Elias: USWNT Colombia Draw Positives, Despite Frustrating Draw
Let's be honest, the USWNT's 0-0 draw against Colombia in the first game of the 2023 SheBelieves Cup was a bit of a snoozefest. But hey, there's always a silver lining, right? And for me, there were definitely some positives to take away from that match.
A Defensive Masterclass
First things first, the defense was rock solid. The backline, led by the veteran presence of Becky Sauerbrunn and the emerging talent of Naomi Girma, held strong against a very aggressive Colombian attack. They completely shut down the likes of Linda Caicedo, who was a real threat throughout the game. It was a real team effort, with every player on the field working hard to deny Colombia any clear chances.
Finding Their Feet
Secondly, the USWNT were finally back on the pitch after a long break. It's always tough to jump right back into international football, but they looked pretty good in stretches. The energy was there, and they started creating some decent chances in the second half. It wasn't a vintage performance, but it was definitely a step in the right direction.
A Look to the Future
Finally, this match was a great opportunity to give some young players valuable experience. We saw some impressive performances from players like Alyssa Thompson and Trinity Rodman, who looked really good in their roles. These players are the future of the USWNT and it's crucial to see them getting some time on the field.
The Bottom Line
While the draw itself wasn't ideal, it's important to acknowledge the progress the USWNT is making. There's still a lot of work to be done before the World Cup, but this game provided some valuable insights and gave the team some confidence going forward. We're still in the early stages of the year, and I'm excited to see what this team can accomplish as they continue to fine-tune their game and work towards their ultimate goal.