USWNT: 3 things we learned from Send-Off Series
By Drew Hubbard
1. Depth throughout
Jill Ellis has one of the hardest jobs in the world, somehow choosing only 11 players to go on the field. The 23 player roster is loaded to the brim with talent. This was more than evident in the Send-Off series. Every match saw Ellis make lots of substitutions, as expected in international friendlies. But these subs made the most of their time by creating and finishing off multiple chances.
The depth of the USWNT was in full force from match one when Carli Lloyd came off the bench to score the third goal against South Africa. Even Sam Lewis, who at the time was starting, is expected to spend time on the bench for Lindsey Horan but was in top form the past three games.
Lloyd continued her dominance against New Zealand when she earned a brace in only thirty minutes on the field and Mewis again found the back of the net after coming on in place of Horan at half-time.
The match against Mexico did not see Mewis or Lloyd on the scoresheet, but substitutions still made an impact on the game. The final two goals against Mexico were scored by Mallory Pugh and Christen Press, who both were on the bench to start the match.
Defenders are having a hard enough time keeping up with the high flying attack of the USWNT consisting of Morgan, Heath, and Rapinoe only to have fresh talented legs come on to close the door against opponents.
Next. USWNT Vs South Africa: 3 things we learned. dark
To win a World Cup, teams have to have a solid bench from top to bottom. And the United States has that and more. Elite players are finding themselves on the bench to open up places for other elite players. And Ellis is making the most of her roster choices by putting in substitutes who are making an impact.