loading...
League Logo
CBB
League Logo
CBB
League Logo
NBA
League Logo
MLB
League Logo
NHL
All
    loading...

    USWNT rebuild complete with dominant Women's World Cup final win

    Three years after a surprising ouster in the Summer Olympics, the USA women's soccer team pounded Netherlands with shots in a dominant 2-0 World Cup final on Sunday.
    Hero Image

    The rebuild, to borrow a phrase from the French, is a fait accompli. Three years after the U.S. women's soccer team was ushered out of the Summer Olympics in the quarterfinals, prompting a partial tear-down of its program, the Americans capped a glorious run through the World Cup by overwhelming the Netherlands 2-0 on Sunday in Lyon, France.

    About half of the roster from 2016 was turned over. Some holdover players adopted new positions and different roles. The formation was tweaked. Greater urgency to attack was instilled.

    With women's soccer being fast-tracked in other nations, the U.S. could not stand pat and assume its upper hand would continue.

    It was tested throughout the Cup yet never trailed. Soccer is quirky enough that the superior team does not always kiss the trophy. This time, it did.

    The Americans peppered the Dutch goalkeeper with 10 shots, not counting a few attempts wiped out by offside. The Netherlands managed a lone try at Alyssa Naeher. The all-shots comparison, 17-5, was equally one-sided.

    Still, the game was scoreless with two-thirds of regulation time expired. Then Alex Morgan drew a penalty on a high kick in the box that grazed her shoulder. Nothing was called until referee Stephanie Frappart consulted with VAR, the video review system that brought to light the inefficiencies of officiating during the tournament.

    Justifiably, after the review, the ref pointed to the penalty spot. Megan Rapinoe nailed the PK in the 61st minute.

    Eight minutes later, Rose Lavelle, new to the U.S. roster in Cup play, authored the game's highlight on a breath-taking run with the ball that culminated in a goal.

    Reflecting their aggressive approach, the Americans kept peppering the opposing keeper with tries. There was no foot off the pedal for coach Jill Ellis, and the Dutch remained on their heels for much of the duration.

    There was little doubt that the day would generate Team USA's fourth World Cup title.

    The only remaining suspense is whether the team accepts an invitation for a White House visit. (Not.)

    Mike Tierney

    Share This Story