Carli Lloyd gives USA solid start to Algarve Cup with win over Norway
VILA REAL DE SAN ANTONIO, Portugal --
Carli Lloyd said it best with both feet in the opening match of the Algarve Cup on Wednesday. The veteran midfielder scored both goals in the United States women’s national team 2-1 victory over Norway at the Municipal Stadium in Vila Real de San Antonio.
Then, sporting a black eye that proved how hard Lloyd is willing to fight for every U.S. victory, Lloyd added even more emphasis to the U.S. women’s narrative in this World Cup season.
"I’m sick of losing," Lloyd said.
"I’m sick of all the naysayers out there saying that you’re second in the world, the U.S. is done, they had a horrible Algarve Cup last year. You know, I’m a winner. I want to win. It may not be pretty. It may not be shutouts but I’m a veteran. I’ve got to lead this time. I’ve got to show up at big moments. I’m just tired of losing."
Trailing 1-0 at the half, Lloyd evened the match with a goal in the 56th minute before putting the United States ahead on a penalty kick about six minutes later. It was an absolute demonstration by Lloyd that it’s time for the U.S. to separate itself from the scoring troubles and losses to top teams like Brazil and France it has racked up over the past few months. Likewise, the spectre of last year’s 7th-place finish in the Algarve Cup seemed to compel Lloyd to make sure her team got off on the right foot.
The night also marked the return of Hope Solo, who made her 2015 debut after serving a 30-day suspension from U.S. Soccer.
Four minutes into the match, Solo came out of the box to punch away a ball, only to find herself upended and face down in the grass. The scuffle left Emilie Haavi free to jam a shot on directly on goal. Luckily, Ali Kreiger was there to block it, allowing Solo to gather herself and re-establish control.
"Welcome back, right?" Solo said after the win.
Solo was not heavily tested, and was tagged for a goal just before the end of the first half when an unmarked Ada Hedenberg knocked a header in to give Norway a 1-0 lead.
Still, no matter whatever midfield tinkering and defensive adjustments U.S. coach Jill Ellis still has to make ahead of the 2015 World Cup, one thing is settled. Solo in the goal and Solo commanding the U.S. defense from the back makes the team much more experienced and settled.
Solo said that despite the usual case of pre-game butterflies, she felt as if she had not missed a beat despite her absence from the team. Adding that her month-long separation was good for her and she appreciated the support of her teammates who have welcomed her back.
Meanwhile, Ellis’ lineup featured a 4-4-2 formation, using Ali Krieger at right back, Lori Chalupny at left back and the center back tandem of Becky Sauerbrunn and Julie Johnston, who was making her made her first 2015 appearance for the U.S.
The U.S. midfield featured the same four players for a third straight game, with Lauren Holiday and Morgan Brian playing in the middle, Lloyd on the right side and Christen Press on the left.
Alex Morgan and Abby Wambach started up front, though the 34-year-old team captain with 235th appearance was subbed for in the second half.
Ellis said that she will continue to tinker with formations and lineups, and all but promised something new for Friday’s match against Switzerland.
While the work-in-progress nature of the U.S. women’s road to the World Cup is still undergoing changes, it’s clear that at this point, the team is eager to show its depth and its fight. It has been a long year of adjustments and changes, including the installation of Ellis in place of Tom Sermanni, who was fired soon after the 7th-place disaster in last year’s Algarve Cup.
Sick of losing is the kind of motivation that sparked the latest victory for the world’s No. 2-ranked team.
