Well, I hate to see Pia resort to the bunker, and yes it was a bunker. 9-11 players behind the ball at all times, back row of 5 with 4 about 15 feet ahead. This is straight out of Jose's playbook, but lets face it he, and now Pia, have succeed nicely with it. Just lousy soccer to watch. But Sweden should have won it in regulation.
Having said that, the US never had the flair it had for the last few games at WC. Overall my ratings 1 best, 6 awful
Hope 4...some great saves, some howlers, no to mention never an option on a pass back. Needs to prove she still belongs, especially when you bring so much baggage.
Klingenberg 3. Solid defending, good runs up the flank, crosses into the box lacking quality
Engen 3. Very solid in the back. Not much offensive distribution
Saurbrunn 2. Rock solid on defense, good opening of the game
O Hara 4 not enough offensive production in a system where it is critical
Julie Johnson 4 looked bad on the goal to Sweden, looked rusty, not her usual presence in the box offensively or defensively.
Morgan Briant. 3 solid defense, too little offense. When she did get involved she added a lot, just not often enough
Dunn 2 Brought alot of energy and one v one skills that help open up space for her teammates.
Pugh 3 had some really nice offensive runs, much like Dunn can create wonderfully of the dribble...needs to get much better on D
Llloyd 4 Looked out of place, did not make a big impact on any game.
Morgan 2 Scored some good goals, won alot of balls as the sole target play, needed a partner to work with.
Heath. 2.5 Creative attacking player, played some good D, needs to get better on set plays and finishing.
Pia 4. Did not get the line up or tactics right against Sweden, a team that was much less talented. Us team struggled under big expectations, never really hit its strde against the better teams.
Ref 6 missed some game changing calls badly. Need to give up this female ref nonsense, and get the best refs on the field. The game deserves better.