Editor’s note: Shannon Mac Millan is a US Women’s National Team legend who made 176 appearances, scored 60 goals, and won the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 1996 Olympic Gold Medal. She is currently the VP of Community Relations for the San Diego Loyal.   

“Shannon’s Take” will run throughout the FIFA Women’s World Cup on USL channels, including a limited-run newsletter. Sign up to receive “Shannon’s Take” directly to your inbox.  

Follow Shannon on Twitter at @Shann8nMac. 

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What a great start for the USWNT! They secured three points against Women’s World Cup debutants Vietnam to start off their journey toward a fifth star. 

I watched the game in Los Angeles alongside some of Angel City’s season ticket members. We had a pregame panel with myself, former USWNT player Saskia Webber, and Angel City forward Simone Charley. The three of us discussed how far the women’s game has come, acknowledged there’s plenty of work to still be done, and celebrated the excitement of the Women’s World Cup. 

Then we settled in for the game.  

The result, a 3-0 win for the US, was what was expected. Though I think many thought it would be more of a blowout. Regardless, they got three points, and it is difficult to point out too much that went wrong.   

That’s not to say there isn’t room for improvement. Overall we looked a bit disjointed at times; struggled on some finishing opportunities; and gave away the ball with unforced errors. Give credit to a Vietnam side that was organized and showed plenty of grit. Their goalkeeper made save after save – coming up especially massive on Alex Morgan’s penalty.  

Vietnam’s performance was one of several by World Cup newcomers that clearly remove any doubts from people wondering if the women’s tournament was ready to expand to 32 participating nations. From New Zealand winning their opening game against Norway, to Jamaica pulling off an upset tie with France, to Haiti nearly drawing with England – these teams showed they deserve to be there. These players deserve their place on the world’s stage. 

Three Takes on the USWNT 

1. Buildup, composure, and quality finishes - Sophia Smith’s first goal showed the impact of the US’s passing ability. An entry pass from Lindsey Horan and flick from Morgan broke multiple lines and found Smith in stride pushing into the box. Smith then had the composure to bury the ball for her first World Cup goal. Horan’s goal was also a nice build up, with Smith driving to the end line, drawing the keeper out and then cutting the ball back to Horan who took a controlling touch before finishing it with power. The US will need this type chemistry and quality in the final third if they are to get results against more sophisticated defenses. 

2. A repositioned Julie Ertz - It was interesting to see Julie Ertz paired as a center back alongside Naomi Girma instead of in her traditional #6 role in the midfield. This is obviously a move by head coach Vlatko Andonovski to fill the void left with Becky Sauerbrunn’s absence due to injury. Since the backline was not truly tested vs. Vietnam, I loved seeing Ertz get involved in the attack, whether pushing up for set pieces or with aggressive touches into the midfield. Ertz is so valuable because of her multidimensional skillset: As a center back, she has a midfielder’s ball control and confidence, but also the ability to read the game and deliver crunching tackles. 

3. The new first-choice XI? - We saw six players make their World Cup debut against Vietnam. Is the our “new” go-to starting lineup? Maybel. Those minutes and experience will be immeasurable as the USWNT continue in the tournament. Remember, this team came together only a few weeks prior to the start of the World Cup. The chemistry and cohesion will build and improve, which should scare other countries. 

My Player Spotlight  

The clear and obvious stand out on the night was Sophia Smith. Smith has been on fire for NWSL’s Portland Thorns this season, leading the league in goals scored, and she clearly packed that good form for the trip to New Zealand, with her two goals and an assist. 

But I think it’s important also to notice that Rose Lavelle looked very sharp coming off the bench, putting to rest any questions of whether she would be ready after having not played a game since April. Her mobility and skill on the ball has not missed a beat, and she can be a game-changer for this team. 

Lindsey Horan also played very well, beyond her goal. She settled in as the match went on, and really found her groove as the orchestrator in the second half. With Ertz dropping into the center back role, Horan must control the midfield for 90 minutes.   

What does this result mean in the overall picture of the USWNT’s journey?

Did we see the US’s best game tonight? Absolutely not.  

However, no one is hitting the panic button. Having been in these situations myself, I know that the team will learn and grow from tonight’s game and continue to improve as the tournament wears on.  

Ideally, you want everyone hitting their stride as you hit the knockout rounds. Step one has been accomplished - three points and everyone is healthy. Younger players got quality time to embrace the World Cup atmosphere and work through any nerves. Lavelle and Megan Rapinoe – both coming off of injuries – were able to get playing time. 

Looking Ahead

If the USWNT fared well versus the Vietnam, Wednesday’s match against the Netherlands, a top 10 opponent, will put that to the test. The Netherlands, who lost to the US in the 2019 final, started off with a 1-0 win over Portugal.  

The Dutch are without star Vivianne Miedema, who is one of many players missing out on the World Cup due to an ACL injury, but they are still a quality side and will have the ability to exploit errors in ways that Vietnam couldn’t. The Netherlands are also more athletic and tactically sophisticated, so they will also test the US back line and create more chances on goal through the run of play. 

I am curious to see what tweaks Vlatko may make to his starting line up. Will he use the same 11 and build on the energy and momentum of the first game? Or bring in a few more experienced players to counter the Dutch tactics and help earn a result against the only side in the group that could trouble the US? We’ll see. 

One Final Note

A HUGE shout out to Megan Rapinoe on her 200th cap. It is a testament to her quality and durability to reach that milestone. LFG!