USYNT U17 World Cup Matchday 3-Players That Impressed
The United States Women’s Youth U17 National Team wrapped up Group Stage play this morning at the 2022 World Cup with an impressive 4-0 win over Morocco. The win not only booked them a spot in the Round of 16…
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Continue ReadingThe United States Women’s Youth U17 National Team wrapped up Group Stage play this morning at the 2022 World Cup with an impressive 4-0 win over Morocco. The win not only booked them a spot in the Round of 16 at this year’s tournament, but also first place in Group A. They will face Nigeria in the next round on Friday.
Here are some of the top players from Monday’s win.
Kohler earned a brace in this pivotal third match, scoring two very clinical goals against a solid Moroccan defense. Her ability to find space in dangerous spots was critical in the first goal in the 32nd minute, a calmly taken chance from just inside the eighteen yard box. Her second was a bit closer to goal but a very similar situation- she found just enough space in between the defenders to hit home a lot shot past the goalkeeper. She now has three goals in three matches and is becoming the go to goalscorer for the United States.
Smith came on in the second for the USWNT and in her first USWNT immediately brought a burst of energy. Alongside Kohler, she made several deep runs into the box against the Moroccan defense. They paid off in the 68th minute with Smith finishing off a cross from Amalia Villarreal Amalia Villarreal null | F State #3 Nation MI with a diving shot into the back of the net. She added a second just five minutes later, a strong run towards the back post and a diving finish. While her finishing will certainly help the side for the remainder of their run, so too will her late runs and ability to take on multiple defenders.
Rebimbas earned the assist in Kohler’s first goal, connecting with Giselle Thompson inside of the Moroccan box. Her passing and timing was perfect on the assist, angled exactly to connect with Kohler and sent at the right speed so that she can hit it with some pace. Her runs on the outside really opened up space for her forwards, catching the defense off-guards and forcing them to play out of position.
The 2024 midfielder from Solar Soccer Club only played 24 minutes but she was extremely effective in limited time. In the 73rd minute she made a darting deep run into the eighteen yard box. Instead of taking the shot, she laid in a pass towards the far post for Kohler to make it 3-0. She added a second assist, just seven minutes later on a very similar set of circumstances, this time finding Smith for her second of the match. Her speed and dynamic first touch make her a very dangerous option off of the bench for USWNT head coach Natalia Astrain.
In their biggest match yet, the USWNT backline held firm earning their second shutout. Emri the led charge at center-back, making several key clears midway through the first half to retain the 1-0 advantage. Her patience behind the ball and ability to pass out to both sides helped spread the field and inevitably open up the USWNT attack. Her leadership and passing will be necessary against a strong attacking side in Nigeria.