U.S., Czech Republic play to 0-0 tie

CARSON » The U.S. women’s national soccer team kicked off 2022 and a busy two-year stretch Thursday.

However, despite dominating the ball, the U.S. was unable to solve the Czech Republic defense and goalkeeper Barbora Votikoa and the game ended in a scoreless draw to cap the first night of the Shebelieves Cup at Dignity Health Sports Park.

Czech Republic is ranked 24th in the latest FIFA World Rankings.

The U.S. started a roster with an average age of 25.6 years, the youngest starting lineup since 2018. This is an important tournament for the U.S. because there are so many new and young faces on the roster with CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying approaching and next year’s FIFA World Cup.

The U.S. did everything right in the first half except score a goal. It wasn’t for a lack of trying. With Rose Lavelle pulling the strings, the U.S. applied heavy pressure on the Czech Republic defense, but struggled in the final attacking phase.

It also helped the Czech Republic to have goalkeeper Votikova, who plays at Paris Saint-germain, who was quick to everything once the U.S. did get a shot off on target. Votikova was credited with seven saves.

The U.S. again had the Czech defense under heavy pressure in the second half and even with Lavelle still orchestrating things, the goal just wouldn’t come.

Lavelle was eventually replaced in the 75th minute.

U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski tried to unlock the offense in the second half, bringing on Trinity Rodman and Ashley Sanchez. The Southern California natives (Rodman from Newport Beach and Sanchez from Monrovia) are teammates with the Washington Spirit in the NWSL.

Teams receive three points for a win and one for draw in the tournament and after the first day, the U.S. is one point tied with the Czech Republic

The next round of games are scheduled for Sunday with the U.S. taking on New Zealand (noon) and Czech Republic facing Iceland (3 p.m.).

The teams will conclude the tournament Feb. 23 in Frisco, Texas.

In the opening game, Iceland defeated New Zealand, 1-0. Angel City FC defender Ali Riley went the full 90 minutes for the New Zealand.

Dagny Brynjarsdottir scored in the first minute for Iceland.

PHOTO BY RAUL ROMERO United States goalkeeper Casey Murphy makes a save against the Czech Republic during Thursday’s game in the Shebelieves Cup match in Carson.