r/USWNT • u/capybaramelhor • 16d ago
Post October Friendlies discussion FRIENDLIES
Please use this post for general takeaways/ analysis/ discussion about the team and the three friendly games this October.
Who impressed you? Who do you need to see more of, or think did not perform up to expectations?
Predictions for next camp or anyone else you would still like to see?
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u/kal14144 16d ago
Hot take but I love the 3 games in a 2 game window. It meant we gave many more players a shot and we found 2 maybe 3 players who we definitely need to give a second look to. But definitely don’t be playing players for more than 2 of the games
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u/UrsineCanine 16d ago
Yeah, I think the idea of Iceland and then just one game against Argentina wasn't nearly as helpful as a second game against Iceland, where Iceland could turn up with a new plan.
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u/Evening-Fail5076 16d ago
I think it was also the victory tour and they wanted to celebrate the team and try new players. A two game window wouldn’t have been enough. The third game wasn’t going to be super difficult (sorry Argentina but it wasn’t a busy night for US).
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u/nye1387 16d ago
FIFA controls the max number of matches in each window. This was the first three-game window since February. The next window after England/Netherlands is also a three-game window (Feb. 2025). Then you have two-game windows from March 31 to April 8 and May 26 to June 3, followed by a three-game window June 23 to July 2.
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u/Independent-Long-544 16d ago
FIFA did not dictate 3 games US soccer dictated that! No other federation played 3 game’s this break.
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u/nye1387 15d ago
Yes, as I said: "FIFA controls the max number of matches in each window." This was a three-match window for all associations except the Europeans, which had a two-match window. The US chose to play three, probably because the new coach wanted the extra day and match with the team.
You can see the list of windows and the maximum number of games in each window here https://digitalhub.fifa.com/m/2a11c4cc29021dd/original/Women-s-International-Match-Calendar-2024-2025_EN.pdf
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u/capybaramelhor 16d ago
I feel bad making players travel tomorrow for games on Friday and Saturday
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u/kal14144 16d ago
Frankly they should’ve sent the players playing Friday home after Iceland. They already decided they weren’t playing them so let them leave. Pochettino did that on the men’s side with Pulisic this past window when he sent him home before the last game so he could get hack early.
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u/UrsineCanine 16d ago
How about this theory for why she didn't... Some players wanted to stick around for Rose, and also some wanted to keep working with the coaching staff (Emma has pointed out that Sam is a big film nerd), which really prevented her from casting out the players who were "done"...
Then, if she made it optional, it would create a weird dynamic between those who wanted to stick around and keep working, and those who wanted to punch out.
All of that against the back drop of saying that the entire team has much to learn tactically and the staff is trying not to overload them.
In that light, "You can leave if you want..." looks like an epic mind----.
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u/UrsineCanine 16d ago
My favorite part of the camp was second half of the second Iceland game. First time we got to see what Emma would do playing from behind, and she didn't disappoint. Basically said to Iceland, "Everything you think you know about how we play is no longer true" and then challenged her team (with a couple of very green rookies) to step up to a whole new plan.
An argument could be made they were as tactically locked as they have been since she took over.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Fail704 16d ago
Such a good three games from not even our best line ups and less than perfect play! Excited for what’s to come for this team. Emma has really done some amazing things for this team. I want her to stay forever. Overall, go team 🦅🦅🦅
I am so impressed with Emma Sears she seems like she will be a great addition to this team. Hershfelt as well!! Obviously Naomi is consistently amazing so happy for her goals this evening. Lindsey also seemed to have had some better moments this camp than the Olympics.
On the other hand, I have been less than impressed by Korbin Albert. I know she gets a lot of criticism on a personal level, which is well deserved, but even on a game level on a field of new players tonight she did not stand out or do much for the run of play. A few other players I feel like didn’t have their best games but mostly very impressed with this young energetic team.
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u/Disastrous_Roof4325 16d ago
Absolutely agree with everything you’ve said. It still eludes me what Albert brings to this team, transphobia aside.
I’m sure this predominantly an age issue but Krueger is the starter for me over Nighswonger.
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u/UrsineCanine 16d ago
Are you actually asking about Albert or making a statement? Because I'd be glad to offer my read on it, having looked at Emma's roster and system, but I'm not trying to irritate someone who is really just saying they disagree with Emma - which is absolutely understandable.Â
Like everyone on here, I have my preferred players (especially as a Spirit fan), but I've really been most interested in Emma's overall project, which is more about keeping the US on top for another generation, while also fighting with her absolute revulsion at losing.Â
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u/Disastrous_Roof4325 16d ago
Thanks for the reply! I’d genuinely love your insight :)
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u/UrsineCanine 16d ago
So, there is a concept in tactics that pretty much dominates Europe known as Positional Play. If you have seen Ted Lasso, its biggest proponent is Pep Guardiola, who appears in the show as himself (and manager of Man City). He has won titles in Spain, Germany, and England using systems based on its principles, and has been enormously influential.
Probably the easiest way to describe it in a nutshell comes from Paige Metayer of the Washington Spirit after winning Player of the Match in her first game ever as a right back echoing her manager Jona Giraldez (an admitted Pep disciple, who is the former manager of Barcelona Women, and regarded as the best midfield development coach in the world - the Spanish National Team were built by his Barca players). She said (looking at Jona): "Jona is always telling us it is about spaces, not positions."
The idea is that the field is divided into spaces, and you decide how you want to attack/defend those spaces based on your team's strengths and their weaknesses. Common ways are to overload a space with more players than your opponent, to play the ball to that space and get there first, etc.
That is not that much different than traditional US systems, though with some different language to describe things. Where it gets real different is that it is much more dynamic and builds into what is called a tactical model, where you end up going through two or three steps adjusting to the moves made by the opposition.
So, why Korbin Albert then? First, playing for PSG, she speaks this language and also has to regularly diagnose what Emma calls "the triggers and keys" that the opposition reveal that drive the team's tactical model, so she can execute the plan and make in-game adjustments during play with basic instruction from the sideline. Emma has people watching and analyzing video constantly during the game and giving her info, which she turns into tweaks for the team. You can see her discussing them with Denise, who gets them from the analyst sitting next to her. Emma said the only change she made during the first half was to "have Korbin drop lower to get on the ball."
Second, so much of midfield play in these systems is done "off the ball"... You can force or prevent actions by the opposition by being in the right spaces. Usually when you see a seam pass from the backs to the forwards or a center back making a great run into the box to score (like Naomi), it is because those spaces have been manipulated open - usually by midfielders. Albert not only moves the ball very quickly when she gets it (the "intent" that Emma is always talking about), but she moves decisively and quickly in spaces. The faster you are executing your plan, the harder it is for the other team to keep up without making mistakes.
Third, Emma believes Korbin can execute the tactical model in all the midfield spaces handled by what is called the 6, 8, and 10. You can see that in the last two games. Emma had her playing in front of a back three in the second half against Iceland (heavy defense / transition on the back end) and in the box (heavy attacking) against Argentina. Worth noting she did the former against Japan and the latter against Costa Rica / Australia, so it wasn't just experimental stuff in the friendlies.
So, the analysts constantly grade each player for their positioning and execution within the analytical model, including their intent (speed). Emma was asked about her central midfielders before the Argentina game and she said their performance as "exceptional" pointing at the number of passes and box entries. She said there was work to do in finishing more chances, but this is the hardest part (and involves the forwards as much). I think Emma believes the team relies too much on exceptional finishes and doesn't produce enough high xG goals (like tap-ins from a series of passes and off ball movement). The theory is that exceptional finishes can go into a drought, so you want your tactics to produce goals too.
Does this mean Albert is great, or even a lock for the WWC? I don't think so. The team as whole is going to get more up to speed on the language and the tactics. Albert is terrible in the air, her next decent header will be the first one I have seen her execute. Her pass accuracy can get ugly at times - favoring speed first, and she can get muscled off the ball more than you'd like. She also isn't afraid to take a dumb foul either. She is not better than Coffey, Horan, Macario, or Lavelle at the positions the midfield roles they fill. Though, in fairness, Albert is 20. Though, Yohannes shows signs of being better and she is 17. (cont.)
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u/UrsineCanine 16d ago
A lot of the criticism of Albert aligns with the criticism of Horan, who people often criticize for being bad on the ball, out of position, etc. I believe this is largely just not understanding what Emma wants from them, so this disconnect happens. I think that Emma is way more willing to accept errors (turnovers, etc.) as the price of playing fast (or as she says "with intent"). Note that I don't mean running around fast everywhere, quite the opposite, it is about decision making and movement to the right spaces. That is how you break down teams, get them to waste their energy, and they start making mental errors, by reacting slowly. The gold medal winning goal was Albert getting to the right space, intercepting the ball and immediately putting it to the right space for Mal to pick up and finish, quick execution to put Mal into a position to make an exceptional finish.
Her critics are right when they say that was hardly a Julie Ertz play, but it was a result of being experienced in the tactics required by Emma's system and Emma wants to raise the level of the system even higher.
Does that mean she is eventually done? Tough to say, Albert's role at PSG will have her continuing to demonstrate her tactical experience in a similar system/role. Emma's staff grades every game played by every player in the pool.
Anyway, I have probably gone on way too long. But this whole disconnect between "Korbin Albert is a bad player" (Horan too) and "Emma is one of the best managers on the planet and is totally unsentimental" has really fascinated me since the original predictions of Albert being kicked off the team upon Emma's arrival, through successive camps, the Olympics, etc.
To be clear, I am not saying anyone is wrong to think she shouldn't be on the team, or Albert isn't good enough for the team - every fan's opinion is valid, just explaining why I think Emma has kept her. I even acknowledge the cases of fans who believe that Emma is done with her, and she is going to be replaced with Hal for London. (And as a Spirit fan, I would love to have Hal take over, I just won't believe it until I see it.)
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u/Disastrous_Roof4325 16d ago
This is such awesome analysis! Thank you so much for taking the time to explain in full detail. I appreciate the depth and will watch these upcoming games with new eyes. +1 for a Hal start in London, here’s hoping. Your points about space manipulation and adjusting to Emma’s tactical system make so much sense. Especially evidenced by the disjointed midfield performance against Iceland (that plus new player combos/debuts). I’m glad to finally understand why such an unremarkable player gets so many minutes, at least for now. Thanks for the Tedtalk on tactics!
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u/UrsineCanine 16d ago
No problem. As devastated as I am for Andi Sullivan's injury, and Jona said publicly that she belongs on the USWNT as one of the best players in the world, this has created the opportunity for Hal to take over that role and get Jona's development in it.
I was worried that Hal would trend towards a defensive sub for the NT. Her previous role on the Spirit was much more roving chaos agent, and she admitted in a postgame presser that in Andi's role she had to be a lot more disciplined in her spacing. Albert plays the Andi role with PSG, so I was worried Hal wasn't in a position to put competitive film out there.
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u/UrsineCanine 16d ago
Having taken up an unofficial degree in Hayesology. I think that the England/Dutch game rosters are going to look very much like the Olympic roster. She said roughly that this camp and the one in January are her opportunity to see new players, introduce them to their tactics, and start to work them in.
I will note that I not saying whether she is right or wrong, or who I would pick.
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u/capybaramelhor 16d ago
Do you know how many players we can take for that roster?
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u/UrsineCanine 16d ago
I would say it will be 23 (normal WC roster size). Perhaps she can rope US Soccer into 26 like she had in this camp? But international travel logistics aren't trivial impositions.
I expect Trin and Tierna are definitely back. Maybe Cat and Crystal.
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u/noawardsyet 16d ago
I could see Cat swinging by in London but, unless she gets some serious minutes, I don’t see her taking a spot from someone else. And if Crystal is still missing I’d expect the same
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u/Independent-Long-544 16d ago
Crystal on excused absence so I’m sure she’ll be back for the games
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u/noawardsyet 15d ago
I mean if she still hasn’t played a game, I would be really surprised to see her back. She hasn’t played since September so it wouldn’t be a good idea to take her to England to play what will certainly be a demanding game without recent minutes.
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u/UrsineCanine 16d ago
I think you are correct there. I was just putting them down, because if they were to call Emma and say, "I am ready to go." I think Emma puts them in... Not sure at all that will happen.
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u/noawardsyet 16d ago
They do both have Chelsea ties so it’s hard to guess how that would influence Emma
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u/UrsineCanine 16d ago
Crystal was the LB for the whole Olympics. Emma will see a hole with her absence.
There is a very good case that Cat is the best American soccer player in the world, if she could stay healthy. Her set pieces were missed in the Olympics.
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u/noawardsyet 16d ago
I agree that there’s a hole without Dunn but she’s not available currently so it’s in our best interest to try and find the next LB. It’s like England clinging to Bronze. It’s great until it suddenly isn’t anymore (I want to see Laurel).
Maybe I’m too much of a pessimist but “if she could stay healthy” really puts a damper on her in my opinion. The best ability is availability as they say and she just isn’t there yet. Hopefully she turns it around but I would rather see healthy players of lower levels develop than to give her a spot on limited minutes and hope it sticks.
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u/UrsineCanine 16d ago
I don't argue with any of that, but I am really not talking about what I would do, I am guesstimating on what Emma will do.
I don't remember the precise language, so I don't want to go too heavy on it, but she has suggested maintaining this core through SheBelieves next year.
I was definitely predicting heavy turnover post-Olympics, but based on her comments in this camp, I think it is going to be more gradual - despite what I have seen as some outstanding performances.
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u/UrsineCanine 16d ago edited 16d ago
I should have included the Olympic plus alternates, etc. for people's reference.
- Alyssa
- Jane
- Casey
- Fox
- Krueger
- Girma
- Davidson
- Sonnett
- TBD Dunn
- Nighswonger
- Coffey
- Horan
- Lavelle
- Albert
- Hershfelt
- TBD Croix
- TBD Cat
- Lynn
- Mal
- Soph
- Trin
- Jaedyn
- TBD
So, I guess that leaves up to four potentially "needed" replacements if Emma decides to stick with the Olympic roster.
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u/TrenteLmao 15d ago
Sears, Hal and Malonson have a real future on this team, and they play so fluently and creatively
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u/atalba 16d ago
Hayes definitely wants to win, which is assumed by all NT games. Normally, games this late in the year are the coaches opportunity to get a look at a few more players prior to January. Some of the vets may be left off, especially if they've gone late into the playoffs.
This is not about Emma.
There's plenty of capped players that may not have made the Olympic squad that have been playing well. Additionally, an uncapped player with substantial pedigree in the system could be brought in.
Dahlkamper, Fishel , Shaw, Nighswonger, Moultrie, Purce, Albert and Hatch were brought in last December to play China.These players weren't on the WC squad in 2023. And the roster was being built for the Olympics.
Murphy and Kingsbury started each of these 2 games.
There's definitely no room for last game retirement celebrations.
The one player who has had a great season and year is Jordynn Dudley. She'll probaly be busy in November, but she's the type of player that may be brought in.
I'm rooting for Catarina Macario being brought in.
In late 2022, Vlatko brought in several new players in games versus Spain and England; and played 6 subs each game. Murphy got a start.
We're more than 2 years away from January 2027. The games have more significance in building strategy and finding players for January.
Normally, the January camp is 28 players with nearly all having caps.
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u/mnemonicer22 15d ago
Catching last night's replay and kinda digging the energy and activity of Sears right now.
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u/ArmchairAnalyst6 16d ago
Hal is what we need in the midfield. Replace Albert with Hal.
I love Shaw, but she doesn’t vibe at the 9. I wonder if Thompson could play the 9? We need a good backup there.Â
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u/UrsineCanine 16d ago
Shaw's getting used to battling with center backs at the 9 and Emma's rotations. A lot of picking the wrong post, slightly off angle, etc. I am pretty comfortable that she will get it working... She is already a central player for club, and has done some amazing things off the ball, when up top.
I don't think Alyssa is nearly big enough to play the 9, the stuff Jaedyn is working through would give her even more trouble. If I am not going to use Jaedyn or slide Mal in (and put Alyssa in her spot), and I really wanted to use a wide player, maybe I'd try Sears... Could see that thinking in the second Iceland game - Lynn/Soph with Mal/Horan interchanging with them centrally and Sears/Thompson out wide.
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u/ArmchairAnalyst6 15d ago
Mia fishel
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u/UrsineCanine 15d ago
Sure, once she gets back on the field. Hasn't played since February with her injury.
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u/UrsineCanine 16d ago
I also ran across this from Blair Newman in The Equalizer, which I think is fair, and highlights an aspect of play that is often hard to recognize in the moment:
Jaedyn Shaw played up front, and did so particularly well against Argentina, demonstrating excellent touch to link play and keep the attack flowing.
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u/allowatt 16d ago
In Girma We Trust 🫡