USWNT Defense Stands Tall in Women’s World Cup Draw vs. Sweden

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: June 13, 2015

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The United States remained unbeaten at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup after playing out a scoreless draw against Sweden and former coach Pia Sundhage on Friday night in Winnipeg, Manitoba. While concerns remain over the team's overall performance, especially in the attacking third, coach Jill Ellis will be pleased with her four starting defenders, and in particular Julie Johnston.

Ahead of kickoff, most of the headlines revolved around Sundhage's recent comments about some U.S. players, and the Americans' supposed desire to exact revenge. By full time, however, the defense and Johnston were the main stories.

Simply put, Johnston was the game's star performer. Making just her second World Cup start, the Chicago Red Stars defender provided a commanding presence at the heart of the American back line.

Throughout the 90 minutes, the 23-year-old made key interceptions, cut out attacks and even posed a threat in the attacking third on set pieces. With excellent speed and positioning, she and center-back partner Becky Sauerbrunn made sure Sweden's forwards had few clear looks on goal.



One moment early in the second half stood out. After joining the U.S. attack for a set piece, Johnston raced the length of the pitch to end a potentially dangerous counter by Sweden. Then, late in the match, as the Europeans pushed for a winner, Johnston made a perfectly timed tackle near the byline.

“For a young player, she shows a lot of poise,” Ellis said, per Laken Litman at USA Today. “She’s tough. Her timing is excellent. Her timing in winning balls and in the air. She’s shown a lot of maturity already.”

It was a superb all-around performance, and it should reassure Ellis after the opening match against Australia. In that game, the Matildas caused all kinds of problems for the American defense, especially in the early portions of the match. But against Sweden—a...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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