The USWNT finishes up their set of friendlies with Russia today, having defeated their overmatched foes 4-0 on Thursday. The United States will be looking to smooth some rough edges, as the chances were there to get to six or seven goals. Moving away from the 352 after struggling with it in the SheBelieves Cup may have been a one-game experiment, or it may be a sign that JIll Ellis thinks a 4222 - which meant a spot up front for Carli Lloyd, rather than a midfield role - fits the roster better.
Key player: Rose Lavelle
Lavelle nutmegged roughly 20 people last week. I’m pretty sure she nutmegged me, and I was nowhere near Texas at the time. Russia’s not very good, so a performance like that doesn’t necessarily signal that she’s going to be a permanent starter, but she did outplay Mallory Pugh on the night. With the Boston Breakers likely building around Lavelle in their midfield, the opportunity is there for her to grow into a regular USWNT starter.
Location: BBVA Compass Stadium (Houston, TX)
Kickoff time: 2:00pm Eastern
USWNT starting 11:
USA lineup vs Russia. Kickoff at 1 p.m. at BBVA Compass Stadium. pic.twitter.com/iM0AdK5ajM
— Corey Roepken (@RipSports) April 9, 2017
Available TV: ESPN
Available streaming: WatchESPN
What do we have to say about it?: We were occupied with both local teams playing yesterday, but our friends at Stars and Stripes FC put together a preview.
What are you drinking?: 3 Stars Brewing’s Peppercorn Saison, which has become increasingly available out here in the Maryland ‘burbs.
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