United States Predicted Lineup vs Canada in SheBelieves Cup Opener

The United States women’s national team has officially begun preparing for this year’s World Cup. After two shutout victories against New Zealand, the defending champions from 2019 will come home to host the SheBelieves Cup. Their opening match in the tournament will be against a Canadian squad that has faced recent off-field turmoil.

So much so there was a question as to whether this match would be played as the Canadian women were on a work strike just last week. Despite the off-the-field drama, Canada will be the United States’ biggest competition during the tournament. Here is the United States Predicted Lineup for their clash against Canada at 7 PM ET in Orlando.

Tomorrow is only a day away. #SheBelievesCup, presented by @Visa

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) February 15, 2023

How United States Have Lined-Up Recently

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The United States began its 2023 campaign with a pair of friendlies against New Zealand in January. Both lineups featured four players who played in both friendlies. Up front, Mallory Swanson was a constant on the left wing. Rose Lavelle played in the midfield for both matches and the backline was represented twice by Crystal Dunn and Naomi Girma.

Lindsey Horan returned to club duties after her appearance in the first match. However, under normal circumstances, she would be an assumed regular midfield partner along with Lavelle. Experienced veterans like Alex Morgan and Becky Sauerbrunn, though only playing in one match, can also be assumed regulars for future matches.

United States Recent Form and Tactics

The most recent lineups the United States has put out have been in the 4-3-3 formation. The US frontline has mainly consisted of Mallory Swanson, Alex Morgan, and a rotation of either Trinity Rodman or Midge Purce.

Midfield has been a concern since the absence of Julie Ertz. Horan and Lavelle can be expected regularly. However, finding an Ertz replacement has resulted in Andi Sullivan and Taylor Kornieck as underwhelming solutions.

The Backline has consisted of Crystal Dunn out left since her return after maternity leave last season. Centrally, the United States has three strong defenders in Becky Sauerbrunn, Alana Cook, and Naomi Girma. The right-back position has the most questions as they have mainly been switching between Emily Fox, Emily Sonnett, and Sofia Huerta. Meanwhile, Alyssa Naeher’s 87 caps have solidified her spot as the main goalkeeper for the squad.

United States Injuries to Consider

Rose Lavelle was announced as being out for the Canada match due to Injury. Head Coach, Vlatko Andonovski said that Lavelle should be available for the second and third matches of the tournament.

There are several players who are absent in order to rehab injuries. Catarina Macario, Christen Press, and Tierna Davidson are three notable players recovering from ACL injuries. All three plan to be available by April. Kelley O’Hara, who is nursing a hip injury also plans to be available in April.

Sam Mewis announced that she was having a second surgery and won’t be available for the World Cup. Former player of the year Julie Ertz hasn’t played since the 2021 Olympics. She gave birth to her first child in August and is expected to not be in consideration for the World Cup squad.