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Possible USWNT Lineups for the 2015 Algarve Cup

By Danielle King

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Left Back

Sep 18, 2014; Rochester, NY, USA; USA defender Kelley O’Hara (5) looks to pass the ball during the second half of a game against Mexico at Sahlen’s Stadium. USA won the game 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

O’Hara (Dunn, Klingenberg)

The merry-go-round of left backs on the USWNT suggests that the lengthy trial of Klingenberg at LB is still dissatisfied. The experiment has gone on long enough. Let’s try out someone whose last tournament-length run at this position led to an Olympic gold medal. Assuming health, Dunn is perhaps the speediest flank player we have. But O’Hara is the favorite to get most of these minutes because of her grit on the flank, her doggedness in winning possession, her ability to send lovely balls into the box, and her knack for deft switches of the point of attack from deep in the midfield.

Yeah, she’s that talented, so why hasn’t she been playing more? Your guess is as good as mine.

Center/Holding/Defensive Midfielder

Oct 26, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; United States midfielder Carli Lloyd (10) and Costa Rica defender Carol Sanchez (6) battle for the ball during the CONCACAF Women’s Championship at PPL Park. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Lloyd (Johnston, Chalupny)

Carli Lloyd’s recent admission that she’s been given free rein to roam the attacking half of the field is really a shame. There’s no denying that Lloyd is a phenomenal goal scorer who terrorizes defenses by letting rockets loose off either foot from outside the 18. But I find that her most attractive value to the USWNT isn’t necessarily her shot prowess. It’s really her tendency to infuriate pressing opponents. Even the most goal-thirsty of attackers will hesitate at having to get through 140lbs of Jersey for a shot on goal.

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I’m not sure if I’d call Lloyd a stereotypical defensive mid, but as it happens, we do have a couple of those on this roster. It would be wonderful if Julie Johnston could see the field, playing in her natural position, at any point at all. It would be great if Chalupny could see the field in her natural position, because despite her versatility, it was kind of a cruel test to play her at left back. On this spot in the lineup, I’m keeping my expectations low. I’d be just as satisfied seeing Lloyd take all the available minutes, as long as she’s holding in front of the defensive line 70% of the time, and getting support from the rest of the midfield when she does break forward.

Next: The Midfield

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