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Photo Courtesy of Reign FC

NWSL Player Spotlight: Megan Oyster

The World Cup is over which leaves all the focus turned to the NWSL. The players from the UWSNT and other World Cup teams are on various clubs all throughout the league. But just because Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd or Rose Lavelle might not be playing that night or for a specific team does not mean you should not still tune in. The NWSL is flooded with talent and we have created a weekly series that looks at players in the NWSL who did not go to France this summer, but could very well turn into your new favorite player. Next up in our series is Megan Oyster.

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When looking at top players people often turn to statistics and specifically score sheets. But that really favors the offensive players who contribute goals and assists. So what about the defenders who make bruising tackles, goal saving stops and the initial passes for goal sequences? The stat sheet does not tell their full story, but players like Megan Oyster deserve a lot of the credit for their team’s success.

She has been a part of the NWSL since 2015 when she was drafted by the Washington Spirit. She played every match for the Spirit in her first year and was named Newcomer of the Year and Defender of the Year for the club. However, after her second season Oyster was traded to the Boston Breakers. She played two seasons for the Breakers before the team folded and Oyster was selected by Reign FC in the Breakers Dispersal Draft.

Since joining the Reign, Oyster has started all but three games and only been subbed off twice. Last season the Reign, with the help of Oyster, had a league tying record of 12 clean sheets and only gave up 21 goals.

Defenders have to be precise with their tackles and clear the ball out of the defense without harming the offensive player. For the Reign, Oyster has averaged a 76.1% success rate for her tackles and only committed 28 fouls with zero yellow cards. When Oyster goes in for a tackle she ensures she is going to get the ball.

Not only does Oyster tackle efficiently she also has key clearances to keep the offense from even getting close to scoring a goal. She is instrumental on set pieces and can knock the ball out of harm with a quick touch.

The month of June meant no national team members in the NWSL with the World Cup going on. Oyster shined for the Reign and earned herself on the NWSL Team of the Month for June.

Oyster has played in all of the games this season for the Reign and has played a full 90 minutes in 13 straight matches. She is the team’s workhorse intercepting 31 passes this year with 12 blocks. Oyster is a true defender who understands her main role is to guard the goal and not attack the other team’s net. She has only scored four goals in her NWSL career, but has certainly stopped plenty of others from going in.

The Reign have been riddled with injuries this season. They currently have six players with season ending injuries and five more players listed as out for their upcoming game. Even with the injuries the Reign are in fourth place and just four points out from first place. Thanks large in part to Oyster the Reign have given up the fourth fewest goals all season, but their offense has scored the second fewest amount of goals.

Their next game happens to be against Sky Blue, the NWSL team with fewest amount of goals scored. This game will most likely not be high scoring, but Oyster and company will ensure the fans see plenty of defensive stops.

All eyes should be peeled to the match that had to be moved to Red Bull Arena, home of the MLS team, the New York Red Bulls, to accommodate all of the fans. Sky Blue is hoping for a lower bowl sellout and quite possibly their highest fan attendance in club history. The two teams will kickoff on Sunday at 1 pm ET on ESPNEWS

Photot Courtesy of Jamie Smed

Jill Ellis, Head Coach of the USWNT Team Steps Down

US Soccer announced today that head coach Jill Ellis will be stepping down in early October. Ellis will be a part of the Victory Tour that US Soccer has created as friendly games across the US celebrating the World Cup win.

Ellis has been with the team since May 16, 2014 and had an overall record of 102-7-18. Her biggest accomplishments as a head coach were back-to-back Women’s World Cup wins in 2015 and 2019. The first coach to ever win two World Cup titles on the women’s side, let alone back-to-back.

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Once Ellis has officially finished as the head coach in October she will remain become an ambassador for US Soccer for at least the next year to help promote the game at various events.

In US Soccer’s statement, Ellis said she believed this was the timeframe she wanted when she took the job in 2014.

When I accepted the head coaching position this was the timeframe I envisioned. The timing is right to move on and the program is positioned to remain at the pinnacle of women’s soccer. Change is something I have always embraced in my life and for me and my family this is the right moment.”

Along with the two World Cup titles Ellis also won six other tournaments in her as the head coach including both CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying Championships and two SheBelieves Cups.

Perhaps the most shocking part of this announcement is that Ellis will not stay on to coach for the Olympics in 2020. While Ellis did guide the USWNT to two World Cup titles, she was not able to win any Olympic medals. Her lone Olympics under her tenure actually produced the worst finish for the UWSNT in any major tournament, exiting in the quarterfinals.

US Soccer is still searching for the team’s first ever general manager and then a search to find the ninth head coach in the United States Women’s Soccer history will commence.

Photo Courtesy of Anders Henrikson

Sweden Upsets Germany for Last Spot in the Semifinals

Sweden vs Germany was a rematch of a quarterfinal in the World Cup in 2015. Germany was victorious then, but this time it was Sweden who would advance today.

The last eleven times Germany and Sweden had faced off at a major tournament Germany had won 10 of the games and then tied in the other game. Germany defeated Sweden to win the gold medal at the Olympics in 2016. To say Sweden had a point to prove with this match is an understatement.

The game started out back and forth with both offenses testing their luck with the opposing defenses. But the pressure proved to be too much and the game opened up quickly.

A turnover by Sweden in their defensive half occurred when Sara Däbritz intercepted a poor pass. Däbritz immediately turned and dribbled toward goal. She played a through ball in the box to Lina Magull who initially had a bad touch but recovered quickly with a half volley. A spectacular finish that may end up being the goal of the tournament.

Sweden would not hang their heads and sulk about going down 1-0. Instead Sweden would answer back with a goal of their own just six minutes later, the first goal Germany has conceded all tournament.

Swedish defender, Linda Sembrant, won a loose ball in her defensive half and sent a one touch long pass over the heads of the German defense. The ball would bounce to Sofia Jakobsson who tapped the ball into the box and shot a low ball into the left side of the net.

The 1-1 tie would stand going into halftime. The second half would start with a notable German substitute, Dzsenifer Marozsán. She is the star for Germany but had not played since injuring her toe in Germany’s first game of the tournament. Marozsán entering the game was to help Germany’s offense, but it was perhaps their defense that could use the help.

Sweden was on the attack in the 48th minute and played the ball out wide to Jackobsson. She created some space from her defender and sent a ball into the box that got headed towards the goal by Fridolina Rolfö. Her shot was saved but the rebound went out to Stina Blackstenius who hammered the ball into the top of the net from close range.

Germany who had never been scored on at this World Cup had now been scored on twice and was losing for the first time. The first real test of adversity and the question of could Germany weather the storm and advance?

Germany had numerous chances to score and find an equalizer. They had multiple shots inside the box, but they would go wide or easily saved. Sweden would prove to be too much for Germany and beat their rival 2-1. After the match, Sweden was obviously ecstatic with the win and they were met with images of a disappointed Germany.

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Three of the four semifinalists are European teams in the Netherlands, England and Sweden. Since UEFA, Europes’s soccer federation, uses the World Cup as the qualifier for the Olympics and only three teams qualify for Europe, all three semifinalists are going to the Olympics in 2020. This does mean that the second and fourth ranked teams in the world will not be at the Olympics with Germany and France, respectively. Also means Germany will not be able to defend their 2016 gold medal.

The victory was Sweden’s second win over a top five team at the World Cup since they had defeated Canada (ranked fifth) in the previous game 1-0. When Sweden’s head coach, Peter Gerhardsson, was asked if he thought it was a surprise that they won today, he somewhat dodged the question with, “We knew we had a chance and knew we had to play our best game of the tournament to beat Germany.” And then when he was asked about the upcoming game against the Netherlands he mainly talked about scouting them and then adjusting his lineup mainly based on his own team’s injuries and players suspended for yellow cards. While everyone else seems to be worried about the high caliber of their own opponents Sweden chooses to focus on themselves. No matter how they look at the match it is without a doubt they will need to have another great game to beat Holland.

The semifinals are set and will have the first game be between England and the United States on July 2nd at 3:00 pm ET on FOX and the Netherlands playing Sweden on July 3rd at 3:00 pm ET on FS1.

Photo Courtesy of Sven Mandel

First Day of the Knockout Round Does Not Disappoint

The group games proved to be exciting and create some surprise endings. But narrowing the field of teams down to 16 has only increased the level of competition.

Germany and Nigeria were the first to play in the Knockout Round this year. Nigeria was the last team to move on and they were given the task of trying to beat the 2nd ranked team in the world. Both teams looked dangerous early with chances on goal. But it was Germany’s pressure that had them take the lead. Germany was awarded a corner, their 5th corner at that time in the match. They had been doing short corners, but this time they decided to utilize Alexandra Popp’s height. They crossed the ball right to her head and she knocked it in giving Germany the 1-0 lead in the 20th minute.

Germany would double their lead just seven minutes later after they were awarded a penalty kick following a VAR review. Sara Daebritz shot the ball into the lower right corner just out of reach of the Nigerian goalkeeper. The game would settle down and Nigeria would get a few chances of their own, but nothing solidified for them. Germany looked like the superior side most of the game. They added an insurance goal to their lead in 82nd minute. Some poor passing by the Nigerian defenders caused a turnover just outside their 18-yard box. Lea Schüller collected the ball and sent a one time shot into the back of the net.

The 3-0 scoreline would be the final. Despite losing this game the head coach for Nigeria, Thomas Dennerby, described their play at the World as, “Showed that Nigeria as a team has improved a lot. We are of course not satisfied with going out… We still improved the team and to play games like this is extremely important for the future.” He kept emphasizing the need for them to keep playing games in the FIFA window and push for them to improve outside the World Cup. Hopefully Nigeria’s federation can see the same need as the coach and push to have funding and support.

Germany will play the winner of Sweden vs Canada which takes place on Monday at 3 pm ET.

The second game of the day had a much closer scoreline and drama throughout. Australia nearly scored in the first 30 seconds of the game, but Sam Kerr shot the ball just wide of the net. There were various chances for both teams, but Norway finally got the first goal of the game in the 31st minute. A through ball just out of reach of the Australian defender fell perfectly to Isabell Herlovsen who shot the ball after one touch into the right side of the goal.

Australia felt like they were going to get their equalizer either from the run of play or a penalty kick. Initially the referee awarded a penalty late in the first half but the referee overturned it. There were Australian players on the ground multiple times inside their offensive box where they felt a penalty should be awarded, but the referee did not issue one.

The Matildas would find their goal in the 83rd minute from Elie Kellond-Knight. She took a corner kick right into goal with a nice curving ball.

The evenly matched game rightfully went into extra time where the drama and suspense would continue. In the 104th minute of play Lisa-Marie Utland of Norway was heading to goal with just Alanna Kennedy of Australia to beat. Kennedy bodied Utland and took her down. The referee saw the foul as a goal stopping foul and gave Kennedy a red card. Kennedy pleaded her case, but after VAR reviewed the play, it was confirmed she had to be sent off. With the entire second half of extra time to still be played Australia knew getting to a penalty shootout down a player was going to be a challenge.

Australia held their own, anchored by their goalkeeper, Lydia Williams, who made save after save to keep her team alive. They held on just long enough to get the game to a penalty shootout. Norway elected to go first and Caroline Graham Hansen easily scored her penalty. Kerr came up to take the first one for Australia, their captain and best offensive player. She soared the ball over the goal. Momentum immediately swung towards Norway who would not miss a single penalty meanwhile Australia only converted one of their three. Norway would win 1-1 with a 4-1 penalty advantage.

The ending felt similar to the 2016 Rio Olympics when Australia lost to Brazil in the quarter finals in a penalty kick shootout. Kennedy who was sent off with a red in today’s game was the player who missed the final penalty in 2016.

The heartbreak of Australia was met with jubilation from Norway.

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After the game Kerr expressed her frustrations describing the game as “Obviously disappointing we’re out. We’d hoped to come much further, but we’ll learn from it and we’ll come back.” The early exit topped off a surprising second place finish in their group. The Matildas will look to regroup and focus on qualifying for the 2020 Olympics.

Norway advances and will play the winner of England vs Cameroon that is played tomorrow at 11:30 am ET. Norway may face another game that ends in penalties and they will look to their composure and confidence they had in this game should the time come again.

Group E Preview

A group full of teams who competed at the 2015 World Cup. Interestingly enough Canada, New Zealand, and the Netherlands were all in the same group in 2015.  Cameroon shocked everyone when they made the knockout round last time. But that World Cup has come and gone and it’s time to look ahead at how Group E will do.

 

Click on the country names below to see all the players on each team

Cameroon, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand

 

CAMEROON

 

Overview

Currently ranked 46th, the lowest in the group, Cameroon is looking to match their success in 2015 if not do even better.  They bring back the core of their group from the last World Cup, but since then they have played limited matches. Just this year they have only played in three matches not to mention they got a new head coach in January.  They will be going up against top teams and their lack of game experience and simply playing together will not fare well. Cameroon will need to shock everyone again to get out of this group.

 

Key Players

If we’re going to keep looking at 2015 then there was no bigger star for Cameroon then, Gabrielle Onguéné who scored the equalizer against Switzerland that led to them defeating the Swiss and then making the knockout round.  She is one of the top goal scorers in Africa and she scored the game winner against Mali that guaranteed qualification for Cameroon. Another star forward for Cameroon is 21 year old Michaela Abam. She plays in France’s top division with Paris FC.  She has scored just one goal but has done so in just ten games with Paris. Abam is playing with and against the best in the world and that will only benefit Cameroon at the World Cup.

Prediction

Cameroon will have a tough time in this group.  All three of their opponents could make the knockout round, but that relies heavily on their games against Cameroon.  Teams may look past them and that is when Cameroon can use their counter attack and take a game they shouldn’t. We will have to see if 2019 can be similar to 2015.

 

 

CANADA

 

Overview

Canada comes into this World Cup ranked 5th and holding high expectations.  They have had an impressive start to 2019 recording zero losses with six wins and two ties.  They have wins over England and Sweden, two of the top teams in the world. By all accounts Canada is ready for the World Cup this year, but the same could have been said about 2015.  They bowed out in the quarterfinals on home soil, a disappointing finish. They then went on to win bronze at the Olympics the following year showing they are more than their 2015 finish. Without the pressure of performing well at home and their recent success could be the perfect formula for a stellar 2019 World Cup.

Key Players

Canada starts and ends with Christine Sinclair.  She is their star forward who has tallied 181 goals and needs just four more to have the most all time for the world record.  It’s not a far prediction to say she will break the record this summer or that if she does not perform well this World Cup, Canada will not go as far.  Canada’s biggest accolade in 2015 was Kadeisha Buchanan’s performances that won her the World Cup’s best young player award. She is a tall, strong defender who has been playing with the European club powerhouse, Olympique Lyon, gaining more experience.  She won’t win the best young player of the year award this year, but she may turn into Canada’s best player this year.

 

Prediction

Canada is the top team in this group on paper, but they have stiff competition in their midst.  The Netherlands have been labeled a dark horse for the tournament meaning they can go further than people initially thought.  Canada will have its hands full trying to beat them and have the pressure of being the team that is supposed to win. Canada and pressure have not really mixed in big tournaments.  The Netherlands can and probably will take the top spot in the group. This means second place for Canada and thus a date with the second place team of Group F which will most likely be Sweden or could be the United States.  If it is Sweden, Canada will use the motivation of being the two seed to propel them in the quarterfinals. That could match them with the always dangerous German team. Germany would be too much for Canada due to their experience and Canada’s inability to rise above pressure will continue.

 

To see the schedule of the World Cup click: Matches

 

NETHERLANDS

 

Overview

Holland or the Netherlands however you prefer to call them are coming into this tournament ranked 8th in the world.  The Netherlands had a shaky start to 2019 losing both of their group matches and placing 11/12 for the Algarve Cup and they had barely qualified for the World Cup.  So it seemed the 2017 European Champions had peaked too soon. But they have won their last four games, three of which have been against World Cup opponents. The Netherlands seem to be getting their footing and climbing back up to the peak of being one of Europe's and arguably the world’s top teams.

Key Players

Their offense is the key for the Netherlands starting with Vivianne Miedema, Lieke Martens, and Shanice van de Sanden.  Those three make up one of the best group of forwards at this tournament. Want to talk about top club teams and top leagues Miedema plays for Arsenal, Martens plays for Barcelona, and van de Sanden plays for Lyon.  They have experience playing the best and even beating the best. They were all key to the Netherlands winning the 2017 European Championship scoring goals when the team needed them most. Defenses will have a hard time stopping this potent offense.

 

Prediction

The Netherlands are riding high from their recent results but they still know that it was a hard battle to get here.  They will use their recent confidence and previous struggles to excel at the World Cup. Canada will be tough, but the Netherlands will have too much offensive power.  That same offensive power could guide them all the way to the final. If they get first they would most likely have to play Japan first, who is not the same team from 2011.  Then they could be facing Australia who they beat just a few weeks ago. Their semifinal opponent could be Germany a team at times who is very direct in their play and lacks the flare the Netherlands possess. Their finals foe might be France, the host.  France would have all the pressure, but who knows if the Netherlands will be able to defeat France and a stadium full of fans cheering against them.

 

NEW ZEALAND

 

Overview

The 19th ranked team will look to get out of the group stage for the first time in history. They have a record of 4-4 so far in 2019.  Every time they won a game it was followed by a loss and every loss was followed with a win. This is the very definition of inconsistent, something that is not helpful if they want to get out of the group stage.  If anything their last game was a loss so they’re on course to then win two in the group stage and lose in the knockout round.

 

Key Players

New Zealand has players with plenty of experience and quality performances to go along with their experience.  The top scorer on the team is Sarah Gregorius who has 35 goals in 95 matches. She is 31 but still has incredible pace and the ability to get behind defenses. Gregorius can play out wide or linger in the middle.  However New Zealand decide to use her they will have high expectation for her to score goals. While she is up top Ali Riley will be commanding the defense. She is the captain for New Zealand and has played in 127 games.  She predominantly plays left back and has no problem getting forward. Riley has gained even more experience since joining English team Chelsea in 2018.

Prediction

New Zealand quite honestly just wants to get out of group play.  They want to finally know what it feels like to play in the knockout round.  And this World Cup could just be the time they do it. If they are able to keep games close or even tie the Netherlands or Canada then New Zealand can get themselves into uncharted territory.  But third place would put them up against England and could make next World Cup the time they win a knockout game.