USWNT: 3 things we learned from Send-Off Series

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US forward Megan Rapinoe (R) celebrates after scoring a goal against Australia during the women’s international friendly football match betwenn the United States and Australia at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado on April 4, 2019. (Photo by Jason Connolly / AFP) (Photo credit should read JASON CONNOLLY/AFP/Getty Images) /

2. Takes time to find the net

Heading up the attack is the deadly trio of Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath, and Megan Rapinoe. But even with those three elite players, it has taken time for the champions to get the ball in the net throughout the Send-Off series.

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Against South Africa, the United States were held scoreless until the 37th minute, and against New Zealand, the first goal came at the 35th minute. Against Mexico, the elusive first goal came after 11 minutes, but only thanks to miscommunication at the back to hand Tobin Heath the goal.

Two of the three matches saw the Americans head into the half only up by one goal and having a two-goal advantage against New Zealand. But as time went on, they reminded us how good their attack really is. Jill Ellis’ side exploded late in the match against South Africa to get two goals in the last 15 minutes. And similarly against New Zealand, they scored two goals in three minutes to put the final nails in the coffin. Mexico was no different either, with Mallory Pugh and Christen Press scoring in the final 15 minutes to pull away late.

This trend can be attributed to teams playing in a low block style defense, holding off the attack for as long as possible and eventually wearing down in the final stages. South Africa gave us the perfect picture of executing this strategy perfectly and Ellis can expect to see a lot of this in the summer. The USWNT will have to rely on the creative play of players like Rose Lavelle to break down the bunker and find the net if they have any hopes of repeating as champions.

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