The USWNT continued their preparation for the Women’s World Cup this summer with a 5-0 win against New Zealand. Here are three things we learned from the five-goal thumping.
The United States Women’s National Team continued their preparation for this summer’s World Cup by taking down competing World Cup side New Zealand, 5-0. The victory followed a 3-0 win over South Africa less than a week ago.
Similar to the last outing, it took the champions some time to find the back of the net. It was not until Tobin Heath tapped in a perfect cross from Megan Rapinoe in the 35th minute that the deadlock was broken. But once the first goal came, it was all United States.
Five minutes later Rose Lavelle got on the end of a cross via Lindsey Horan to double the lead at 2-0. Substitute Carli Lloyd then scored twice in the second half to make it 4-0, before Sam Mewis continued the goal scoring when she fired home a long-range effort in the 85th minute.
And with the victory preparing the UWSNT for the World Cup, here are three takeaways from the win.
3. First-choice starting XI and terrific depth
The last match against South Africa saw Sam Mewis and Christian Press in the starting line-up with injuries to Megan Rapinoe and Lindsey Horan keeping them off the field to start. But with both players fit, fans saw the assumed first-choice starting line-up against New Zealand.
Rapinoe took her normal spot on the left wing with Alex Morgan and Tobin Heath making up the rest of the deadly front three. While Lindsey Horan also lined up on the left behind Rapinoe in the midfield.
While no one is 100% certain of what line-up Jill Ellis is going to send out in France, it is assumed that what fans saw against New Zealand is who is going to take the field this summer. And if there is a good time for players to get healthy, it’s right now.
The send-off series for the Women’s National Team has so far included two teams that will also travel to France for the World Cup. And with New Zealand, the USWNT faced off against a side filled with talent, currently ranked 19 in the FIFA world rankings.
With the talent and depth at Jill Ellis’ disposal, it is expected of the champions to make a deep run in the tournament. And facing good competition with a healthy line-up is perhaps the best way to prepare the squad for the journey ahead.