The U.S. women’s national team had a tougher time in Sunday’s second SheBelieves Cup match against Japan, but its leading goalscorer delivered once again to lead the Americans to their fourth-consecutive win to start 2023.
Mallory Swanson’s first-half goal was all the USWNT needed at GEODIS Park in Nashville to claim a 1-0 victory. Casey Murphy made two saves down the stretch to preserve the home win and keep the Americans riding high on confidence.
Both teams were strong defensively in the first half, limiting the offensive chances to only one total through the opening 45 minutes. The USWNT used a fast break opportunity to take the lead through as Swanson’s sublime just before halftime.
Alex Morgan’s pass was finished off by Swanson in the center of the Japan box, propelling the Americans in front 1-0. It was Swanson’s sixth goal in four appearances in 2023.
Japan continued to fight for a tying goal but was unable to break down the USWNT’s stubborn backline. Yui Hasegawa’s close range shot was gathered by Murphy in the 81st minute while Trinity Rodman came close to giving the USWNT its insurance goal.
Murphy’s most important and final save came in the 92nd minute as she dove to her right to repel Jun Endo’s low shot. The USWNT would hang on and claim a fourth shutout of the new year.
Andonovski’s squad will close their SheBelieves Cup schedule on Wednesday against Brazil.
Not a very good game despite the win. I see a real lack of athletic CM’s in this team besides Rose Lavelle. And outside back at both positions is a concern.
Dunn is the answer to the outside back position; she is still the most important player imo. she did not play yesterday. Fox is better and better imo, but the dropoff after that is real. Huerta is good but get exposed on D by the quick shifty wingers and always needs help, like yesterday. Japan relentlessly attacked Huerta and Sonnett’s side of the field while Fox held her own and they went elsewhere.
re. the midfield, depending on who is playing I agree. at one point down the stretch in the 2nd half, the midfield was Mewis, Korniek and Sullivan, not a lot of creators and Japan dominated. Sanchez is just too slow; good player off the bench but faded noticeably as the game wore on, both games, not a good defender. I like her but just don’t know if she has the athleticism to defend the way Vlatko asks. Mewis was ok at the 6 but Sullivan, who has been playing her best in the uni over the past few games, since the Germany game, impacts way more, just look at the Canada game.
how about that save from Murphy? Swanson finish was exceptional, and the ball from Morgan to unlock the d