The US Women’s National Team opened their 2023 World Cup campaign with a 3-0 win over Vietnam at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, with goals from Sophia Smith and Lindsey Horan securing the three points.
But the next group game against the Netherlands may not be as easy as the Dutch are looking for revenge against the USWNT ahead of the 2019 World Cup final. Head coach Vlatko Andonovski will want to show off his best side, which means making some tweaks to the starting XI.
GK: Alyssa Naeher – The Chicago Red Stars player will likely start at the back again, after a solid performance against Vietnam.
RB: Emily Fox – Sofia Huerta came on in the 84th minute and we may see her again as a substitute but Fox should start again.
CB: Alana Cook – Shocked to see Julie Ertz start alongside Girma in the first game, but her rusty nature on the ball will likely see Andonovski make this change.
CB: Naomi Girma – She’s Still! Girma’s cool, calm and collected nature in times of pressure will be much needed at the back against the Netherlands as they try to push Esmee Brugts on Naeher.
LB: Crystal Dunn – Dunn continues to prove herself as a winning left back, there’s no way she’ll make it out of the starting 11.
CM: Rose Lavelle – Savannah DeMelo got the first start after Lavelle returned from injury, but when the No. 16 entered the field, the USWNT’s midfield automatically clicked. She gives so much creativity in this last trimester, there is no way she will start the class again now that she is fit.
DM: Andi Sullivan – She did well alongside Lavelle and will likely retain her position.
CM: Lindsey Horan (c) – No changes here.
RW: Sophia Smith – Two goals and an assist on her World Cup debut, Holland better watch out.
ST: Alex Morgan – She may have missed the penalty but her assists made up for it. She starts again.
LW: Trinity Rodman – The Washington Spirit player didn’t have the best game, which we can thank to HM nerves, so she will probably keep her place but that Alyssa Thompson or Lynn Williams substitute could come sooner.
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