USWNT: The world’s best almost contained by a skilled Spanish side

As the USWNT faced off against Spain on Sunday, they found themselves off the ball too often, struggling to get on the score sheet.

The USWNT is used to controlling possession, but on Sunday they found themselves with only 40% of the possession to Spain’s 60%.  Spain has a talented technical side that tends towards pretty possession play, and they managed to make the United States chase a little more than they’re used to.

There were a few changes to the starting line up from Thursday’s 2-0 win, with Emily Sonnett coming in for Kelley O’Hara at right back, Megan Rapinoe and Lynn Williams replacing Christen Press and Tobin Heath up top, and Sam Mewis replacing Lindsey Horan in midfield. Despite the changes, the United States team that took the field Sunday was talented and should have been formidable.

Both teams started the game pressing hard and high, but it was the United States who controlled the first few minutes of the game. Just 2 minutes in, the United States found themselves breaking through Spain’s back line after a ball from Mewis found Rapinoe, but Rapinoe’s attempt was picked up without too much incident from Spain’s goalkeeper.

Roughly 5 minutes in, Spain found their groove and continued to look at ease for the rest of the half. In the 23rd minute they sent a cross into the box that was headed off the post, a lucky break for the United States. A quick counter attack though found the United States almost having a dangerous opportunity of their own at the other end of the field.

The second half found both teams competing mightily, with Spain fully believing themselves to be capable of beating the number one team in the world. An even matchup is a success for Spain, but the USWNT expects better.

Though they kept Spain on their toes, the end product escaped them and Spain landed punches of their own. The USWNT is not used to being beat in possession, pass accuracy, and tied for shots, and they nearly ended up being unsuccessful in their attempt to break down a feisty and well-organized Spanish defense.

Julie Ertz scored the first and only goal of the match in the 87th minute much to the relief of the entire USWNT and their fans. A beautiful free kick from Christen Press found Ertz’s head as she powered through sending the ball into the back of the net. The late goal made Ertz the undisputed hero of the day.

It was an excellent goal and kept the United States in the driver’s seat at the top of the table in the SheBelieves Cup.

There were moments in the game when the United States showed why they are World Cup champions, but as they head into the game against Japan on Wednesday, they’ll have to find a way to not let their opponents into the game, something they failed to accomplish against Spain.