Sauerbrunn, Dunn and Smith all appear in the USWNT’s 2-0 win over the Netherlands

The United States Women’s National Team took on the Netherlands in a rematch of the 2019 Women’s World Cup Final. It was the first time the USWNT has played in 261 days and the rust was visible. Despite this, the USWNT matched the scoreline of the World Cup Final, beating the Dutch 2-0 thanks to a first-half goal from Rose Lavelle and a second half goal from substitute Kristie Mewis.

Becky Sauerbrunn and Crystal Dunn were the two Portland Thorns FC representatives in Vlatko Andonovski’s starting 11. Sauerbrunn was given the captain’s armband. Sauerbrunn didn’t put a foot wrong in the whole match. The U.S. defense limited the Netherlands to one shot which came at the end of the match. Sauerbrunn stepped in perfectly to block Jill Roord’s attempt.

Dunn lined up at left back next to Sauerbrunn. Dunn was bombing up and down the pitch, showing her offensive prowess by dribbling down the left flank and swinging in crosses.

Both players were integral in Andonovski’s pressing scheme. Dunn pushed high up the pitch the create defensive overloads and Sauerbrunn prowled around the midfield breaking up passes and making things difficult for Holland’s outlets.

In the 75th minute, Andonovski made a host of changes which saw Dunn exit and Sophia Smith enter the match. Smith made her full USWNT debut, becoming the first player born in the 2000s to make their debut for the USWNT.

Smith looked good defensively and was positionally aware as the left winger. She committed a few fouls, getting in on the action almost immediately. The U.S. didn’t have much of the ball, but she did make a good run where Smith looked like she may have been in on goal. Lynn Williams could not find her with the pass.