My last word on this, then moving on to the next match.

First Half
USA had 3 shots on goal while COL had 0. We had an offsides "goal" call by a narrow margin. USA possessed the ball 54% of the time.

Second Half
Aside from the missed PK, USA had 3 more shots on goal while COL had 2. We possessed the ball 53% of the 2nd half.

So, we possessed the ball more and allowed fewer shots on goal the first half. These are not insignificant or cherry-picked stats. I really don't think we're lucky COL's goalie was given a red card and played a player down. The USA controlled the game possessing the ball roughly 8 mins more than COL. I absolutely agree we should have played a better match and there's no doubt Germany is playing better soccer but there is no way anyone can convince me the USA shouldn't have won 5-0 and I don't think COL threatened at any point. Also, the French ref and French asst ref certainly did all they could to cripple the USA in hope of not seeing the superior team Match 49 -- in the event they can somehow upset Germany this Friday.

(06-23-2015 08:52 PM)Tribal Wrote:  My last word on this, then moving on to the next match.

First Half
USA had 3 shots on goal while COL had 0. We had an offsides "goal" call by a narrow margin. USA possessed the ball 54% of the time.

Second Half
Aside from the missed PK, USA had 3 more shots on goal while COL had 2. We possessed the ball 53% of the 2nd half.

So, we possessed the ball more and allowed fewer shots on goal the first half. These are not insignificant or cherry-picked stats. I really don't think we're lucky COL's goalie was given a red card and played a player down. The USA controlled the game possessing the ball roughly 8 mins more than COL. I absolutely agree we should have played a better match and there's no doubt Germany is playing better soccer but there is no way anyone can convince me the USA shouldn't have won 5-0 and I don't think COL threatened at any point. Also, the French ref and French asst ref certainly did all they could to cripple the USA in hope of not seeing the superior team Match 49 -- in the event they can somehow upset Germany this Friday.

The Colombian shots on goal were in the 83rd and 85th minutes when we were up 2-0. Not trying to say we played extremely well but we did only give up the shots on goal in the closing minutes when we were up by 2. Can't talk about the possession discrepancy but I wouldn't be surprised if the change was in the closing 10-15 minutes after we were up by 2 as well and parked the bus.

1-0 over China. Very nice win!

Great to keep pushing but this was another match that left goals on the pitch. Gotta find our boot.

China stacked the box, but we still had a lot of quality shots (and some not so quality). I was surprised how strong we were with possession in the attacking third. Germany will be a test for sure, but with our defense as strong as it's been and our offense back to full strength, I like where we are.

(06-26-2015 09:50 PM)hktribefan Wrote:  China stacked the box, but we still had a lot of quality shots (and some not so quality). I was surprised how strong we were with possession in the attacking third. Germany will be a test for sure, but with our defense as strong as it's been and our offense back to full strength, I like where we are.

That offense looked completely different, I am wondering if maybe you start Rodriquez against Germany, and if needed bring Rapinoe off the bench.

Solo could of tended goal with a glass of wine in one hand...thanks I'll be here all week!

I think we need to play a 3 front to beat Germany with Wambach in the middle and speed on the outside. If we stick with a 2 front, Wambach needs to come off the bench or sit the whole match.

I like the offensive flow when Lloyd pushes up, not sure why but last night she seemed to be doing that for the first time the entire WC, she is a big presence out there for the US.

I would[/align] go Press, Rodriquez and Morgan up front, with Wambach coming in as a late sub, though to be honest I think she is there more as a lifetime achievement award at this point.

I like Lloyd but she turned to ball over a lot yesterday. I cursed her all match until she used her head.

Rapinoe brings the ability to create her own shot from the wing. I just hope Lloyd still has the chance to put on pressure with Holiday back.

We are dominating the first 40 minutes but need to finish one of these chances including an almost break away by Morgan.

Ugly head to head contact on the free kick where one player on each team went down hard and the German was bleeding big time out her head. Glad to see that both are ok and able to come back in the game though I am surprised neither had to come out for good.

Bailed out by the German who missed the PK. They are starting to get more aggressive.

And we convert our PK (thanks ref for calling it in the box)

GOAAALL!!

#2!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep. That was a great overall play from the corner to the drive in. By far our best game of the World Cup so far with 5 plus extra time to go.

Dominant performance. We held the ball as well as I've ever seen and seemed to take it from them at will. If we play like that and get a few shots to go our way around the goal it could be a slaughter.

The primary WaPo article prominently mentions Ellis' W&M roots, awesome!

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcu...ml?hpid=z1

A very complimentary piece on Ellis and her management of the team vs Germany.

http://nesn.com/2015/06/usa-germany-wrap...-100093970

impressive performance from the U.S.