Stubborn Wales narrowly defeated by World Cup holders USA

Wales were defeated 2-0 by the United States of America out in San Jose, in what was a stubborn performance by Gemma Grainger’s side.

After thwarting the current World Cup holders for 75 minutes, a Trinity Rodman double in the dying embers of the game secured the win for the Americans.

Cymru’s manager elected to make four changes from the team that played away in Portugal in April. Lily Woodham, Josie Green, Kayleigh Green, and Carrie Jones came in to replace Esther Morgan, Sophie Ingle, Jess Fishlock and Rachel Rowe.

The early indications showed that Grainger had veered away from her normal 4-3-3 formation to a 4-2-3-1, with Josie Green and Angharad James playing as the two in midfield.

For the vast majority of the first half, the US dominated possession with Wales rarely getting out of their own half.

While they did have all the ball, Olivia Clark was rarely tested in the Welsh net. Players like Hayley Ladd and Lily Woodham in particular were tracking the Americans’ fast wingers particularly well.

The best chance the Stars and Stripes had came early in the first half. Kayleigh Green was robbed in possession by Andi Sullivan and her deep cross found the diving header of Lindsey Horan, but Clark palmed it away well.

The only gripe maybe Wales fans could have had was the lack of an outlet. Often, one of Carrie Jones or Hannah Cain were left up top, and long balls simply were not sticking.

Other than that, Cymru looked resolute in the first half and went into the break on level terms with the four-time World Champions.

Almost instantaneously after restarting for the second half, the Americans once again controlled the game and bossed possession, but not creating anything with it.

On the hour mark, Emily Fox set off down the wing and her low cross found Alyssa Thompson in acres of space in the box, but the youngster lacked the composure to put the ball in the net.

That chance seemed to set the USA in motion as they pushed harder for a goal to put them ahead. A corner found the head of Naomi Girma, but Kayleigh Green headed her chance off the line superbly.

Wales did have a shot in the second half through Cain, but her effort from range ended in the side netting, but it was a positive sign for Grainger’s side heading into the closing stages of the match.

Just as it felt Wales could do something, the USA pounced and went ahead.

Lynn Williams picked out Sophia Smith with a fabulous through ball, and the winger was off to the races. As she stormed into the box, she slid the ball across to Trinity Rodman who tapped home from close range. The Red Wall had finally been breached.

With one under her belt, Rodman secured her second three minutes from time.

After the ball pinballed around in the box, it fell to Ceri Holland on the edge of the box. Rodman seemed to foul her to win the ball, but the referee waved play on. With her advantage, Rodman picked her spot and curled a sumptuous effort into the top corner.

Gemma Grainger will certainly take a lot of positives from this game, and it will certainly set Wales in good stead for when they face Germany and Denmark in the Nations League.

Player of the Match: Hayley Ladd

A player who certainly didn’t deserve to be on the losing side tonight. In the first half in particular she was a warrior; chasing down some of the world’s best talents and not giving them a sniff on goal. She makes Wales tick, simple as that.

Cymru

Olivia Clark (GK), Rhiannon Roberts (Charlie Estcourt 89’), Gemma Evans, Hayley Ladd, Lily Woodham (Esther Morgan 46’), Josie Green (Elise Hughes 82’), Angharad James ©, Ceri Holland, Hannah Cain, Kayleigh Green (Ffion Morgan 71’), Carrie Jones (Megan Wynne 71’)

Subs: Laura O’Sullivan, Safia Middleton-Patel, Ella Powell, Anna Filbey, Chloe Williams, Mary McAteer

Yellows: Josie Green (52’), Ceri Holland (82’)

USA

Alyssa Naeher (GK), Ashley Sanchez (Lynn Williams 64’), Naomi Girma, Alyssa Thompson (Savannah DeMelo 64’), Lindsey Horan ©, Sophia Smith, Alana Cook (Emily Sonnett 79’), Alex Morgan (Trinity Rodman 46’), Andi Sullivan (Kristie Mewis 79’), Crystal Dunn, Emily Fox (Sofia Huerta 64’)

Subs: Kelley O’Hara, Julie Ertz, Megan Rapinoe, Rose Lavelle, Casey Murphy, Aubrey Kingsbury

Goals: Trinity Rodman (76’, 87’)

Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell