The U.S. women’s national team ended its November schedule in comeback fashion as Vlatko Andonovski’s squad defeated Germany to end its three-match losing streak.
Sophia Smith and Mallory Pugh scored two minutes apart in the second half to propel the Americans past Germany 2-1 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. Veteran forward Alex Morgan made her 200th international appearance in the victory, while Alyssa Naeher made two saves to preserve the victory.
Germany took a first-half lead in the 18th minute through Jule Brand’s goal off a rebound. Sophia Kleinherne’s shot was blocked by the USWNT backline before Brand drilled a low shot past Naeher and into the bottom-right corner.
The Americans struggled for offensive chances during the first half, but were able to turn things around after halftime. Sophia Smith’s top-shelf finish in the 54th minute gave the USWNT a 1-1 scoreline before Mallory Pugh’s left-footed strike just two minutes later capped off a valiant comeback.
Pugh took advantage of a defensive error by Germany, picking up possession before hitting a low drive down the middle of the goal.
Morgan and Pugh were denied chances to extend the Americans’ advantage later in the half before Naeher caught Chantal Hagel’s long-range shot in the 79th minute.
The USWNT held on to gain some needed confidence following losses to England, Spain, and Germany over the past month. Up next is a lengthy break for the Americans before opening their January schedule with a pair of road friendlies against 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup joint hosts, New Zealand.
The team played like Vlatko’s job was at stake and by extension, theirs. The core have been downright untouchable with Vlatko rotating in and out a few flavors of the month to give the appearance of opportunity. There is nothing like a 4 game losing streak to upset that apple cart, the players new it and rose to the occasion. Hopefully, this continues.
the difference was Sullivan, best game ever for her in the uni, and it didn’t start that way. She was deferring to everyone, almost hiding out there like she has all year, like she was playing afraid to make a mistake instead of trying to make plays. After she got her nose smashed (Germany went very ugly after they scored their goal, played thug ball), her response was nothing short of awesome.
Player of the game was Sullivan, and if she plays like this, the USWNT is a different team. She dominated Germany’s thug ball MFs and shoved it straight in their faces
Tiki taka is not the reason why the women were losing at half time. They were losing because on poor positioning on defense, lack of ability to trap passes, poor first touch, not stopping the ball when Ger moved forward.
In the second half they played more aggressively, moved toward the ball instead waiting for the ball to arrive. Athleticism wasn’t the reason. With better play, the athleticism of certain players allowed for the goal scoring moments…..
They went back to what they do best in the second half. Hit long balls/passes over the top and allow there superior athleticism in attack do the work. Sometimes tiki taka soccer is overrated. Nothing wrong with some route one soccer.