The U.S. women's national team tied 0-0 with Costa Rica on Tuesday at Audi Field, forcing questions of the group's offensive output in their final match before the Olympics begin next week.
Head coach Emma Hayes made just one change from theri 1-0 win over Mexico on Saturday, with Crystal Dunn coming in for Jenna Nighswonger. It meant Hayes entrusted the trio of Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman with major attacking responsibilities in their third start together. The group delivered some promising moments and so the team combined for 10 shots, six on target in the first half but looked a bit disjointed and less fluid doing so.
The intensity picked up in the second half but as the team racked up shots, they struggled to put the ball in the back of the net. Costa Rica goalkeeper Noelia Bermudez was crucial in keeping a clean sheet for her side by making 12 saves, but the U.S. lacked execution both in passes and shots in the final third. Even the 16 corners they earned were to no avail, with very few of those set pieces offering meaningful scoring chances.
The U.S. return to action on July 25, when they face Zambia in their opening game of the Olympics.
For a second game running, the USWNT lacked accuracy in the final third. It was not for a lack of trying with 26 shots and 12 on target, but even as they consistently carved out promising opportunities in front of goal, execution left something to be desired. The U.S. got into a frustrating habit in the second half in which one player would create a promising moment with a nice run, frequently passing to a teammate who was not able to put the shot on target. In some cases, players were misplacing passes that looked certain to result in a promising goalscoring opportunity for the intended teammate.
Some credit must go to Costa Rica goalkeeper Bermudez, who made 12 saves on Tuesday, but the performance also reflects some deeper-lying issues for the USWNT. They improved from Saturday's 1-0 win over Mexico, in which they put just six of their 17 shots on target, but clearly have yet to find fluidity in attack. The set pieces were not much of a strength, either, even if they have been one of the team's staples in the past and something Hayes wants to build upon.
It will be fascinating to follow Hayes as she tinkers with the attack, something she and her players admitted needed work post-match on Saturday. Hayes said that day that adapting is her favorite part of the job and after a few friendlies, new ideas might be in store 10 days from now in the south of France.
Rose Lavelle was originally named to the starting lineup but was scrapped shortly before kickoff after feeling tightness in her leg and Korbin Albert came on in her place. Though the team stressed that it was not a serious issue, the watch is now on to see if this lingers long enough to impact her minutes at the Olympics. The new rule change at the Games might come into play -- teams now have the option to temporarily replace a rostered player with an alternate on a game-by-game basis as long as they provide six hours' notice -- though it is still too early to speculate.
Lavelle's club and country teammate Nighswonger, meanwhile, sat out this game entirely as the coaching staff manages her minute load. That is less concerning than Lavelle -- if there's anything to be concerned about -- but it meant Hayes played Dunn as a left back, even though she was named as a forward to the roster. It was an example of why Dunn felt like a lock for the Olympics, with her versatility being crucial on an 18-player roster. Nighswonger is still likely the first choice in that position, both from a defensive and attacking standpoint.
The USWNT racked up 26 shots and put 12 on frame, but they fail to score for the first time in Emma Hayes' short tenure and end their Olympics preparations on a goalless note. The big question -- Is this a one-off or a sign of trouble that Hayes will need to correct sooner or later?
90'+6 Naomi Girma plays a nice ball to Lindsey Horan but she cannot get a quality shot in. It's been one of those days -- the USWNT have 12 chances on goal but not a single one has landed in the back of the net.
87' Mallory Swanson comes off for Croix Bethune, the impressive NWSL rookie who earned her first cap on Saturday. She might be counted on to break the deadlock and in her home stadium.
75' Jaedyn Shaw does well to outmaneuver Costa Rica's defense and plays a nice pass to Mallory Swanson, who takes a shot from close range but the ball goes out for a corner. It's the 11th corner of the game for the USWNT, though they have not been rich goalscoring opportunities today. The latest example sees the ball lands at Lindsey Horan's feet. She goes for goal but sends the ball well over the net.
67' Emily Sonnett, Casey Kruger, Jaedyn Shaw and Lynn Williams come on for Sam Coffey, Emily Fox, Korbin Albert and Sophia Smith. These seem like planned substitutes to some degree, but we'll see if this can help the USWNT from a goalscoring perspective since we are now in the longest goalless run in a game for Emma Hayes since started the job a month ago.
63' The USWNT is starting to become fairly wasteful in this second half, misplacing passes in the final third and also failing to put shots on frame. Korbin Albert recently saw Mallory Swanson in the box but sent the ball too far, while Sophia Smith's strike from close range looks like a perfect opportunity to score but it lands just wise of the net and out for a corner.
54' Sophia Smith makes a run down the right and plays a smart pass across the goal line, but Mallory Swanson is not close enough to get a touch on the ball that would almost certainly result in the USWNT's first goal of the game. The ball remains in play and one missed chance turns into what seems like the opening goal of the game, but the flag comes up to quash celebrations.
51' Trinity Rodman plays a nice pass to Mallory Swanson and she takes a shot from an angle that sees the ball across goal rather than land in the back of the net. It's possible frustration is starting to set in for the USWNT but they will have to work around that to get the game's opening goal.
50' The USWNT are picking up from where they left off in the first half with plenty of attacking intent. Sophia Smith has the most promising chance of the second half so far but a save means the ball goes out for a corner. Moments later, Lindsey Horan's hit from distance does the same.
No changes for either side to start the second half.
For a second game in a row, the USWNT are scoreless at the break. It isn't for a lack of trying -- they have coupled their 79% possession with 10 shots, six of which are on goal. Things seem slightly disjointed right now, so once again, it will be fascinating to see if Emma Hayes makes any adjustments for the second half.
44' Sophia Smith benefits from a stellar long pass from inside the USWNT's half and goes for goal, but instead of going for goal, she hesitates for a second and opts to make the pass, which allows Noelia Bermudez to bundle up the ball.
39' Lindsey Horan makes another deep run into the box and has free space to do so, getting her head on another ball in the process. This time it does not land on frame but just moments later, the USWNT get close twice. The first sees Trinity Rodman combine well Sophia Smith, who takes a shot before Mallory Swanson tries to score off a rebound, while Smith goes for goal on the second try. It's a nice little spell for the U.S., who look as dangerous as it gets right now.
37' There's a skillful chip played into the box, and the ball seems destined for the far post, where Lindsey Horan is waiting. The USWNT captain gets a head on it but Noelia Bermudez is able to make the stop. It's arguably the U.S.' best chance of the night so far and is immediately followed up with a shot from Costa Rica's Emilie Valenciano, but she is not able to cause much trouble.
24' The USWNT earn a corner and play it short but in the midst of the play, Trinity Rodman collides with Costa Rica goalkeeper Noelia Bermudez. Medical staff rush to treat both of them, forcing a stoppage in play. Rodman makes her way up and is walking around after about three minutes and Bermudez comes up shortly thereafter, allowing play to resume.
17' Priscila Chinchilla fouls Trinity Rodman, which causes tempers to flare a little bit and then ends when the referee shows Chinchilla the first yellow card of the game.
12' Trinity Rodman has the ball on the right-hand side and hugs the touchline, impressively making her way down the flank. She also outmaneuvers Costa Rica's defense while taking a sharp left turn but can't find the final pass and so the ball makes its way out for a corner, which Costa Rica handle fairly easily.
If you were looking for a break from unsightly pitches after the Copa America, you will not get one tonight. The teams have yet to complain about it but the Audi Field playing surface looks chopped up today, and in some cases, pieced together haphazardly. Here's a look at the penalty area.
5' Unsurprisingly, the USWNT is off to an attack-minded start with Sophia Smith notching the first meaningful opportunity of the game. Crystal Dunn makes a run down the left flank and passes it to Smith, who takes a shot from close range and forces a save out of 'keeper Noelia Bermudez.
The USWNT have the ball in the center circle and kick things off, officially marking the start of their final game before the Olympics.
Per the broadcast, Rose Lavelle was removed from the lineup because of tightness in her leg. It's nothing to be concerned about from a long-term perspective, but Korbin Albert will start in her place instead.
Head coach Emma Hayes has just three games games under her belt as the USWNT coach and while she prepares for a strong performance at the Olympics, Hayes has been clear about building for the future. She continues to emphasize that she will layer in her lessons for the team rather than dropping all of her tactical plans all at once, and the players have received her approach warmly.
Here's Trinity Rodman, who starts today in front of a hometown crowd, on the early days of Hayes' tenure.
A year ago at the Women's World Cup, the USWNT went on a 200-plus minute scoreless streak that was a main feature of their disappointing run. Improving the attacking effort has been amongst the priorities in the year since as the team looks to turn a new page, with head coach Emma Hayes landing on a preferred front three of Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson and Trinity Rodman.
The trio will only start together for the third time today but there's plenty of promise with this front line. Smith admitted post-match against Mexico that there's room for improvement but they are on the right track.
NWSL stalwart Raquel Rodriguez captains her national team as they aim to give the USWNT a big challenge before the hosts fly to France. Here's a look at their lineup.
Costa Rica starting XI: Bermudez, Guillen, Coto, M. Herrera, Salas, G. Villalobos, R. Rodriguez, Elizondo, Valenciano, Chinchilla, F. Villalobos
Substitutes: Solera, Benavides, Arias, González, P. Rodriguez, Morales, Mesen, A. Herrera, Pinell, Fonseca, Aguero
Head coach Emma Hayes makes one change from the team that started on Saturday, swapping in Crystal Dunn for Jenna Nighswonger. It looks like Dunn, who was listed as a forward -- much to the excitement of many USWNT fans -- is back at left back, the position she's played much of her national team career in. Per the broadcast, Nighswonger sits this one out with for load management.
Here's a look at the USWNT lineup.
USWNT starting XI: Naeher, Fox, Girma, Davidson, Dunn, Coffey, Horan, Lavelle, Smith, Swanson, Rodman
Substitutes: Murphy, Campbell, Albert, Krueger, Williams, Sonnett, Shaw, Hershfelt, Bethune, Sams
There's an excessive heat warning in place in Washington, D.C. this evening, the same day the nation's capital hit a record high of 104°F and the third day in a row it exceeded 100°F. It is far from an ideal scenario for anyone who will be at Audi Field today but head coach Emma Hayes is taking it as important preparation for the Olympics. The USWNT's group stage games will take place in the south of France, including two games in Marseille, where the highs are expected to near 90°F during the team's stay.
Here's what Hayes had to say pre-game about the climate, especially as she hopes to see the team improve in the final third today despite the conditions.
The USWNT have one last friendly before the Olympics begin in 10 days, and so today's clash with Costa Rica offers a chance to answer many questions, such as: Has head coach Emma Hayes landed on a starting lineup for the Games -- and will we see it today? Will the USWNT's attack get into a groove before they head to France? How much growth with the USWNT undergo in their first extended camp with Hayes at the helm It all builds up to the big question for the next couple of weeks: How far can this team go at the Olympics -- and how many improvements do they need to make after the tournament, when Hayes' work truly begins?
Stick around for team news and other pre-game coverage, as well as updates once the game begins.
