Women's Sports World Cup: Ellis Plays the Hand She’s Dealt, USWNT wins “Group of Death” US advanced to round of 16. by Jayson Love June 17, 2015 Hope Solo: fan photo uncredited Amidst tactical questions, stylistic issues, and strange substitutions Ellis may have figured things out in the last match; a comfortable 1-0 win over Nigeria. Forgetting the fact that the USA had a controversial goal disallowed and a sure penalty for handball went unpunished that could have seen a more convincing scoreline, the USA played to what is fast becoming its strength – possibly the best back-line in the tournament. Though the creativity in the midfield has been lacking and so has the finishing, what has been good is the defense in the midfield in recovering the ball, and the back-line’s recovery runs. And of course, the US also has the world’s best keeper in Hope Solo. So rather than attacking, especially once the Nigerians were down to 10 players, Ellis opted for experienced US soccer legends Christie Rampone and Shannon Boxx and no, they weren’t just substitutes for posterity and a “nice moment”. Rampone and Boxx helped clamp down what already was a solid defensive unit and the US goal was never really threatened as Solo was only forced to make 2 average saves in the match. What struck me was that critics of the US team, myself included, were being compared unfavorably to France and even the free-flowing creative attack of Nigeria who scored 3 goals against Sweden, but when they faced the US did not threaten the goal. So although the US attack may be off, the idea that the team needs to score tons of goals to win may be negated should the US continue to defend as it has since a poor stint against Australia in the opening match. This was never more evident than the play of Klingenberg and Krieger who have in the past been attacking options, but kept their shape at the back once the US had the lead on Abby Wambach’s goal. So for American supporters, the US strategy may be not to win games 4-3 but rather, 1-0 in this World Cup. Post Views: 1,105 The following two tabs change content below.BioLatest Posts Jayson Love Jayson is a Staff Writer for DoubleGSports.com Latest posts by Jayson Love (see all) Red Bulls Forced to Go with Make Shift Lineup Due to International Callups and Injury, Win 3-0 - March 25, 2018 The United States National Team Doesn’t Develop Young Talent? Don’t blame the Red Bulls - March 21, 2018 Red Bulls Make History with Champions League Win at Tijuana, Bradley Wright-Phillips Scores a Brace - March 7, 2018 New York Red Bulls Are New Look Red Bulls as 2018 Season Approaches - February 21, 2018 Related TopicsWorld Cup Click to comment You must be logged in to post a comment Login Leave a Reply Cancel replyYou must be logged in to post a comment. Newsletter Subscription Can't Miss Posts! Women in Sports: NHL Network Host, Jackie Redmond by Nicholas Durst | posted on March 4, 2019 Women in Sports: Podcast Host, New York Riptide Sideline Reporter, Dani Wexelman by Luke Porco | posted on March 3, 2020 From Paramus High School to CBS Sports, Spero Dedes is making waves in sports broadcasting by Sunil Sunder Raj | posted on October 27, 2020 Lochte, Dressel and Ledecky all Chasing Gold at 2021 Tokyo Olympics by Anthony Paradiso | posted on April 18, 2021 “Overtime” l Ep. 28: TopSpin Celeb-Athlete Tournament – Dec. 6, 2018 by Stefany Romero | posted on December 19, 2018 More in Women's Sports Debbie Keitel – An Empowering Voice & Talent of Her Wrestling Generation Debbie Keitel is definitively an Irish professional wrestler, but in the past year, it’s... Women In Sports: Jessica Slate Jessica Slate is the Digital Marketing Specialist for the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun. Recently I... “Wrestling’s Richest Prize” Darius Carter Talks Intergender Wrestling Darius Carter is a wrestling vet with years of experience and a plethora of... Women In Sports: Ally Redig, President & Founder of Ally Redig Athlete Relations Ally Redig is the President & Founder at Ally Redig Athlete Relations. Recently I... WNBA All-Star Ballot Will Include All WNBA Players For The First Time Alex Carpenter Becomes 1st Ever NWHL Draft Pick