The U.S. women’s national team’s era of experimentation is nearing its conclusion, and it was arguably clear as day during their 2-1 win over Japan on Saturday, when the U.S. put together one of their most promising post-Women’s World Cup performances. Tuesday’s SheBelieves Cup final against Canada, though, presents one of the USWNT’s final opportunities to tinker with the lineup out of both obligation to the experiment and necessity considering the players on hand.
One change to the lineup could come in defense after Naomi Girma came off in the 18th minute of Saturday’s win with a right thigh sprain. Interim head coach Twila Kilgore described her status as “day to day,” but the injury could offer up an opportunity to examine the center back depth chart. Sam Coffey and Mallory Swanson are available for selection on Tuesday, but the former was evaluated for a concussion after the match and the latter might not be fit enough to start a second game in quick succession, so those circumstances might open up other spots on the field.
Even with the potential absences, Kilgore could treat her final match in charge as a chance to hand starting roles to perceived locks like goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and right back…
