Possible USWNT Lineups for the 2015 Algarve Cup

Wingers/Distributing Midfielders

Aug 20, 2014; Cary, NC, USA; USA midfielder Lauren Holiday (12) forward Alex Morgan (13), and midfielder Megan Rapinoe (15) listen to player announcements prior to a women’s friendly between the USA and Switzerland at Wake Med Soccer Park. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA Today.

Right: Holiday (O’Reilly, Heath, Brian)

Left: Rapinoe (Brian, O’Reilly, Heath)

Brian is certainly not the cause of the porous center-field play that has characterized the last few national team matches. But I do believe that the heft of the US midfield is best served by a defensive-minded Lloyd and by the talented distributions coming from Holiday and Rapinoe. Assuming that the possession game of the team will improve as the World Cup draws nearer, I like the responsibility for the dirty work in the middle going to Lloyd and (to a lesser extent) Holiday, backed by attentive assistance from the flanks and an ever-lurking Rapinoe who’s constantly checking to see who’s onside in the box.

Tactically, I think Brian is capable of doing more defensive work, so if we’re struggling to hold onto the ball in the midfield, she’d be a good substitution for Rapinoe. I’d like to see her develop more chemistry with Lloyd, so that they are better at communicating when Lloyd needs Brian to get back for defensive cover as she moves towards goal. When the team is looking for offensive power, there really is no better bench player than O’Reilly in terms of effort or commitment to clever, speedy flank play. I can see her or Heath coming on for Holiday, although I think the slightly negative impact that Heath can have on team defense renders her most useful when she’s played high and wide.

Next: Forwards