This post is my own opinion.
I mean no disrespect to anyone reading or any individual player. If anyone wants to discuss, feel free to message me.
This starting XI had no chemistry, for key partnerships.
The backline should never have been messed with. PERIOD. You may have favorite players. But in such a short space of time, such a relatively short turnaround, it should not have changed, especially as it was so successful. KO began starting matches (and maintaining the RB position) in the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying SF vs. Trinidad & Tobago.
KO & JJ had no chemistry. Something vital on the backline.
Ali Krieger, the player missing from the WWC “DoD,” is the vocal leader/director of the backline (other than Hope)
Becky, for me, is the only player on today’s back 4, who is a calm/brains (defense first) player. The other 3, in my opinion, are “maverick” players. That isn’t a criticism of them individually. But collectively as a backline, it doesn’t work. Placing JJ in between Broon & Kriegs (2 defense first players,) calmed her, and allowed her to play more freely. It was the same when Buehler/Van Hollebeke was playing, Bue another “maverick” player.
There was a balance to the backline in 2015. There isn’t anymore.
Allie Long hadn’t been playing well in the tournament before today.
Most of Allie Long’s minutes had been since Morgan & Carli’s respective injuries.
Morgan Brian & Allie Long had no chemistry. They have barely played any minutes together.
Carli Lloyd & Allie Long had no chemistry. They have barely played any minutes together.
Do you know a CM pairing that has chemistry? That has played a lot of minutes together?
Morgan Brian & Lindsey Horan. Best friends and team-mates since youth team.
Allie Long should not have started today.
Why would you put your most creative player on defense??
The added responsibilities of defending, and keeping track Lotta Schelin, completely stifled her creativity.
5. Not playing Ali Krieger
A player who played in Europe. Played in Sweden. One of the fastest players on the USWNT, THE fastest of the defenders, and is perfectly suited to play against the counter-attack game plan.
Teams LITERALLY avoid attacking at her/on her side of the field if possible.
6. Playing (and rostering) Megan Rapinoe
Today we wasted two subs on her. To play 30 minutes. She subbed because she was injured in the game. It was because she physically couldn’t play anymore. Because her match fitness was that low.
She shouldn’t have even been picked for the 18. She hadn’t participated in full training until they got to Brazil.
Not just her ACL. She was struggling with multiple strains.
Not to mentioned she hadn’t played in a match in over 10 months. No chemistry with the new players.
Jill mismanaged Christen’s playing time, even in this game alone, and it destroyed her confidence. She was then asked to be the 5th PK taker, one of hardest slots.
8. Not rostering Heather O'Reilly
Jill picked an unfit Rapinoe instead of a 100% fit Heather O'Reilly, citing Rapinoe’s potential to have potentially game-changing set piece delivery.
This was definitely a mistake.
O'Reilly has never been hit-and-miss. Her delivery is consistent.
Her chemistry with Krieger & KO.
We had 3 players on the bench (Krieger, Press, Dunn) who have proven, DYNAMITE chemistry between them as a trio. Close friendships between them. A knowledge of where each other will be. All three very fast, and could have caused major issues for a slow Sweden defense.
