As the opening whistle blew and the kick off was executed, we were underway. The US threatened with a quick shot on goal that was missed just to the left by Carli Lloyd. The US women would be aggressive from the beginning. Just seemed like high quality shot attempt after high quality shot attempt for the US. Carli Lloyd would lead the attack for the US early on as she would assist on the first goal in the 10th minute. The goal would be scored by Forward Crystal Dunn. Shortly after the goal by Dunn, Allie Long would head a ball into the back of the net to extend the US lead to 2-0. The Assist came off of a throw-in by Rose Lavelle. It would be Lavelle’s first career assist. After 30 minutes of being so close, the US put another goal on the board, as Crystal Dunn rifled one into the back of the net. The goal extended the lead to 3-0 with the US on top. As the referee’s whistle blew for halftime, the US had a dominating 3-0 lead over Russia. The US dominated about every single statistical category you can think of in the 1st half. The key stats though have been possession percentage, shots, and offside calls. The US owned possession in the first half, winning 70%-30%. The US also obliterated Russia in shot attempts, winning 16-5. Moreover, the last stat to look at is the amount of offside calls for the US. 6 offside’s calls ruined 3 goals opportunities for the US.
The second half started, and Crystal Dunn came out firing for the US. You could definitely tell she wanted the hat trick. The US also came out keeping ahead in the possession game. Thought the USWNT would dominate possession, they would be passive aggressive on the attack. Potentially seeing that momentum was completely going their way in front of the home fans. Russia though would start to play REALLY physical and would continue to have their foul count expand. Unfortunately, in the 63rd minute, Crystal Dunn would be subbed out for Christen Press and would fall short of her first hat trick in international play. Allie Long in the 70th minute would head in a beautiful ball for her first career goal in international play. The goal was assisted by midfielder Mallory Pugh to extend the US lead to 4-0. After a few more aggressive attacks from the US, the US would call off the dogs. The US would go onto oppress their domination on this Russia Women’s Nation Team the rest of the game. Final key stats of the game for the US would continue to be shots, possession percentage, and corner kicks. The USWNT would end up continuing to dominate the shots category. Finishing with 33 shots, with 7 of those shots being on goal. Russia would finish would only 5 total shots and 1 shot on goal. USA won the possession battle as well. Winning it 71% to Russia’s 29%.
What we learned tonight? We learned that the US has completely wiped their performance at the She Believes Cup out of their mind. This game was over after the first goal was scored. Russia was never really able to hold possession in their zone long enough to get shots off. Crystal Dunn and Allie Long stuck out to anyone with a pair of eyes in their head. These two teams face off again in two days in Houston. I am thinking it will be more of the same for the US. Have a great night everyone!
