On the Road Again

In one of the few home games this year, and even fewer televised matches, the WNT took on Australia in Birmingham this weekend. I had heard good things about the changes being implemented by new coach (does "new" still apply?), Pia Sundhage. The weekend's game was my first chance to see it.

And I like it.

It's not quite to where I expect they would want it to be (rather obvious with a 5-4 final tally) but what I'd heard appears to be true. Once again, there is a transition in American women's soccer. It's not a direct attack strategy but something that requires possession and a bit of (dare I say it?) finesse. And, at least for the first half, that game plan looked quite good. Midfielder Carly Loyd controlled the game and everything seemed to flow through her feet. The players switched the field often and took chances to pass the ball when traditional thought would say shoot. It caught the defense off-guard and caught several balls in the back of the Aussie net, two belonging to my favorite player, Lindsey Tarpley.

The defense obviously had some holes, which I attribute to more than just the defensive line but the combination of the middle and back lines. The change in team dynamics towards a more progressive offense hasn't fully developed in its defense. So far, it has left it rather vulnerable.

Things are looking good. They're not perfect; they're not even great. But there is time yet to improve and correct in the next three months. I think it's safe to say, "The team is in good hands."