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. 

***

Exhale. 

Late in the U.S. Women’s National Team draw with Portugal in the early hours of Tuesday morning, I felt that huge, collective sigh from fans across the country.  

Saved by a POST in injury time!!! The USWNT was inches away from a flight home. INCHES!  

Exhale. 

Bottom line: That was an incredibly lackluster performance. The US team looked lost out there. 

This game, which I had initially planned to watch on delay while eating breakfast because I thought the bracket would be under control and the US would have six points in hand, instead became a disrupted night of sleep because I was so uneasy. It turns out, rightfully so.   

When the starting lineup first came out, I was pleasantly surprised to see that Lynn Williams and Rose Lavelle would be getting the start. I went into the opening whistle with a lot of optimism.  

But Portugal quickly stifled that with an organized and confident attack to the game. 

What is happening? 

This US team is oozing with individual talent. But they are struggling with the chemistry of playing as a cohesive unit. We have passes that are weighted too heavily; players being reactive versus making slashing runs demanding the ball; players taking too many touches; etc.   

We did see flashes on the counterattack, but mainly the US were predictable and lacked quality in the final third, especially with service into the box and finishing. 

The culture, style of play, and approach of this team is different than what we have all grown accustomed to seeing out there, especially in a major event. I’m not saying different is bad, but different is hard to embrace when the performance does not match the expectations of the before-different era.   

Well done, Portugal

I think it is important to give a nod to Portugal.  

Tactically, they were far superior than the US. Manager Francisco Neto outcoached Vlatko Andonovski. He clearly had his side ready to go from the first kick.   

Portugal’s tactics stifled the US in the midfield, especially, and didn’t allow them to get any rhythm.  When the Portuguese had the ball, their confidence and composure on the ball was impressive. Their first touch was always on the move, helping them to avoid pressure from defenders. They had crisp passes breaking US midfield lines and even more dangerous ones that went in behind the US back line. They had better looks on goal. 

Including that look in the 91st minute when Ana Capeta ran in on goal and smacked the right post with her shot. A matter of inches determined who got a flight back home.  

It almost feels unfair for this team, after the performance they put in, to be bounced from the tournament. But they have much to build on. This was a statement game for Portugal. 

Stay Positive 

Saying all that, the US are still advancing. As one teammate/legend summed it up: “I am grateful that it is over and we are moving on. It could be worse. Just ask Portugal.”   

We saw Kelley O’Hara talking to the team with passion. This leadership is desperately needed. Even if she isn’t on the field, she can still have an impact over the next few days and in whatever role she has come Sunday. 

Another positive development: Vlatko used his bench. Albeit a bit late for some changes, in my opinion, at least we saw adjustments trying to be made. That’s progress.   

Next Up 

Finishing second in the group means that the USWNT will face the winner of Group G in the Round of 16. It looks like that means a familiar foe: Sweden, who won their first two matches and face a relatively weak Argentina in their third group game. The Swedes will undoubtedly be another tough test for the US.  

It’s important to note that Rose Lavelle picked up a yellow against Portugal, so she will miss the next game due to yellow-card accumulation.   

With no momentum, shaken confidence, and one of their midfield maestros out, the US need to do some serious soul-searching over the next few days.  

It’s not about training anymore. Or fitness.  

These players need to figure out how to connect with each other. They need to get on the same page – because right now, they aren’t even in the same book. 

Added Time

• Please take a moment to celebrate Christine Sinclair – a true legend. My heart breaks to see her and Canada go out in the group stage, but she’s a GOAT who left her mark on the game and our hearts forever.  Thank you, Sinc! 

• Japan have been clinical on the field and are quietly going about their business. But off the field, they are putting in a similarly world-class performance How about the video of their fans cleaning the stadium after each game? Or the pictures showing how clean the squad leaves the locker room? That’s class that transcends the game. 

• Shoutout to Kerly Theus, Haiti’s goalkeeper who played for the USL W League’s FC Miami City this past season. Incredible to see an unheralded player perform so well on the international stage. She has a bright future ahead of her.