A Letter to all USWNT Fans Post the 2023 World Cup
Dear USWNT fans,
Despite the 2023 World Cup, the future is bright.
I’m not sure when I’ll post this, but at the time of writing (typing) this it is 10pm on August 22, 2023.
The PK loss the US took to Sweden earlier this month still hurts.
Look, true fans (not only of USWNT, but women’s soccer in general) knew this was going to be a tough tournament (World Cup). However, we still believed we we’re going to win. And, accomplish the never been done before 3-peat.
This is why the loss was so heart breaking. I had high hopes. Still do.
Immediately after the game my emotions were high and I was running down the list that everyone else on social media was regarding who should be taking blame, and who did what wrong, etc, etc...
Then I calmed down, and put more thought into it. Afer that, surprisingly, I was very optimistic and excited about the future of USWNT.
Here’s why.
First off. We had SO MANY chances to score. Both in the Netherlands game and Sweden.
In the Netherlands game we had 4 shots on goal and 18 shot attempts. Netherlands had 1 and 5.
In the Swedent game it was 11 shots on goal and 22 shot attempts for us. Compared to 1 and 9.
I’ll say it again: so many chances to score. They could have won both of those games by 2, 3+ goals if they could find the back of the net.
Alex, Trinity, and Lynn had very real chances each game and just couldn’t find the back of the net.
No one stepped up as the killer who was going to score no matter what. Like Harry Kane for example. Personally I’m not a fan, but you can’t argue the fact that the guy finds the back of the net. Especially when he gets the ball inside the box. We didn’t do that.
If we score even half of those chances, we win both those games by 2+ goals, and EVERYONE is singing the praises of the USWNT again. How they are so resilient. The players are stepping up. Everything that, as fans, we expected them to say.
The second reason I’m optimistic.
We were missing 3 (and a half) CRITICAL players: Mal, Sammy, and Becky. Rose, is the half. She unfortunately wasn’t at full capacity and full playing time. (Yet, she was still the best player on the field).
Those three players are all difference makers.
Mal was arguably in the best form she’s ever been in. She was on her way to being a Golden Boot candidate for sure. The biggest heart break of the entire World Cup was watching Mal get injured in the Ireland friendly. I can’t wait for her return. Fingers crossed for the Olympics!
Sammy Mewis. You just can’t replace her in the middle of the field. Her size. Her IQ. Her technical ability. How well she pairs with Lindsey and Rose. You can’t replace her. Very unfortunate that it seems like she won’t be returning. Still keeping my fingers crossed!
And Becky. She’s a veteran. And previously the capitan. Major blow not having her leadership there. I would have liked to see her and Naomi play next to each other in the back.
And what happens if those three are there? Much more depth on the bench.
Forwards. You now have Trinity, Lynn, and Alyssa to work with coming off the bench. You also potentially look at Alex coming off the bench later in the tournament. The dynamic is totally different when you put Mal back in the mix and look at an initial starting 3 of Mal, Soph, and Alex.
And Mal was finding the back of the net. She was on a hell-of-a streak.
Mids. Sammy + Lindsay + Rose = opposition nightmare. That’s a trio in the midfield that is very difficult to contain. All are strong, physical players who also have footwork that’s far superior to most.
With those three starting you now can bring Andi Sullivan and Savannah DeMelo off the bench. Who both had a good tournament. I personally think Andi Sullivan played better. But both played well. Regardless, the point is you have stronger depth and a much stronger starting 3.
Defenders. Add Becky back into the mix and now you have a interesting situation. You have Naomi, Becky, and Julie. Some of the more elite defenders in women soccer. Add Crystal Dunn to the mix. And again, your back line has more depth.
Keep in mind, Julie is classified as a mid-fielder. If Becky is playing there’s also a chance that Julie is able to step into the midfield as well.
We go into that tournament with those three and a healthy Rose, my money is on the US bringing home the gold.
This leads me to the third reason why I’m optimistic.
Let’s look at the players who actually got minutes this world cup, and their current age.
Alyssa Naeher (35)
Emily Fox (25)
Crystal Dunn (31)
Naomi Grima (23)
Sofia Huerta (30)
Kelly O’Hara (35)
Emily Sonnet (29)
Savannah DeMelo (25)
Julie Ertz (31)
Lindsey Horan (29)
Rose Lavelle (28)
Andi Sullivan (27)
Alex Morgan (34)
Megan Rapinoe (38)
Trinity Rodman (21)
Sophia Smith (23)
Alyssa Thompson (18)
Lynn Williams (30)
Sorry if I missed anyone!
I would guess there are maybe 7-8 who won’t return for the next World Cup. Only 2 or 3 are starters (Alex, Julie, sometimes Crystal). Add Becky to the list too probably.
Looking at who is returning, and assuming we get Mal back, I really like the squad.
This World Cup was definitely not what USWNT fans wanted. It was a disappointing tournament and a depressing ending.
However, even with the increase of talent across the world now, I’m betting the USWNT retake the thrown in 2027. And it will be on home soil. Which makes it all the more better!
Sincerely,
A passionate fan.