USWNT: A Rematch with France in The Algarve Cup Final

Sep 18, 2014; Rochester, NY, USA; USA defender Julie Johnston (16) contends for the ball against Mexico defender Nayeli Rangel (7) during the second half of a game at Sahlen’s Stadium. USA won the game 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

The USWNT got an important opportunity to avenge themselves against France in the 2015 Algarve Cup final on Wednesday. After a disappointing offensive performance when they came to play Les Bleues in Lorient on February 8 (and after failing to score on Monday against Iceland), the Americans came into this game, as they often have of late, with something to prove.

The game was not much of a referendum on the teams themselves, but it revealed quite a bit with regard to certain players and spoke to some of the assumptions that are held regarding two of the elite teams in international women’s soccer.

The US Defense Is In Better Shape Than We Thought

The US has had two of the best defenders in the world as permanent fixtures on its roster for quite some time. Ali Krieger has been far and away the best outside back on this team since before the 2011 World Cup, and Becky Sauerbrunn has single-handedly saved the US from defeat and embarrassment more times than her paycheck could ever accurately reflect.

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But these two players, both at the top of their game, haven’t been enough to dispel concerns about the sanctity of the American defense, especially in the wake of the February friendlies which seemed to solicit more questions about the back four than they answered. I’ve long been a fan of Whitney Engen’s awareness and timing (particularly on US set pieces), and Megan Klingenberg’s speed and doggedness makes her the Sydney Leroux of the back line, but both of these players can get exposed and beaten by wily forwards. For a game that has progressed substantially over the last few years, I suspect that neither of these players will represent the future of American defense.

Who should? Well, it obviously won’t be Christie Rampone, who at 39 is likely preparing to compete in the last major tournament of her career. Despite centre back being a new position for her to master, I think the performance of Julie Johnston at the 2015 Algarve Cup should give the United States a lot of confidence going forward. Only Carli Lloyd put a bigger stamp on each match of the tournament, and a huge part of JJ’s influence has to do with the shoes she was asked to fill.

The 2014 NWSL Rookie of the Year has been struggling to find minutes despite consistent call-ups to the senior team since the end of the NWSL season, but it took a timely back injury to team captain Christie Rampone for JJ to see the pitch. She capitalized and made herself invaluable to a team that was unclear on its depth at the CB position. It always helps to score a goal, but that was really just the best tangible manifestation of how hard she’s worked in this tournament and the importance of her impact goes much further than 14% of the goals the US scored in Portugal. A particularly memorable moment involved Johnston just completely bodying Camille Abily off of the ball in her own box in the 15th minute, a bold, physical decision that was clearly appreciated by both Krieger and Solo.

For my money, the best CB pairing of players currently on the roster for the USWNT is Johnston and Sauerbrunn, in huge part because of the sheer magnitude of great instincts represented by these two. Whether it’s a well-placed forward pass to turn on the US attack, willingness to bring the ball up through the midfield, or especially keen awareness in the defensive third, Sauerbrunn and Johnston give the US speed, pacing, and intelligence. In the crazy fantasy world that I inhabit, the back line that finished this France game (from right to left: Krieger, Johnston, Sauerbrunn, O’Hara) would be under consideration as a permanent starting defense.

Next: The Secret Weapon is the Bench