Title: USWNT’s World Cup Opener: All Players Available, Coach Takes Caution with Lavelle and Rapinoe
Date: July 21, 2023
The U.S. women’s national team (USWNT) has received a major boost ahead of their highly anticipated Women’s World Cup opener against Vietnam. Head coach Vlatko Andonovski has confirmed that every member of the team, including key players Julie Ertz, Rose Lavelle, and Megan Rapinoe, will be available for selection. However, Andonovski has also expressed his intentions to gradually reintegrate Lavelle and Rapinoe into World Cup play.
“Andonovski said in his pre-match comments on Friday in Auckland, per ESPN. While he shared that ‘Julie is 100%,’ he admitted his plans to be patient with Lavelle and Rapinoe,” revealed the USWNT head coach.
Lavelle, who has been training with the team for three weeks now, has shown remarkable progress in her recovery from injury. Coach Andonovski emphasized that they will not rush her back into action and will gradually increase her playing time as the tournament progresses.
Similarly, Rapinoe’s playing time will also be managed conservatively, with the expectation that her minutes will gradually increase over the course of the World Cup. Both players missed the USWNT’s World Cup warm-up match against Wales due to fitness issues.
Julie Ertz, who recently returned to the field after a two-year absence due to knee injury and maternity leave, will be starting in the World Cup opener against Vietnam. Andonovski praised Ertz’s dedication and confirmed her position as a key player for the USWNT in the tournament. In a surprising move, Ertz is expected to feature as a center back, alongside Andi Sullivan and Lindsey Horan.
Fans are also anticipating the inclusion of midfielder Savannah DeMelo in the starting XI, after Andonovski’s shock decision to bring her into the team. Forward duo Alex Morgan and Sophia Smith, who started in the warm-up match against Wales, are also likely to retain their spots. Trinity Rodman, who impressed as a substitute with a brace against Wales, could be rewarded with a starting position against Vietnam.
In the absence of Rose Lavelle, Ashley Sanchez is expected to play in the midfield once again, alongside Ertz and USWNT captain Lindsey Horan.
The World Cup opener between the United States and Vietnam is set to take place on Friday, July 21, at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. Fans can catch the action live on Fox or stream it through the Fox Sports App and fuboTV.
The odds heavily favor the United States (-75000) in this match, with a draw at +2800 and Vietnam at +5000, according to Caesars Sportsbook.
The USWNT is eager to begin their Women’s World Cup campaign on a high note and will look to showcase their strength and depth against Vietnam.