Every game counts for U.S. women leading to World Cup
PHILADELPHIA — The U.S. has already qualified for the World Cup, so in terms of the bigger picture, Sunday's CONCACAF final against Costa Rica is meaningless.
But there are still things at stake. Like starting spots and team chemistry.
One of the Americans' greatest strengths is their depth. At any given time, coach Jill Ellis wants the luxury of having five players who can consistently come in at any spot on the field. So every extra game the U.S. plays before next summer's World Cup will help Ellis and her staff determine which players fit where. The final against Costa Rica at 6 p.m. ET at PPL Park is another opportunity.
"We'll take it as more preparation and (the games) matter because there's trophies to be won and obviously spots and chemistry to be vetted out in our process," Ellis said Saturday. "But I think tomorrow, we know what counts. I think as far as games that matter, every game for us now matters in our preparation, in fine-tuning what we're doing."
The competition moving forward — all over the field, but especially up top — will be crucial these next eight months before heading to Canada for the World Cup. Friday night, Sydney Leroux started at forward, but was subbed for Abby Wambach in the 62nd minute. The fact that Wambach came in 62 minutes into the game might sound surprising, but with players such as Tobin Heath and Christen Press creating opportunities and scoring goals, there are only so many players who can play at once.
"It's tough," Leroux said after the USA's 3-0 win over Mexico. "The front six, you could probably start anywhere else in the world, and we're all fighting right now. It's a great place to be I guess, for a coach for sure."
Everyone wants to start, but Ellis said she doesn't sense frustration among the players.
"What I've said to them a lot is training counts in our selection, how players perform," she said. "I'll be honest with you. Coming out of camp prior to this, Tobin I didn't think was in form. But since we came into Kansas City in the beginning of this tournament, her focus on her performance and training warranted her playing time, so she did.
"I think that's an important message to send the players. Their ability to adapt how we want to play is an important part of that. I think we're gonna have the ability to change tactics or change the style within a game — we did it for the last five minutes of the first half and second half yesterday — so I think the players will understand the big picture and I think they know there's still time to nail down starting spots."
Before the World Cup next June, the U.S. will play a four-nation tournament in Brazil, a couple of yet-to-be confirmed friendlies overseas and in the 2015 Algarve Cup, held annually in Portugal in March. So there will be plenty of time to iron out a starting 11.
"I like that it's competitive," Ellis said. "I like that they're not always going to be sure, and to be prepared and ready for that mentally."