Rundimentary Ramblings on the USWNT Olympic Qualifying

USA Women’s CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying

What I am Watching (and Wondering)

This is a rudimentary commentary about the ramblings in my head:

TURF

•   *Should* open up USA’s offense more. Will watch for explosive quick passes to the forwards—as well as strong offensive performances from the outside marking backs (Krieger)

•     Long balls out of the back to the strikers (a bad habit the USWNT often falls back into when pressured or impatient) will run more on turf—this could create wasted  balls or unnecessary chasing done by the forwards.  Diagonal long balls may work, but the pace and constant 50/50 balls may frustrate and show weakness within the togetherness of the midfield and forward lines.  (I really dislike the gap that is often present between the midfield and strikers)

•     Defensively, a quick pitch could cause havoc and expose weaknesses in the US back line. Hopefully, Krieger (and other outside marking backs) will be able to push forward. I will be watching the positioning on counter attacks as well as focusing on individual defensive performances
•      Hope Solo’s shoulder—even if the turf is of the best quality—falling on it is still going to hurt Solo’s shoulder.  Although Solo’s shoulder is a great concern, her desire to perform on the highest level is not.

Formation:

·         Will the USA play Pia’s favorite 4-4-2, a 4-5-1, or a 4-4-1-1. I am hoping for a 4-4-1-1 with Wambach playing behind the other striker in a playmaker role. I really would like to see a 3-5-2, (I know, 3-5-2---go ahead, judge me) but not during qualifications. 

·         Central Midfielders—will they have a specific role or given freedom? Will Boxx and Lloyd be on pitch at same time? I think the US plays better when Boxx and Lloyd are not on the pitch together.

·         Krieger and O’Reilly can produce some of the most spectacular offensive marking back/outside midfielder play—how well will they be in sync this tournament?

·         Will we see any creativity on set pieces? (Please?!)

Individual Roles:

•  Amy Rodriguez emotional/mental collapse after the World Cup along with her WPS coach criticizing Pia issues still linger. Will Rodriguez accept her “role” on the team and strive to prove everyone wrong? She has the speed, she has the moves, she just needs to finish.
•     When will we finally see more playing time for Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath, and the premier of Sydney Leroux?

• Will Rapinoe have a consistent game? She has proven to be a game changer—yet often has many ups and downs in her play. As seen in the World Cup, she is a very dangerous player that needs to consistently play on a higher level.

Finally—who will be watching?