USA 3-1 Australia: Pray Megan Rapinoe Doesn't Get Suspended
By Ty Duffy
The U.S. beat Australia 3-1 in their first Women’s World Cup group match. Here are three thoughts about that.
Three Points: Three points in any World Cup group are important. But, the U.S. win in concert with Sweden’s draw with Nigeria puts the U.S. in an excellent position heading into the second leg. Winning the group is imperative with the draw disparity. Sweden remains the prominent threat. Being spotted two points means a draw on Friday would still be a decent result. That said, each match in this group looks as though it will be a slog. Penciling in points anywhere would be unwise.
Megan & Sydney and Hope: Megan Rapinoe was the USWNT’s best player, with an incendiary two-goal performance. Insert your metaphor of choice (straw, engine, what have you) for what she means to the U.S. attack. The dumb yellow card, leaving her one away from suspension, could be significant. Sydney Leroux was assertive up front, fighting for balls, covering ground and creating chances. Her solid run created Christen Press’ goal. Treat Hope Solo’s off-the-pitch issues how you will. On it, her saves in the first half kept the U.S. from falling behind.
Abby Wambach: Abby Wambach is 35 and didn’t play club soccer in the tournament buildup. She played like a 35-year-old who didn’t play club soccer in the tournament buildup. Wambach was a non-entity for long stretches. A couple solid chances didn’t come off. She’s a leader. She’s a legend. But, with the depth and dynamism the U.S. has up front, one wonders how long she’ll retain a starting place, especially if Alex Morgan can get fit.
[Getty]