Retooled Americans to take test drive against Germany
>> Much has since the U.S. national team the field in November. CHESTER changed women’s last took
Some of its highestprofile players have decamped to European employers. The National Women’s Soccer League has shuffled its deck as labor strife looms. And all the while, the national team remains in the doldrums of the soccer calendar, still more than two years from the next major tournament.
Coach Jill Ellis is in fact-finding mode in the build-up to the 2019 World Cup, and one of the most instructive portions of the timetable is upon her with the SheBelieves Cup this week, which begins with the U.S. taking on Germany at Talen Energy Stadium Wednesday night (7, FS1).
France plays England at 4 p.m. in the opener, with the four world powers contesting a roundrobin format in the next week with stops at Red Bull Arena Saturday (for USA-England) and RFK Stadium next Wednesday (USA-France).
Last summer’s ouster in penalty kicks by Sweden at the quarterfinal stage of the Rio Olympics was as much a reminder as an indicator that change was required, so Ellis has sought to widen the pool of players with the ultimate quest of shaping a roster for France in 2019. That informs a squad that blends young, unproven talents with tested veterans of NWSL and a stable of mainstays.
“In my mind, I really gave myself eight months of vetting and testing players because I know obviously this tournament is one (chance), and we have some other fantastic games this year,” Ellis said Tuesday. “That’s really where I need to see some of these players.”
Even among that latter group has underdone flux. Crystal Dunn, the 2015 NWSL MVP, and Carli Lloyd now ply their trades in England, for Chelsea and Manchester City, respectively, while Alex Morgan joined French powerhouse Lyon. (Lloyd, the 2015 FIFA World Player of the Year, is on loan from the Houston Dash until June.)
The presents an adjustment, though not as cumbersome as in years past, since Ellis revealed that the Americans’ international dates this year will adhere to the FIFA calendar, when all clubs must release players.
“I think for them, it’s the opportunity to see something different, experiencing something different,” Ellis said. “I think all three of them have never been overseas. For them, I think it’s a great opportunity for them to experience high-level teams or slightly different things. Every environment that you can go to and you can take away something I think is going to benefit us in the long run.”
“The adjustment hasn’t been too bad,” Morgan said of returning this week. “I haven’t felt really the jetlag or anything. I’ve just been more excited to get involved with the team and get adjusted with the team.”
The adjustments are most pressing at opposite ends of the formation. Up top, Ellis is eager to see Jess McDonald and Lynn Williams, forwards with five combined caps, replicate against quality opposition their fine form as teammates of Western New York Flash (now the North Carolina Courage). Williams was the 2016 NWSL MVP as the Flash bid farewell to Rochester with a championship.
Generational change is necessary at the other end of the field, a sense heightened by Saturday’s ceremony honoring the retirement of defender Christie Rampone, the former captain and winner of 311 caps. While Rampone’s heirs have been in place for more than a year, the goalkeeping position remains up for grabs in what may be a permanent post- Hope Solo era. Ellis hopes these games will present a chance for Chicago’s Alyssa Naeher or Orlando’s Ashlyn Harris to separate themselves.
“What I committed to after the Olympics was giving (Harris) games,” Ellis said. “In truth, this is the biggest games for Ash and Alyssa right now, because when you suddenly compete to get on the podium, it puts a whole new emphasis on the importance or the stress, really. So I think for both of them, these games are big tests.”
And then there’s the wild card: 16-yearold midfielder Brianna Pinto. Ellis has shown little hesitation integrating talented youngsters — see the 17 caps awarded to Mallory Pugh, a squad regular at age 18. With the holding midfield an area of relative thinness, the junior in high school will get a look.
“She’s done well,” Ellis said. “She’s of course young. What I’m trying to look at is, OK where is she now? Where can she be in two years’ investment with us here? That’s really why I’m looking at her. Will she play in this tournament? I don’t know, to be determined. But getting her this major tournament under her belt at 16 years old I think is going to benefit us.”
Rose Lavelle, a 21-yearold midfielder from the Boston Breakers, and 22-year-old Houston goalkeeper Jane Campbell are the other uncapped roster members.
Long-term improvement is the ultimate goal of this tournament, which dovetails nicely with the competition’s stated purpose of increasing inclusiveness and participation in the sport nationwide. Intentional or not, the composition of Ellis’ roster is a microcosm for that inclusivity at the game’s highest level.
“I think it’s just a great representation of how much the game is evolving and how we’re continuing to find great players at every age,” Morgan said. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re Jess McDonald coming in a little bit older and playing with the NWSL or having a 16-year-old come in. It’s great to see.”