The USWNT, the world's top-ranked side, defeated Germany, second-ranked, 1-0 to begin SheBelieves Cup play Thursday night, Megan Rapinoe scoring the game's lone goal off an assist from Alex Morgan.
The weather outside was weather — cold, wet (a nice wintery mix of rain/snow) and windy. Why the SheBelieves Cup decided to stage two matches in the midwest during the winter is an awfully good question, but the USWNT and Germany played out a high-energy, although somewhat limited, match — the opener for both nations at this round-robin tournament.
Germany never came close to matching their billing as the 2016 Olympic gold medalists, and the talents of Alexandra Popp, Dzsenifer Marozsan and Sara Dabritz failed to shine inside Columbus’s MAPFRE Stadium.
The Germans had a slight edge in possession, but the pressing of their American counterparts hugely disrupted their play. 80 minutes in and they’d still registered only one shot on target, and they only finished with two shots on goal.
Those applying the pressure for the USWNT deserve credit. Julie Ertz was again formidable from her defensive midfield position, 19-year-old Tierna Davidson was also solid when starting her second-straight match in the heart of defense and Kelley O’Hara did not back down from her assignment.
ThisClose to second! maintaining possession and pushing the pace.#SheBelievesCup // #USAvGER pic.twitter.com/0MpU0TVp2F
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) March 2, 2018
In attack, the USWNT didn’t exactly dazzle, although the front three of Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe and Mallory Pugh hurried and hassled the Germany backline throughout.
Megan Rapinoe scored the game-winner. Photo: @ussoccer_wnt | Twitter
Carli Lloyd was off the pace — a worrying continuation of her 2017 form — but the breakthrough was made in the 17th minute with a piece of play that personified the conditions in Ohio.
Alyssa Naeher lumped one up the field towards Morgan. The Orlando Pride striker provided an excellent flicked header, and just like that, Rapinoe was through on goal. The Seattle Reign winger duly slotted home her 35th international goal.
Things @mPinoe just did: THAT
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) March 2, 2018
The U.S. made all of their six allotted substitutions from the 65th minute on, including putting Lynn Williams and Allie Long on in the final seconds — victory was evidently of extreme importance to Jill Ellis.
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