The USWNT captured their 10th Algarve title with a 2-0 victory over France in the final match of the tournament. Julie Johnston and Christen Press were the goal scorers in a contest that looked vasty different from the teams’ prior meeting where France was victorious by the same scoreline.
After resting several of the regulars against Iceland, Jill Ellis opted for a lineup similar to that of earlier tournament matches with the addition of Amy Rodriguez in the starting XI. France’s lineup, however, was a bit curious with the omission of Wendie Renard and Elodie Thomis; both having caused trouble for the US in the match up in February.
From the first whistle the US looked much more composed and in sync especially on the defensive side of the field. The back four did well to clear out any potential danger and notably, Lauren Holiday and Morgan Brian did well challenging France in the midfield and providing coverage in gaps that France had exploited repeatedly last month.
The back line would play a role on the attacking side of things as Julie Johnston scored her first international goal in the 7th minute of play. Johnston sent a long ball down the flank which was headed out by a France defender. The US were awarded a free kick after Christen Press was fouled on the opposite flank after the throw in. Lauren Holiday sent a beautiful ball to a wide open Johnston who flicked it in to give the US a 1-0 lead.
France had a couple of solid attempts around the middle of the first half as Camille Abily was left wide open outside the box and fired a rocket which was easily saved by Hope Solo. Sever minutes later Abiliy tried to find Eugenie Le Sommer behind the defense, but the play was called offside.
The US doubled their lead in the 41st minute on a stellar play by Christen Press.Amy Rodriguez shielded a goal kick at midfield that Press was able to pick up, turn on the jets and breeze through at least four France defenders before slotting it in to give the US a 2-0 lead going into the half.
France had perhaps their best chance in the second half when they were awarded a penalty in the 80th minute. Marie-Laure Delie received a solid through ball in the box and went down after being grabbed by Meghan Klingenberg. Sabrina Dellanoy stepped up to take it from the spot but Solo guessed correctly and was able to dive and push the ball out of harms way to preserve the shutout.
After the match against Iceland which received much criticism both for lineup and style of play, Ellis and the USWNT were able to make the necessary changes and play one of their more solid matches of the tournament.
One of the biggest areas of improvement came from the midfield. While the back line was also much improved and solid, the midfield really helped facilitate play on both sides of the ball. Holiday and Brian worked cohesively to shut down the France offense while Lloyd and Press pinched in to fill in the gaps. On the other side of the ball, Press and Lloyd improved on an aspect that had been lacking on the US attack; width. Though they still occasionally drifted centrally, for the most part, they did well to keep wide and provide options for the outside backs coming down the flanks. While it is yet to be seen if a central player like Lloyd really belongs on the outside, it worked in this instance.
Another takeaway from this match is the growth and importance of Christen Press and Julie Johnston to this team. Whether part of, or playing behind the front line, Press has made an impact throughout the tournament; scoring goals and moving the ball around. Johnston has showed tremendous growth and maturity throughout the tournament finally getting the playing time many feel she had earned. It seemed only fitting for her to score her first international goal in this match as she exhibited great skill both on defense and moving the ball up the field.
Next up for the USWNT, they begin a four game send off series before heading to Canada for the 2015 WWC. Their first match is against New Zealand on April 4, 2015 at 2:30 CT from Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MO.
