The Final Pass

Sunday was a success, but there's still room for the US WNT to improve. A victory over a team as talented and competitive as Brazil is always something to feel good about, and it's clear that both teams will benefit from these two games of pre-Beijing preparation.

Sure, Marta and Cristianne weren't on the field, but the fact is that the Americans dominated the majority of the game, even despite a relatively average performance. A couple positive things stood out. First and foremost, this younger US roster has the depth necessary to do well in a major tournament, when games are played only a few days apart and legs start to grow weary with lactic acid. What we sacrificed in experience, we gained in team speed. Yesterday was hot, hot, hot, and when a few of those Brazilian midfielders started to slow down and the defenders lost concentration, our substitutes and young guns picked up the tempo. That's why we scored the goal. That's why a player like Angela Hucles is so valuable to the American side.

Secondly, our backline--minus Cat Whitehill--looked organized against creative opponents. Brazil relies on beating defenders 1 v 1 and this time we held our ground. Neither Hope nor Nicole Barnhart was ever seriously threatened by a dangerous shot on goal.

Thirdly, some of our players looked incredibly strong when shielding the ball. Abby (still sitting on 99), Boxxy and Carli all used their bodies so well against the smaller Brazilians. That ability is pivotal to playing the possession game this American team prefers.

On things to improve, Coach Pia said it best: "If you look at the final pass, I don't think that it’s good enough yet. In the second-half, I thought it was pretty good. If you could add the final pass as well I think we will win many games in the Olympics."

The US WNT has one more friendly before Beijing. Let's see if they can find that final pass this Wednesday in a rematch with Brazil, which will be televised live on Fox Soccer Channel at 7 pm PT.