprise for those following her League leading stats in the NWSL as well as her last second tying goal in the NWSL Championship Match which threw the match into a shoot-out which her WNY Team won. Also, I continue to be impressed with Samantha Mewis who I believe will become the next Michelle Akers. Sam can do it all and as her confidence builds she
    will become a dominating force in mid-field. I was also NOT impressed with Ally Long on defense. The thought of her being on the back line would give me nightmares if I were her coach. She is a
    give-away artist who will always be a liability against any of the world’s top 10 teams.

    Reply

Leave a Comment