SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — In a display of unity, Megan Rapinoe and Trinity Rodman stood together at the top of a stairwell, eagerly awaiting their return to the field for the Women’s World Cup Down Under. As the veterans and the newcomers of U.S. Soccer joined forces, they continued to learn from one another and forge a strong bond. Coach Vlatko Andonovski expressed confidence that any remaining issues would be resolved during the upcoming training sessions, allowing the American team to shine on the world stage.
The talented rising star, Rodman, made her mark by scoring in the 76th and 88th minutes, as the U.S. team finally capitalized on their numerous offensive opportunities. Their 2-0 victory over Wales in the final warm-up match served as a promising prelude to the Women’s World Cup.
Due to a series of injuries, Coach Andonovski was forced to make adjustments to the lineup.
Andonovski acknowledged the need for these changes, recognizing that it might take a few more weeks for the team to fully synchronize. However, he expressed confidence in the team’s current progress and anticipated a remarkable performance once they found their rhythm.
In the match, Trinity Rodman played a pivotal role in breaking the scoreless tie. She showcased her skills by receiving a precise pass from Sophia Smith and swiftly converting it into a goal. Rodman’s impact continued as she scored another goal later in the game, providing a glimpse of the youthful talent that will represent the United States on the grand stage in Australia and New Zealand.
The second goal came as Lynn Williams delivered an excellent pass from the center circle to Smith, who maneuvered past her defender on the left side. Smith then found an advancing Rodman, who confidently placed the ball into the net.
Rodman, a highly regarded 21-year-old forward, recognized the team’s commitment to excellence and setting high standards. Amidst the cheers of “USA! USA!” an hour after the match, she expressed her appreciation for the team’s collective effort.
Rodman’s impressive performance saw her double her goal tally for the U.S., bringing her total to four goals across 18 matches for the national team. She even had another opportunity with a header in the 74th minute. Although the U.S. team struggled to find their rhythm for a significant portion of the match, the substitutes injected new energy into the game.
Coach Andonovski has been experimenting with different lineups, combining experienced veterans with promising new talents from the 23-woman World Cup roster. The team consists of nine players who were part of the victorious 2019 World Cup squad, as well as 14 players making their debut on the grandest stage of international soccer.
Throughout the match, there were several near misses for the U.S. side. Alana Cook came close to scoring with a header in the 68th minute, but Wales’ Kayleigh Green cleared the ball off the goal line. Sofia Huerta also had a good opportunity in the 73rd minute. Additionally, Alyssa Thompson missed a chance from just outside the penalty box in the 61st minute. Despite the missed opportunities, the sold-out friendly match showcased some physical play and hard hits.
Wales demonstrated resilience in defense, limiting the U.S. team’s clear chances on goal. However, the Americans did have ample opportunities to practice their set pieces throughout the game. Wales’ first shot came in the 74th minute, courtesy of Hannah Cain.
There were a few moments of concern as well. Wales defender Lily Woodham briefly left the field for medical attention after a head-to-head collision with Alyssa Thompson in the 23rd minute, resulting in a swollen right eye for Woodham. Additionally, forward Carrie Jones experienced a blow to the head from a shoe just before halftime.
Just a day after Megan Rapinoe announced her retirement plans following the upcoming World Cup, the 38-year-old forward did not take the field due to a calf injury that has been troubling her for the past month. As a precautionary measure, Rapinoe was kept out of the game. However, she received a warm reception from the crowd during warmups and again when she ran through the tunnel after completing her pregame routine.
Crystal Dunn, a defensive leader for the team, praised Rapinoe’s ability to connect with players of all ages, noting that Rapinoe’s presence and leadership have contributed to the team’s unity. The team values staying connected with the younger players, constantly learning from them and embracing new trends like TikTok. Dunn emphasized the importance of the team functioning as a cohesive unit.
Rapinoe will have to wait until the World Cup to make her 200th appearance for the national team. Throughout her illustrious 17-year career with the U.S. team, she has participated in multiple World Cups, including those in Germany in 2011, Canada in 2015, and France in 2019. Rapinoe aims to help the team secure their third consecutive title when the Women’s World Cup commences on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand. Upon reaching this milestone, Rapinoe will become the 14th player in U.S. soccer history to achieve 200 national team appearances.
In Rapinoe’s absence, the home crowd, comprising 18,000 fans in a sold-out stadium, had the opportunity to witness Trinity Rodman’s performance at PayPal Park, which serves as the home venue for the MLS team San Jose Earthquakes. Additionally, midfielder Savannah DeMelo made her first-ever appearance for the national team, coming on as a substitute during the second half. The U.S. team boasts a perfect record this year, winning all eight matches and outscoring opponents 19-1.
In the upcoming Women’s World Cup, the U.S. national team will kick off their group stage matches in Group E. Their first match is against Vietnam on July 22, which will take place at Auckland’s Eden Park. Following that, the U.S. will face The Netherlands, the runner-up from the 2019 Women’s World Cup, in their second group stage match on July 26. Their final group stage encounter will be against Portugal on August 1.
