The USWNT responded to a scoreless first half with the help of Trinity Rodman, defeating Wales in the World Cup send-off 2-0.
For the two-time defending Women's World Cup champions, this could have been exactly what they needed.
At PayPal Park in San Jose, California, the USWNT took on European side Wales in its send-off match before the title defense begins against Vietnam on July 21. Two second-half goals by Washington Spirit star Trinity Rodman proved to be the difference between the two sides. Despite Vlatko Andonovski's side securing the victory before they jetted off to New Zealand, the first 75 minutes of the contest were far from what you would expect the world No. 1 to be at weeks away from the World Cup.
The entire team came out with "friendly-type" energy. Even with all of the possession, there was really nothing coming of it. If the United States comes out like they did against Wales on Sunday, teams like the Netherlands are going to capitalize. It looked as if the entire team was trying to beat the Welsh through one on one talent rather than linking up with the players around them. That is not the solution to success. There is a whole lot of skill in this summer's roster, but the defensive shape of the away side frustrated the entire team. Credit to the Welsh who displayed an immense amount of organization and discipline.
Yes, there were players missing including Megan Rapinoe, and top play-maker Rose Lavelle, but the talent in that starting 11 was far and away enough to earn a lead heading into halftime. On the positive side, Savannah DeMelo earned her first senior international and nobody left the game due to injury. Andonovski played the match pretty cautiously which makes sense given the amount of players he was missing from his selection pool.
It was clear once she came onto the pitch, Rodman has to play. The energy was simply not there in the first 45 minutes for the home side as the team hardly challenged Bristol City stop stopper Olivia Clark between the posts. She and Sophia Smith got extremely creative by switching between the middle and the flank at times during the second half. That ultimately paid off. With the Spirit forward darting into the box, Smith found her with a left-footed cross to open the scoring in the 76′.
Breaking down low blocks is going to be vital in the success of this team down under. Rodman, who did not make it into the starting XI could be the key along with Smith. Kerolin, and the Spirit attacker are the only two players in the NWSL regular season with 43 or more successful take-ons. She seems to be motivated since the coaching staff has selected Alyssa Thompson over her in the starting XI for two straight contests. Nothing in her game screams she is just 21. Rodman is fearless, and creativity, two things this side looked to desperately need against the Welsh.
After the match, Andonovski did not overreact.
"We're very confident about where we at right now…We can see how the product is going to look, and when that happens it's going to look good."
Trinity Rodman provided all the excitement for the USWNT as Vlatko Andonovski's team looked lack-luster against Wales
It was the first time since January 17 that the United States had failed to convert a chance in the first 45 minutes of a contest. It was not the most gorgeous brand of soccer, but at the end of the day, the No. 1 team in the world got the job done.
The questions regarding what the Americans will be able to do against stout defenses remain. It has been evident throughout the women's game that the USWNT is no longer feared. The eyes of the opposition will be filled with belief in Australia and New Zealand. On top of that, this side is currently vulnerable. Alex Morgan's starting position has to be in question considering the impact of Rodman, and Lynn Williams off the bench. Andonovski is going to have to figure out what his best front three. There should be more answers than questions as this point, but for the defending champions, that is not the case.
