A combination of long-term injuries and sudden setbacks has left U.S. Coach Vlatko Andonovski with no choice but to turn to a myriad of untested players at the World Cup.
It wasn’t a hard-and-fast tactic; Dunn still hugged the flank for most of the match. But considering she’s second in the NWSL with 2.34 chances created per game, the strategy could capitalize on Dunn’s creativity and give the Americans another option to pull the strings in midfield.
The wild card is Julie Ertz, the defensive midfielder who returned to the U.S. squad in April after a nearly two-year absence, during which she gave birth and battled injuries. An in-form Ertz is a game-changing presence in midfield with remarkable range and bite. But with Andi Sullivan coming into her own at the position in Ertz’s absence , could Ertz play center back instead?
Andonovski told reporters that the coaches were “exploring that option” after Ertz played every minute in central defense when the United States won the 2015 World Cup. If the Americans want more experience in the back and can’t count on Ertz to cover ground in midfield as she used to, deploying the 31-year-old at center back could be the ultimate ace up Andonovski’s sleeve.
Graphics and illustration by Artur Galocha with photos by The Washington Post’s Jonathan Newton, Paul Kuroda for The Washington Post and Getty Images’ Thearon W. Henderson.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Texas women's soccer coach shares insights ahead of Women's World CupUniversity of Texas soccer coach Angela Kelly knows a thing or two about playing in her sport's biggest tournament on the world stage.
Read more »
USA vs. Vietnam: How to watch the USWNT debut in the Women's World Cup 2023US soccer fans, it's almost time for the the US Women's National Team (USWNT) to make their debut at the 2023 Women's World Cup. Are you ready? After taking home the past two World Cup trophies, (2019 and 2015) the USWNT kicks off their 2023 World Cup run with a game against Vietnam tonight. Thankfully, despite some inevitably awkward game times for American viewers, USA vs. Vietnam is scheduled for a 9 p.m. ET, making Team USA's first game relatively easy on fans. Here's everything you need to know about where to watch the USWNT's first 2023 World Cup game: USA vs. Vietnam, plus the full Women's World Cup schedule, where to stream World Cup games and more.
Read more »
Kevin Maxen, Jaguars assistant strength coach, comes out as first openly gay male coach in NFLKevin Maxen, an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Jaguars, publicly came out as gay Thursday, making him the first known openly gay male coach in the league.
Read more »