USWNT: 3 things we learned from Send-Off Series

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COMMERCE CITY, CO – APRIL 04: United states forward Alex Morgan (13) celebrates scoring her 100th goal with United states forward Megan Rapinoe (15) and teammates in game action during an International friendly match between the United states and Australia on April 4, 2019, at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The USWNT built up to their title defense in this summer’s World Cup with the recent Send-Off Series. Here are three things we learned from the warm-up matches.

The defending World Cup champions closed out their 2019 Send-Off Series by defeating CONCACAF opponent Mexico 3-0 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey on Sunday. It only took ten minutes for the United States Women’s National Team to get on the scoreboard when Tobin Heath was gifted with an opportunity by miscommunication between the Mexican defense. She made no mistake.

The lone goal would be all for the first half, in part due to some incredible saves by goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago to keep the Americans out. But like in games past, Jill Ellis used her substitutes to her advantage. Carli Lloyd set up Mallory Pugh perfectly to double the lead and Christen Press sent the crowd home happy with an 88th-minute goal to end the match 3-0.

Jill Ellis and company ended the Send-Off Series with three wins against South Africa, New Zealand, and Mexico. And while we still are left with questions heading into the World Cup, there has been plenty learned throughout the matches.

Related Story. USWNT Vs New Zealand: 3 things we learned. light

Here are three takeaways from the series.

COMMERCE CITY, CO – APRIL 04: United states defender Abby Dahlkemper (7) looks on prior to game action during an International friendly match between the United states and Australia on April 4, 2019, at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Still working out the defense

The biggest question about the USWNT heading into the World Cup is the defense. World-class teams like England and Japan were able to slip by the back four and create chances in this year’s SheBelieves Cup against the USWNT. That is a worrying sign.

The center-back pairing seems to be in order, with Abby Dahlkemper and Becky Sauerbrunn staring all three matches. On the flanks, Kelly O’ Hara and Crystal Dunn also were in all three starting lineups. But as the matches progressed, fans saw numerous changes to the personnel.

Against South Africa, Ellis brought in defender Tierna Davidson and midfielder Allie Long to replace Dahlkemper and O’Hara, which forced Julie Ertz to leave the midfield and join the backline, as she did also against Mexico in the final match. The match against New Zealand consisted of the expected back line without many changes, but against Mexico, Ellis again raised a few eyebrows with her substitutions.

Since the announcement of the 23 player roster for the World Cup, perhaps the biggest question has been the decision of starting Crystal Dunn in the left-back role. Dunn’s ability to get up and down the pitch is sensational, but her defensive security remains in question. That hasn’t stopped Ellis from starting Dunn.

However, Mexico she made an even more bold decision. For the first and only time this series, Tobin Heath was slotted at left back. No, that’s not a typo. The player who is known for her attacking prowess and her ability to make defenders look silly on the right was now on the exact opposite role of that equation.

Ellis’ defense remained strong, but how such an attacking line-up will stand against teams like England and France in later stages of the tournament remains to be seen.

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