Tuesday night saw the USWNT rout an inexperienced and outmatched Mexican national side at RFK stadium in Washington, DC. The game appeared to have the makings of a decent test, however after Mexico conceded a second and third goal early in the first half, you could see the air rush out of the Mexican attack. The Americans did put on an impressive display in the one-sided affair, regardless of the effort put forth by Mexico after the 30th minute. Goals by Wambach, Leroux (4), Buehler, and Brian sealed a dominant performance by the women's national team.
With Alex Morgan nursing an injury on the bench, Sydney Leroux shared the duties up front with Abby Wambach to start the match. Leroux was a factor from the onset, dominating with her physical play, speed, and finishing skills. There is no doubt that she belongs on this team and even with another newcomer Christen Press not making the trip, the US Women have an overflow of capable forwards. Wambach, Morgan, Leroux, and Press have already proven they can find the net, now head coach Tom Sermanni has to find a way to balance playing time to keep everyone involved. With Leroux up front taking 3 Mexican defenders with her everywhere she went, Wambach was seen coming deeper into the midfield to get the ball and even spotted out wide multiple times.
With notable players absent due to injury or other circumstance (Morgan, Rapinoe, Boxx, Krieger), Sermanni had a chance to bring some fresh faces into camp. The player who caught my eye the most was easily defender Crystal Dunn. With just 6 caps under her belt, Dunn (North Carolina) earned a start and made the most of her opportunity. Confident on the ball, technically skilled enough to get out of trouble, strong on challenges, and good service into the box were all displayed from Dunn within the first half. Mexico never got their offense going enough to sustain pressure on the back line, but I feel that Dunn continues to show growth and will fit into the team even against better opponents.
The USWNT did appear to hold possession better going through the midfield during the match. Backward play, patience, and strong linking from midfield to forward seemed to be a priority even when the game had been put out of reach. I can honestly say that I rarely heard Carli Lloyd's name mentioned during the run of play and the US were still picking the Mexican side apart going forward. This kind of domination and fluent play taking place with a quiet game from Lloyd and no Rapinoe can only mean that the national team is getting deeper and more comfortable with the players coming up through the ranks.
Midfielders Kristie Mewis (FC Kansas City), Heather O'Reilly (Boston Breakers), Erika Tymrak (FC Kansas City - 1st Cap), Lauren Holiday (FC Kansas City.... I'm sensing a theme), along with Lloyd (Western NY) controlled the pace of the game and quickly stepped up to cancel out any thought Mexico had of transitioning play toward the attack. Tymrak and Yael Averbach (on for Lloyd) are clearly cut from the same mold that the USWNT likes for their midfielders; good vision, strong passing skills, and neither are afraid to cut loose a shot from 30 yards. I though Tymrak had a good showing, however Averbach did have a few turnovers playing out of the back because she failed to cross the ball with any pace. If you add Morgan Brian (Virginia -2nd Cap - 1st goal) to the mix this looks like a capable group to take over in the future.
With a 7 - 0 rout there were not many negatives to take away from the match. It does bode well for the future of the USWNT if these young players can continue to break into the elite ranks of the team. Playing time has been at a premium on this squad for years and it seems prudent to incorporate some new faces any time possible. I think Tuesday night was a display for fans and the rest of the world.... look out, the USWNT has found depth and they are not afraid to use it.
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