It’s a World Cup year, and the U.S. Women are kicking it off with friendly matches on the road against France and Spain. The first opponent is the host of the 2019 World Cup, France. After a Eugenie Le Sommer first half goal was enough to draw the U.S. 1-1 in March of last year, France ran off seven consecutive wins, six of which were shutouts, against some high quality opposition like Germany, Canada, Australia, and Brazil. While the French roster boasts some young and internationally inexperienced players like goalkeeper Solene Durand, and defenders Julie Debever and Charlotte Lorgere, there are still many of the players you’re used to seeing, such as goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi, midfielder Amandine Henry, and the aforementioned Le Sommer.
Location: Stade Oceane (Le Havre, France), which incidentally is also the site for the Americans’ third World Cup group stage match, against Sweden.
Kickoff Time: 2:30pm Eastern
Projected USWNT Starting 11: (433) - Alyssa Naeher; Kelley O’Hara, Abby Dahlkemper, Becky Sauerbrunn, Crystal Dunn; Julie Ertz, Samantha Mewis, Lindsey Horan; Mallory Pugh, Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath
Bench: Jane Campbell, Adrianna Franch, Ashlyn Harris, Tierna Davidson, Emily Fox, Casey Short, Emily Sonnett, Morgan Brian, Danielle Colaprico, Rose Lavelle, Andi Sullivan, McCall Zerboni, Carli Lloyd, Jessica McDonald, Christen Press, Megan Rapinoe
I expect the same old same old from Jill Ellis, which is limited minutes for inexperienced internationals. I’ve stopped trying to understand it. It would be nice to see extended time for players like midfielder Danielle Colaprico, goalkeeper Adrianna Franch, and forward Jessica McDonald, all of whom were called into camp, to play against one of the best teams in the world, and to see if they might belong on the World Cup roster. I doubt we see that happen.
Ellis will cut this roster down by a few players, but no announcement has been made yet. Don’t expect to see 16 players available off the bench today.
Available TV: Fox Sports 1, Univision Deportes
Available streaming: Fox Sports Go, Fox Soccer Match Pass, Univision Deportes En Vivo
What do our friends have to say about it?: Stars and Stripes FC has more on this one, including a note that a big crowd is expected tonight.
What are you drinking?: It’ll be 8:30pm in Brussels, so probably a fantastic Belgian beer.