Sun. Nov 24th, 2024
USWNT vs Portugal
Photo Credit: John Babiak

AUCKLAND – The United States Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) is primed to play with Portugal tomorrow here in Auckland. Today they will complete their final training session in Waitekere Stadium.

Should the U.S. finish in first place of their group (Group E), they will play the second place finisher in Group G.

In the event that the turf is pulled out from under them, and the strong Dutch usurp them in the table, the Lady Yanks will play the first place winner of Group G, Sweden.

At this point the tournament the former is preferable, as one obvious factor impact the team’s  success is that they have not had a significant amount of time to coalesce. Each and every training session and competitive match brings serious value to the mix of young and veteran players.

Following his team’s nail biting come from behind 1-1 draw with the Netherlands, he said, “This team has not had time together. I mean, the first time we see this team together is in game one and now we saw them again in game two. So in game three, we expect it to grow from there.” He added, “As hopefully we move forward, we’re going to see better and better.”

Coloradan’s Sophia Smith and Lindsey Horan lead the USA with two goals each.  

With a goal against Portugal, Horan would become the first player in USWNT history to score a goal in all three group stage matches in a FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Smith, Alex Morgan and Rose Lavelle have tallied assists so far in this tournament that has produced and underwhelming number of goals.

Sophia Smith
Sofia Smith during the playing of the United States National Anthem before match with the Netherlands. Photo Credit: John Babiak

Perhaps that will not be much of an issue in a matter of a day. The U.S. has won all 10 previous meetings and has outscored the Portuguese 39-0 overall in the series.

U.S. Women’s National Team Roster by Position (Club; Caps/Goals):

GOALKEEPERS (3): Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit; 1), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage; 14), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars; 93)

DEFENDERS (7): Alana Cook (OL Reign; 25/1), Emily Fox (North Carolina Courage; 31/1), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns FC; 134/24), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC; 18/0), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign; 31/0), Kelley O’Hara (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 158/3), Emily Sonnett (OL Reign; 75/1)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville FC; 3/0), Julie Ertz (Angel City FC; 120/20), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon, FRA; 131/29), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign; 90/24), Kristie Mewis (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 51/7), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit; 25/3), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit; 47/3)

FORWARDS (6): Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC; 209/121), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign; 200/63), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit; 20/4), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC; 32/14), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC; 5/0), Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 53/15)

Team USA has returned to play Eden Park in Auckland. Kick-off at 7 p.m. local / 1 a.m. MT on FOX, Telemundo and Peacock. 

Concurrent the Netherlands will face Vietnam at the same time in Dunedin on New Zealand’s South Island.

Photo Credit: John Babiak.

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