As discussed in part 1, the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying tournament is providing viewers with a glimpse into the Pia Sundhage era of US soccer. What is exciting about the current US women’s team is the emergence of young exciting players developing within Pia’s system while still experiencing playing with battle-tested legends such as Abby Wambach and Kristine Lilly.
What can we expect offensively from the US in next years World Cup? Watch Alex Morgan. I believe she will be the next generation’s superstar. From what I have seen, she has a solid technical strike on the ball. Her shots are powerful and accurate. She has tremendous speed even when she has the ball at her feet. She possesses the basics of one v one skills that most of the players lack.
Although Morgan has only been used as a sub recently, she has created a much needed offensive spark during these matches. Morgan provides the creativity and danger that is otherwise lacking within the US game. The October 6 match against China may have provided an exciting foreshadowing of the USA’s offensive future. Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan worked in tandem with natural ease resulting in an important goal.
Let's face it. Abby Wambach needs Alex Morgan. The fast technicaly savvy style of Alex Morgan is a perfect match paired with Wambach’s physical and dangerous presence If Morgan becomes a threat--will opponents dare to double team Wambach and allow Morgan to be free? This tandem could perhaps become even more dangerous than Hamm and Akers.
I am hoping that Pia will allow Morgan to be a substitute for Lauren Cheney or Amy Rodriguez rather than for Abby Wambach as was the case against Costa Rica. In time we will know for sure, but as of now, Morgan is exciting to watch.
click here to read part 1
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