The U.S. Women’s National Team’s run through the SheBelieves Cup ended in a major disappointment.
After losing against England in the second match of the tournament, the U.S. lost to France, 3-0, on Tuesday at RFK Stadium in the final match of the SheBelieves Cup.
The USWNT went down early when Alyssa Naeher took down Eugenie Le Sommer with a slide tackle in the penalty area. Camille Abily converted the penalty, giving the French a 1-0 lead after just eight minutes.
France scored again just one minute later, as Tobin Heath’s misplaced pass near the French penalty area found Wendie Renard, who made a long pass to Le Sommer, who outran Allie Long to double France’s lead.
The visitors put the final nail in the coffin in the second half with a third goal in the 63rd minute. Eve Perisset found Abily alone in front of goal, who finished easily.
Coupled with Germany’s victory over England earlier in the day, Tuesday’s loss left the USWNT in last place of the four-team tournament. France finished as SheBelieves Cup champions.
Woman of the Match
Eugenie Le Sommer was crucial in France taking the early lead and establishing their dominance over the U.S. Making crucial runs in the final third, she wreaked havoc on a USWNT defense that was very sloppy, leading her team to an earned victory over the reigning world champions.
Moment of the Match
France’s second goal was the perfect characterization of the messy match the USWNT played, while also demonstrating the French team’s skill. Once Renard found Heath’s misplaced pass, she picked out the perfect long pass, finding Le Sommer, close to the U.S.’ penalty area. Le Sommer easily outran Long, and with Becky Sauerbrunn slipping in the box thanks to the rain-soaked pitch, she was able to finish simply.
Match to Forget
The defensive trio of Casey Short, Long, and Sauerbrunn were seemingly missed against England, but they, along with goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, were very disorganized against France. The French threatened to score all night, making the USWNT spend more time defending than attacking. It may perhaps be an off game for the defensive unit, but clearly, the new three-in-the-back formation still has some kinks to work out.