Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports
What’s next for the United States women’s national team? While the ‘Who?’ questions will dominate conversation around the coaching search, the what is the important part after the team’s worst-ever performance at a World Cup.
Penalty-shootout defeat to Sweden in the Round of 16 may have been unfortunate, but it came on the back of a disappointing group stage, and two years on from an underwhelming Olympic showing in Tokyo. If the U.S. is to return to its historic high standards, the need for change is evident. Vlatko Andonovski will not continue as coach, a fate that was obvious upon the team’s exit.
What should that change look like? Here are a few suggestions.
Players first, system second
When planning ahead, the national team selection should focus on getting the best out of its key players. Rather than committing to a specific system of play, it must first consider the qualities of its most talented personnel and work back from there.
Naomi Girma has nailed down a starting…
