As a fan of the US Women’s National Soccer Team since the early 1990’s, I love when the women gain the country’s attention. With qualification to the World Cup resting on the result of the second leg against Italy, many questions are surfacing regarding team dynamics and tactics. After losing to Mexico, looking sloppy against Costa Rica, and a non-impressive first leg away win against Italy, fans are beginning to take away the symbolic clipboard from head coach Pia Sundhage.
Don’t let me fool you. I will be the first to point out the weaknesses in the team. However, if we honestly think about it--it would be a disaster if Pia tried to implement any of these changes at this particular time.
First, let us keep in mind that although it looks ugly, the US only lost one, yes ONE match in 2010. They defeated the all powerful Germany twice. During the CONCACAF tournament they only gave up two, yes two goals. Italy failed to score on the US on their own home field. During 2010, the US has only given up 8 goals in 17 games.
Why should Pia hit the panic button? Why should the head coach, who needs the unconditional respect of her team, suddenly seem worried and start messing with player’s confidence when the team has only lost one game? During press conferences, the US players seemed to want to tell the media and fans to “chill-out.”
If Pia would have changed her starting midfield for the Italy match, her actions would not have backed up her talk of “we are fine.” Now is not the time to change things. By calling up Lindsey Tarpley, Leslie Osborne, and Tina DiMartino, Pia acknowledged that improvements in the midfield were needed. This action sent a message to current starters such as Shannon Boxx, that their play had to drastically improve. These three players stayed off the final roster. Imagine if Pia had altered the line-up with one of these players who did not compete in Mexico, and the US lost. What would we be saying then? Why take a chance and radically break up team chemistry when all we have done is give up one goal? Do we not remember the horrid results of Greg Ryan and the Solo/Scurry drama?
As much as we can say that there are major technical problems with some players and that our tactical direct physical offensive play is no longer working (which Pia has tried to change), change does not come during the course of only one month. Yes, we need players to match up with the offensive tactical style that Pia is trying to establish, but our player pool of who can do this is small.
Alex Morgan is a shinning example of the future of the US program. She has excellent speed, good control, and a powerful and precise finish. She has proved that she can score under pressure. Combined with Abby Wambach, Morgan creates an offensive threat that few teams will be able to shut down--but now is not the time to start Morgan. I can appreciate what Pia is doing. Morgan is the super sub. She is allowing Morgan to gradually prove her worth without throwing the next “Mia Hamm” burden upon her shoulders. She is experimenting to see what combinations work well with Morgan. Perhaps after Morgan’s extra time goal against Italy, we will see her enter the game earlier in the second half. I do not expect her to start nor would I want her to start. If the US move on to the World Cup, then I expect Alex Morgan to start along side of Abby Wambach. That will be her time to shine.
Pia Sundhage surely understands what changes need to be made for next summer. I am also guessing that Pia knew that the US would probably survive a two match play-off versus Italy. The US needs to only make minor changes now to ensure qualification. Allow the major changes to be made during the many months leading up to the World Cup.
Mary Burns
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