usa-netherlands

Where were the subs?

Set aside questions about Vlatko Andonovski's selection of a starting eleven. In the particular cases of Rose Lavelle and Megan Rapinoe, there are still worries about their ability to play for 90 minutes (well, Rapinoe isn't expected to play 90, no matter what). And while it seems to some that Andonovski has people playing in uncomfortable positions, there have been injuries that he has to fill.

But at halftime, the U.S. was down to the Netherlands, 1-0. The Dutch were dominating possession, and although the Americans had a big advantage in shots taken, only 2 of their 9 were on target. No U.S. player, outside of Lindsey Horan, was having a good game.

So, as everyone expected, Rose Lavelle came on to start the second half. As usual, Lavelle was a bright spot. In the 62nd minute, Lavelle assisted on a goal by Horan to equalize.

There were tired players out there on both sides. Andries Jonker ended up making a total of 4 subs for the Netherlands, and they didn't have great games, but at least they had the proverbial fresh legs. Meanwhile, on the American side, Trinity Rodman's game got progressively worse, and it was hard not to believe it was because she was tired. The entire vaunted front line of Rodman, Alex Morgan, and Sophia Smith looked a bit under their best. But Andonovski made no further subs after bringing on Lavelle, who among other things offered a sense of what some fresh players might do to help the team.

And so, the match ended 1-1, a result that will likely send both teams into the knockout rounds. The U.S. is still atop the table. But the stalwarts of the American team are not getting much rest, so far, and that may work against them as the tournament gets into the later rounds.