The World Cup exposed this U.S. team, and they haven't taken the chance to learn much of anything with the Olympics just around the corner
Since Vlatko Andonovski's departure, the U.S. women's national team has placed a focus on maintaining some form of continuity while awaiting a permanent coach. But what happens when "continuity" also means "disappointment"?
Under interim coach Twila Kilgore, the USWNT continues to trot out more of the same. The starting XI that took the field against Colombia was entirely made up of players that were in the World Cup squad. Of the substitutes, just one was a new face, despite the U.S. currently boasting a squad full of young stars.
In the end, the familiar faces produced, for 2023, a familiar result: a 0-0 draw and a performance that never clicked. The USWNT continues to tread water and, with the Olympics just around the corner, the clock is ticking faster than ever.
Getty ImagesWINNER: Becky Sauerbrunn
She's back!
Sauerbrunn made her long-awaited return, having finally recovered from the injury that robbed her of a World Cup spot. She would have been a locked-in starter at that tournament and almost certainly would have continued to serve as captain.
Instead, she missed out, but, even at 38 years old, Sauerbrunn's story isn't over. The defender could very well be a key contributor on the road to, and at, next summer's Olympics. No matter her age, you can't write her off.
A lot will be up to the new coach, who will already have one centerback spot taken assigned to Naomi Girma. Could that other place go to Sauerbrunn next summer? We'll have to see how she builds on her return, but it's certainly possible.
AdvertisementGettyLOSER: Alex Morgan
You can't say she didn't have her chance. She had a few, in fact, but none were better than her opportunity from the penalty spot. Morgan, though, squandered it, adding more fuel to the fire.
Morgan hasn't scored a USWNT goal since February and, in the months since, the discussion has grown louder. What part, if any, will she play at the Olympics? As these young stars rise up, is there a place left for a legend like Morgan?
Those questions won't be answered in this break, or probably even this year. They won't be answered by this coach, either. There's so much left to be determined when it comes to Morgan.
However, she could have helped her case with a goal or two against Colombia. Maybe next time.
GettyWINNER: Emily Fox
If there's a word to describe Emily Fox, it's reliable. She's a player that never lets you down. Every great team needs a few Fox's, players that can always be counted on to do what the team needs.
You saw that on Thursday. Tasked with facing Colombia's dynamic Linda Caicedo, Fox got it all right and was arguably the USWNT's best player on the field.
To be fair, we should have expected it. This is generally what you get out of Fox. As the USWNT builds during this new cycle, Fox will almost certainly remain a cornerstone because of performances like this.
GettyLoser: Twila Kilgore
When looking over the USWNT squad, it's hard not to see a glimpse into the future. The current team features seven outfield players with less than 10 caps, three of which are teenage prodigies that look set for long careers.
Just two of those seven saw the field, combining for 26 total minutes. With the Olympics just around the corner, the USWNT now have one less chance to get a look at these future stars.
That'll be down to the coach, Kilgore, who, admittedly, is in a tough spot. Being an interim coach isn't easy. Neither is being in charge of the USWNT. There are so many things to manage when it comes to a team like this.
However, it would be a much-needed change of pace to see something, anything, done differently. A new look, new tactics, some new players… anything. What we got instead was more of the same. We got a match that looked and felt like a Vlatko Andonovski game, and there's a reason the USWNT moved on from those.
Maybe we'll get some more bold choices on Sunday, but, as the coaching search continues, that new hire can't come soon enough. This program desperately needs a direction and, until there's a more permanent solution, they probably won't get it.