USA v Cymru -

USA 2-0 Cymru

9th July 2023 PayPal Stadium, San Jose

Stephen (@stephenjbaker) looks back at the friendly between the US and Cymru, a step onto the wider stage for the women’s team.

For the first time in the history of Cymru women’s football, the national side played a match outside of Europe. Cymru were invited to play the US National Team in California, in the hosts final match before heading off to the World Cup. Just being involved in this match shows how far Women’s football has come in Cymru. To be thought of as good opposition for the number one ranked team as they prepare to defend their title.

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With Sophie Ingle and Rachel Rowe already missing, there was a late withdrawal from Jess Fishlock. She had played for her club side Friday night, on the other side of America, where she picked up a knock. This feels like a clear reflection of the issues with the calendar in the women’s game. The potential two games, 48 hours apart, would never have been asked of a male player.

The US started with an attacking 4-3-3 formation against Cymru’s 4-2-3-1.

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Despite missing these iconic players and being around thirty places lower in the World Rankings, Cymru showed no fear against the current World Champions. Strong defending from the first whistle, kept the US at bay. The Red Wall at the back for Cymru withstood attack after attack from the Americans who, despite 75% possession, never managed to produce the final product during the first half.

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It took till the 28th minute before Cymru had any kind of possession in the US half but after a few controlled passes the move went nowhere. There was another 10 minutes of US attacking before Cymru finally got inside the US box. Ceri Holland managed to get into the box down the right hand side, crossing the ball just outside the six yard box, but missing Kayleigh Green.

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The first half ended with America having only one shot on target despite having eight corners and eight attempted shots. The stats showed the heroic performance of the Cymru team.

The second half continued in the same vein, with more American possession. With the US making four changes before the hour, Cymru managed a little more possession without anything coming of it.

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Then in the 76’ minute the US finally made a break through, when a pass from just inside the Cymru half cut through the defence. This was picked up by Sophia Smith who took the ball into the left hand side of the box before squaring it to Trinity Rodman who knocked it into an open goal.

Despite more outstanding Cymru defending in the Californian heat, the US broke though again with a second goal by Rodman in the 87’ minute. After what looked like a foul on the edge of the box by Rodman, she was allowed to carry on into the box where she curled it into the top corner. An amazing finish that sent the 18,000 sell out crowd wild. Rodman is a player to look out for during the World, where she will likely emerge from the shadow of her famous father.

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Despite losing 2-0 there were many positive for Gemma Grainger to take from this game. Great defensive performance from a team that has done Cymru proud. A big step forward for this team today.

USA

1 Naeher

23 Fox (64’ Huerta)

12 Cook (79’ Sonnett)

4 Girma

19 Dunn

17 Sullivan (79’ Mewis)

2 Sanchez (64’ Williams)

10 Horan

11 Smith

13 Morgan (45’ Rodman)

7 Thompson (64’ Demelo)