This is It: Preview for #USAvJPN and Score Prediction #USA

By, Kyle Gibson

Time for revenge for the United States Women’s National Team. 

After blowing two leads in 2011, the U.S. has a chance to win its first World Cup in 16 years by defeating Japan, who handed the team it’s loss just four years ago.

Heck, I’ve never done this, but I can’t even finish this blog. I wanted to post a really thoughtful preview, but my fingers are shaking as I type this. I’m so nervous and I just watched a documentary about the 1999 winning team, so now I’m crying.

Here’s what this boils down to. The United States can’t afford to make too many mistakes a very tactical Japan team. It will punish them. 

You also need to leave some firepower on the bench, just in case. Leave Abby Wambach, unless you want to honor her, then introduce Alex Morgan later. We also need to see very strong games from Carli Lloyd and Julie Johnston, who have truly led the team along with Becky Sauerbrunn. 

I think that the United States will win. It has become the best team in the tournament before our very eyes. Give Jill Ellis the credit she deserves here. 

The U.S. Will win 2-1. When we win, pause and remember as you celebrate. 

And never be afraid to cry. 

Preview and Prediction: Tonight’s #USWNT Game will be Closer than Many Expect #USAvCOL

By, Kyle Gibson 

Yes, Colombia is talking trash. 

Yes, they aren’t exactly used to the big stage.

Yes, ESPN’s Paul Carr tweeted that Abby Wambach has almost as many goals with her head (77) as Colombia has career goals (82). 

That still doesn’t mean that tonight won’t be a close game.

For all the confidence we have given the United States women’s national team this Women’s World Cup, there has not been a lot of cohesiveness and ability, let alone consistency to back up any of that confidence in this team. 

Sure, there are the bright spots: Hope Solo, Meghan Klingenberg, Julie Johnston, Becky Sauerbrunn and Megan Rapinoe. However, they are the only players that have shown a great deal of consistency for the side. 

Frankly, if the United States is going to win the World Cup, it will need to find some consistency and desire from its attacking players. Looking at Carli Lloyd, Christen Press, Morgan Brian and Sydney Leroux here. (I’m giving Alex Morgan a pass here due to injury and Abby Wambach gets a bit of one because she scored last game.) 

Colombia is not a foe to be taken lightly. They beat France in the group stage. Yep, the France, which advanced to the Quarters in real style and are in the small group of front runners. 

Lady Andrade is cocky and in form (two WWC 2015 goals) and I truly think she will score tonight. 

The U.S. Will need its A game tonight. 

Prediction: USA 2-1 Colombia US goals by Rapinoe and Wambach. Colombia goal by Andrade. 

Preview: Here are a few key stories to watch at the Women’s World Cup, plus my prediction for #USAvAUS

By, Kyle Gibson

Another summer. Another World Cup.

This one is arguably larger for the United States because the Women’s National Team should always be considered a favorite in the world’s game. With the World Cup finally back on North American soil, the women’s team is trying to return to glory and win its third World Cup trophy (and first in 16 years.)

Things will be tough, though, with the U.S. drawn into a strong group including Sweden (coached by former USWNT beloved boss Pia Sundhage), Nigeria and Australia.

Tonight’s opponent is Australia. Here are my thoughts as the U.S. Looks to take on the Matildas.

1) There is a cloud over the team with the recent ESPN Outside the Lines report on Hope Solo. Solo has been a distraction for years, but remains to be seen as one of the greatest goalkeepers the women’s game has ever produced. Can Solo keep her focus? Can the team rally around her? That will be highly important this evening. Shaky goalkeeping is not a good thing to have at a World Cup.

2) The leaders of the U.S. line, Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan, are not as sharp as in recent tournaments. Wambach turned 35 on June 2 and his been saving herself for this tournament. Morgan has been out due to injury and isn’t starting tonight. The scoring ability these two have shown recently may have been masking a few problems in the team as a whole. It will be vital to get goal production from these two.

3) Finally, a prediction. I think the U.S. will win 2-1. The scorers will be Wambach and Sydney Leroux. Leroux has gained notoriety over the years, but could be a household name by the time this World Cup is over. I think Megan Rapinoe will add an assist. She’s a dynamic player (my favorite on the team) that everyone should watch. She’s a joy.

Stay posted on Tuesday. I’ll break down the game.