Courtney Walsh has been named Bangladesh’s interim head coach for the Nidahas Trophy as the BCB is yet to narrow in on a replacement for Chandika Hathurusingha.Walsh joined the Bangladesh coaching group in September 2016 as a bowling coach on a three-year deal. He is currently the senior-most coach in the group and was an obvious candidate.Meanwhile, Khaled Mahmud will no longer be a part of the support staff. Formerly the technical director, he is now expected to return as team manager. The former Bangladesh captain made public his displeasure at the function of the team earlier this month, calling the environment “dirty.””Since I will be going to Sri Lanka, a lot of the directors also will come with me. I personally feel that [Khaled Mahmud] Sujon should go as team manager,” said BCB president Nazmul Hassan. “We still haven’t talked to him about it. We have finalized on the other roles like we have also decided to give the batting duties to someone which we will announce on Tuesday.”Hassan is also likely to have a more hands-on involvement in the team’s affair. “I didn’t bother about playing XI selection in the last series. I left it to everyone else, including players and management,” he said. “This time we have made a squad after considering who will play in the playing XI. So since there is a final decision being taken, there is obviously a direct involvement.”
Newcastle United have already made a few big money signings this summer and if reports are to be believed, they may not be done yet. Transfer insider Dean Jones has spoken to GIVEMESPORT about the centre-back situation at St James’ Park and what could transpire between now and the beginning of September.
What is the latest in Newcastle United’s centre-back hunt?
This time last year, Newcastle brought in Sven Botman from Lille, a man who helped the French side to a shocking Ligue 1 title.
The Dutchman was then a mainstay at the heart of the Magpies’ defence, amassing over 3,100 minutes in the Premier League. He appeared in 36 of the 38 fixtures and only once was he used as a substitute in that period.
Botman is just 23 and was primarily partnered with the more experienced Fabian Schar. As strong as that duo was under Eddie Howe last term, Newcastle may not be resting on their laurels with reports suggesting a new defender could soon arrive on Tyneside.
The Daily Mail have reported that Crystal Palace’s defensive rock Joachim Andersen is one of those admired by the Newcastle hierarchy and another is Benfica teenager Antonio Silva. The pair are thought to be worth too much in comparison to what Howe is wanting to spend on his defender.
This ties into what Dean Jones has said to GMS below, with the budgeting on this target being a sticking point at the time of writing.
What has Dean Jones got to say?
When speaking with GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Dean Jones indicated that the transfer exploits for Newcastle in the defensive third will depend largely on the prices of players.
“I’ve always been told that the centre of defence is something to look out for. Newcastle United aren’t finished in this transfer window is what I’m led to believe. It’s really always been a case, though, of what level of spending are they willing to go to here.
“Is it going to be that they want to find good value for money, and we find someone coming in between £10-£20m? Or are they going to go out and cement their case as proper Champions League contenders again by spending upwards of £30m? I wouldn’t rule it out at all. It’ll be very interesting to see what they do.”
Who are Newcastle trying to sign?
Having already acquired fullback Tino Livramento from Southampton for a sizable fee following their relegation to the Championship, Howe and co are reportedly interested in out of favour Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney.
It is currently said to be La Liga outfit Real Sociedad leading the charge to obtain the services of the Scotsman. The one issue that could make all the difference though is that Mikel Arteta wants to strike a permanent deal for Tierney whereas the Spaniards are keen to bring him in on loan.
This is clearly a position of interest for the Magpies’ as Chelsea and Spain’s Marc Cucurella has been linked with a season-long loan at St James’ Park as reported by Felix Johnston.
New Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino seemingly favours Ben Chilwell and so Cucurella may go in search of game time, Champions League game-time at that, further north.
Craig Overton looks set to make his debut in place of Jake Ball in the day-night Test at Adelaide
George Dobell at Adelaide01-Dec-2017Craig Overton appears to be winning the selection race ahead of the day-night Test in Adelaide, and looks set to make his debut in place of Jake Ball in the England side.While the final decision will be left to Joe Root, the England captain, both Overton and Ball were named in a 12-man squad on the eve of the second Test.Overton, the 23-year-old Somerset seamer, has impressed in the nets over recent days and had an extended batting session against short-pitched bowling in training on Friday evening.Ball had something of a mixed experience in Brisbane. While he took a key wicket early in Australia’s first innings – that of David Warner – he was also the most expensive bowler, conceding 4.27 runs per over.By contrast, James Anderson and Stuart Broad both conceded fewer than two runs an over in Australia’s first innings while Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali conceded 2.79 and 2.46 per over respectively. With one of England’s tactics being to frustrate Australia’s batsmen into errors, Ball’s relative costliness was an issue.He could consider himself unfortunate if he misses out, though. Few batsmen are dropped after one modest game and Ball was, at times, asked to deliver spells of sustained short-pitched deliveries which resulted in a few more boundary opportunities for the batsmen.He also found himself bowling on a pitch offering him little. The surface in Adelaide, while certainly far from the seamers’ paradise some suggest, might offer bowlers just a little more assistance. Certainly it looks likely to be quicker while a combination of the pink ball and the use of floodlights might ask a few more questions of the batsmen.Overton might also strengthen the tail a little. While he has had a horrid run of form on the tour so far – he has been dismissed for a duck in all three of his innings to date – he has a first-class century behind him and retains ambitions to develop into a true all-rounder. The England management have stressed, however, that the respective batting merits of the pair is not relevant to the selection decision and they aim simply to pick the bowler they think will prove most effective.Having not played international cricket, Overton might well face something of a baptism of fire if he is picked. While most Ashes Tests offer an intense atmosphere – a full house is expected on Saturday – this one could be more tense than usual due to a deteriorating relationship between the sides. While there may be a certain amount of pantomime-style playing to the crowd about some incidents, there are also a couple of players on either side who appear to genuinely dislike one another.Meanwhile Moeen Ali came through his first spell of bowling since the Brisbane Test without any serious issues. Moeen sustained a deep cut on his spinning finger in Brisbane which compromised his performance and threatened his ability to bowl in Adelaide. While a chunk of the blistered skin did come off after a brief bowl in the nets on Friday night, he reported no pain or serious inconvenience and confirmed his ability to bowl as required in the Test.It was noticeable, however, that Root had a longer bowl than usual and may use himself to lessen the burden on Moeen.
Josh Hazlewood felt a fifth bowler would allow him, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins to bowl at their best and fastest, while easing some of the load off Nathan Lyon
Daniel Brettig02-Nov-2017Josh Hazlewood’s return to fitness will mean New South Wales will field Australia’s Ashes bowling attack against Western Australia in the unassuming surrounds of Hurstville Oval from Saturday, though the tall fast man admits he would like to see some extra bowling cover in the Test squad when it is finally announced.The certainty around the shape of Steven Smith’s top four bowlers and top five batsmen is in sharp contrast to the vast speculation about who will fill the spots at Nos. 6 and 7, in recent times nominally the preserve of an allrounder and a wicketkeeper. Australia’s selectors will not be unveiling their Gabba squad until the day after the third round of Sheffield Shield matches on November 17, having gained precious little relevant information from the first, floodlit fixtures.Returning to the state team following a side strain in Bangladesh and a 10-over spell in Sydney club cricket on the weekend, Hazlewood said he would like to see a fifth bowling option present in the Australian Test side. That balance would aid him, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins in bowling at their best and fastest, notwithstanding the outstanding recent displays of the spin bowler Nathan Lyon. Moises Henriques is the allrounder for NSW, while Hilton Cartwright and Marcus Stoinis seem the most likely contenders to fulfill that role in the Test team.”It’s always nice having that allrounder to maybe bowl five or six overs throughout the day,” Hazlewood said. “I think the way Gaz has bowled over the last 12-18 months has been fantastic and he’s been shouldering the workload if it does get put upon the quicks. But for balance you want runs and wickets from that No. 6 batter … you could go either way.”It’s always great to have a full-strength NSW side, a lot of Test experience, the skipper and vice skipper there as well, so yeah really looking forward to getting out there. Western Australia are really strong at the moment in all formats, so looking forward to a good game.”It’s usually one or the other [of Starc or Cummins] at different stages, so it’s great to get them together. We’ve got a pretty good record when we’re all together bowling. We’re pretty used to bowling together these days, whether it’s for Australia or NSW, so we’ll just take it as another game and try to get those 20 wickets.”In making his recovery from the side strain, Hazlewood was several weeks behind Starc’s own rehabilitation from a foot problem, meaning he was unable to play in the first Shield round. This means he will play consecutive Shield games before the Gabba Test, creating a delicate balance between the demands of Smith, the selectors and medical staff trying to manage his workload.”The other guys played last week and this week and I think they’re having a rest for game three,” Hazlewood said. “I’m playing game three since I missed the first one. It’s a good build-up, two Shield games before the first Test, and hopefully get through the first Test as well. Ideally you’d want to play the same as Mitch and Pat, the first two, but I don’t see it as much of a big deal, we’ll just bowl a little bit less in the nets leading into it if we bowl a bit more in the game.”It feels really good, it’s got better every session from when I started bowling probably four or five weeks ago, it feels good now, nice and strong, so hopefully it stays that way. Very close to, if not, 100%.”Another contender for the Ashes, Nathan Coulter-Nile, has been bizarrely withdrawn from WA’s Shield team to face NSW at Hurstville and will instead bowl a limited number of overs for an invitational XI against the Englishmen in Perth on November 4 and 5. Hazlewood, who has himself had his bowling load closely managed over numerous years, took the view that it was a chance for a speedy compatriot to place some early doubts in the minds of the touring team’s batsmen.”I see it more as a positive I think, that he can maybe crack open a few of them early and create a few scars in their top order and middle order maybe,” he said. “Disappointing he’s not playing in the Shield game against us, but he’s had trouble with injuries in the past few years so that’s the reason he’s playing there.”Their top order, it’ll be their first hit on tour, and to have a guy there like Coults there to warm them up I guess to maybe create a few scars would be nice. That’s their plan too, to start with the bounciest, quickest wicket and get used to that straight away.”Elsewhere, the national selectors named the Cricket Australia XI squad to face Joe Root’s England tourists in a pair of Ashes warm-up matches, first in Adelaide (November 8-11) and then Townsville (November 15-18). The experienced Tim Paine and the NSW seamer Gurinder Sandhu add experience to the side, which also features the more youthful talents of Will Pucovski and Jason Sangha.Cricket Australia XI squad: Jake Carder, Jackson Coleman, Michael Cormack, Daniel Fallins, Ryan Gibson, Nick Larkin, Simon Milenko, Tim Paine, Will Pucovski, Gurinder Sandhu, Jason Sangha, Matthew Short.
Chelsea are "tempted" to bring in another number nine this summer and have discussed the possibility of making a move for Dusan Vlahovic, according to journalist Dean Jones.
Is Vlahovic joining Chelsea?
Since Todd Boehly's arrival as Chelsea's new owner, the Blues' approach to the transfer market has been fairly disastrous.
Having spent enormously on a mass of players, Chelsea have been preoccupied this summer with trimming their ridiculously large squad, and it is still impossible to predict what new boss Mauricio Pochettino's line-up will look like on the opening day of the Premier League season.
Chelsea's scattergun approach to signing talented young players on huge contracts has backfired significantly and Pochettino is the man tasked with picking up the pieces.
Despite having spent a vast fortune on players in recent windows, Chelsea still mysteriously ended up without an orthodox striker last season, one of the reasons they slumped to a 12th-placed league finish.
However, Pochettino is hoping to remedy that situation in the market and, despite having already signed Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson this summer, journalist Jones believes that the Blues could target Juventus' Vlahovic to ease their goalscoring woes.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: "I know some people are ruling out of Vlahovic and they say that nothing is happening there. But Vlahovic has definitely been explored by Chelsea and conversations have definitely happened in terms of that.
"The fact that they are even contemplating that, tells you they're tempted to go and sign another striker by the end of this transfer window."
Nkunku can play as a striker but is not a typical number nine, despite his prowess in front of goal. Meanwhile, Jackson is just 22-years-old and may need significant time to adjust to life in a new league at such a young age.
Therefore, Vlahovic, who has been called a "big-name striker", could be an astute piece of business and is a player with a wealth of experience despite being just 23-years-old.
The Serbian international has managed 72 goals in 171 matches for Juventus and Fiorentina in Italy but has struggled to fully settle at the Allianz Stadium in Turin since arriving halfway through the 2021/22 season.
A fee of around €80m would potentially be enough to sign Vlahovic, a figure which is unlikely to put off free-spending Chelsea. The striker would offer Pochettino a more traditional number nine than what the Blues currently have at their disposal and the forward's physicality and clinical edge would make him a great fit in the Premier League.
How good is Vlahovic?
Based on his performances last season in a Juventus side that struggled on and off the pitch, there isn't an enormous amount to get excited about with Vlahovic.
He scored just 14 goals and provided four assists in 42 matches, also suffering from injuries at times throughout the campaign, and only managed the same amount of Serie A strikes as wantaway Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku.
However, looking at his statistics during the 2020/21 season – his last full campaign with Fiorentina – it is clear to see that Vlahovic is a top-quality centre-forward.
Compared to other strikers that season in Serie A per 90 minutes, he ranked in the top eight percent for goals (netting 21 in 37 games) and top 12% for aerials won, highlighting his physical presence up top and eye for goal.
Signing Vlahovic could be a risk given his lack of consistency in the black and white of Juventus, but if the forward can recreate the form he has exhibited in the past with Fiorentina and Serbia, then Pochettino would be foolish not to consider the young striker.
Arsenal are not giving up their pursuit of Ivan Fresneda, as Mikel Arteta and Edu work on equipping the Emirates with added star talent this summer.
The Gunners fell agonisingly short to Manchester City last season, however with extended depth, the gap could be bridged ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Long-term target Fresneda has been of interest to the north Londoners since the January window, when Fabrizio Romano confirmed the teenager would stay in La Liga amidst interest from Arsenal.
Now, it looks as though Arteta will continue to push for the youngster, who could add a wave of talent to the ranks at the Emirates.
Could Arsenal sign Ivan Fresneda?
According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo last week, Arsenal are moving ‘faster’ than the likes of Barcelona and AC Milan in striking a deal for Fresneda.
The report claims that the Gunners have an economic upper hand, with interest claimed to have been ‘reactivated’ with the players’ release clause dropping to just €20m (£17m) following Real Valladolid’s relegation.
How good is Ivan Fresneda?
Hailed as a “serious talent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the 18-year-old has become one of the most in-demand young defenders in Europe.
In his debut season in La Liga, the youngster made 22 appearances for his club and captured the eye of the league for his playing style as an inverted right-back.
The teenager's intricate style is exactly what Arteta is equipping to his side, as highlighted through his requirements from full-backs Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko when getting forward on the flanks.
Speaking of the Ukrainian, journalist Sam Dean revealed last month that Arsenal would aim to identify another ‘Zinchenko-type’ player this transfer window, with reference to the move for Jurrien Timber.
Valladolid defender Ivan Fresneda.
While the Timber deal looks almost complete, signing Fresneda could be a smart move for the Gunners in the bid to relieve their side of deadwood and revamp the squad to that of a consistent title challenger.
The “dynamic” talent of the Madrid-born sensation – as hailed by Mango – could allow the Londoners to show lower-performing rotation players the door, particularly fellow right-back Cedric Soares.
The Portuguese defender went on loan to Fulham in January in a bid to rediscover his form, however the 31-year-old was used on just six occasions in the Premier League for the Cottagers, in a disappointing spell.
With his contract expiring next summer, it could be time for Arsenal to cash in on the former Southampton full-back, who looks to be moving further and further away from Arteta’s plans at the Emirates.
Introducing a player like Fresneda in his place would show the progression at the club, in replacing an ageing underperformer with an exciting young talent.
When comparing the two players via FBref, it’s clear to see how the Gunners could deliver an upgrade in replacing Cedric for the Spaniard.
The 18-year-old averaged 2.48 tackles and 1.65 blocks per 90 for Valladolid in La Liga last term, while completing an impressive average of 2.48 progressive carries per 90 to highlight his ability going forward.
The Portuguese defender fell short of the youngster in such areas, averaging 2.30 tackles and 1.09 blocks per 90 and just 1.03 progressive carries per 90 for Arsenal in the 2021/22 campaign, suggesting his lack of suitability for the role wanted by Arteta from his full-backs.
The Spaniard could rejuvenate his side by making swaps in the quality of his depth, ensuring a potential move for Fresneda could be an impeccable decision.
Billy Godleman led by example as Derbyshire hit back strongly on the third day of the Division Two County Championship match against Leicestershire at Derby
ECB Reporters Network27-May-2017 ScorecardBilly Godleman put Derbyshire back in the contest•Getty ImagesBilly Godleman led by example as Derbyshire hit back strongly on the third day of the Division Two County Championship match against Leicestershire at Derby.The Derbyshire captain made 141 from 275 balls and with former Leicestershire allrounder Shiv Thakor scoring 132 and Gary Wilson 97, the home side closed on 532 for 8, 87 behind.Leicestershire’s 20-year-old fast bowler Zak Chappell took wickets and Clint McKay returned the impressive figures of 2 for 78 from 32 overs but the rest of the attack struggled on a lifeless pitch.Derbyshire had a lot of batting to do at the start of the day and Godleman and Thakor took their partnership well into the afternoon to give their side a fighting chance of saving the game.McKay apart, Leicestershire’s bowling lacked the consistency required on a flat pitch to exert pressure and a dropped catch only added to a frustrating morning for the visitors.Godleman had reached his ninth first-class hundred for Derbyshire by driving Zak Chappell for his 17th four but Thakor should have gone on 86 when he clipped Rob Sayer to midwicket where Chappell spilled an easy chance.Thakor took advantage against his former county to reach his first century of the season in the County Championship from 160 balls with 16 fours and the pair established a new Derbyshire second-wicket record against Leicestershire of 236 before they were parted.It was McKay who broke through with a ball that swung away enough to take the outside edge after Thakor had made his highest score for Derbyshire and the Australian struck again in his next over when Wayne Madsen lobbed a catch to short over.Alex Hughes edged Dieter Klein to second slip but Godleman’s occupation lasted just short of seven hours before Chappell speared a yorker through his defence.Derbyshire were still in danger at that stage of falling short of the 470 follow-on target but Wilson, who secured maximum batting points with a six off Sayer, and Daryn Smit added 81 in 18 overs.Smit made his highest championship score for Derbyshire but was caught at second slip trying to run Klein to third man and Jeevan Mendis became Colin Ackermann’s first Leicestershire wicket when he got a leading edge to point.Wilson looked certain to become the sixth player in the game to make a hundred but he fell for the second time in the 90’s this season trying to pull Chappell but he had helped Derbyshire record their highest score against Leicestershire.
Leeds United striker Rodrigo's agent is scheduled to hold a meeting regarding his client's imminent exit from Elland Road, according to journalist Beren Cross.
When did Rodrigo join Leeds?
Rodrigo first arrived in Yorkshire back in 2020 from Valencia and he’s since gone on to make 97 senior appearances after becoming a regular feature of the first-team, but there’s a strong chance that he could be set to depart during the ongoing window.
The Spain international will be out of contract next summer meaning that now will be the final big opportunity that the hierarchy have to cash in should they not want to risk losing him for free in 12 months time, and having established himself as their top-performing offensive player last season, he won’t be short of potential suitors.
The Whites will know that they are resigned to losing several of their big names in the coming weeks with stars like Jack Harrison, Tyler Adams and Robin Koch having already been linked with an exit, and if the following update is to be believed, the 32-year-old could be another to follow in their footsteps and seal a move away from the Championship.
Is Rodrigo leaving Leeds?
Taking to Twitter, Cross revealed that Leeds will meet with Rodrigo's representative possibly in the coming days to discuss his departure from LS11 after three years of service. He wrote:
"Rodrigo's agent, his father, set to meet Leeds top brass imminently to get the wheels moving on his exit. United not expected to make it difficult for him to move and get those wages off the books."
Leeds United striker Rodrigo.
Should the 49ers keep or sell Rodrigo?
Leeds obviously won’t want to lose Rodrigo for nothing and the fee that they could potentially bring in for him will be appealing, but the centre-forward is such a standout player at the club so the 49ers should see if he could be tempted to stay by offering him a new contract.
The Nike-sponsored ace, who pockets £100k-per-week, racked up 14 goal contributions (13 goals and one assist) in 31 Premier League outings last season and recorded 66 shots over the course of the campaign, which was higher than any other of his teammates, as per FBRef.
Rodrigo, who has been lauded a “top talent” by CEO Angus Kinnear, also adds wonderful versatility to the squad with his ability to be deployed in seven different positions over the pitch, including all across the frontline and even in the midfield, so retaining his services is something that the board shouldn’t even have to think twice about if possible.
The 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia could be held in the winter, following the example set by Qatar last year.
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Saudi to be named 2034 hosts
Competition could be played in winter
Summer tournament still an option
WHAT HAPPENED?
FIFA is set to announce the Middle East nation as the host for the tournament in 2034 after Australia withdrew from the bidding process before the deadline.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Temperatures can reach 50C in Saudi Arabia in the summer, causing concerns about the safety of fans and players and raising the prospect of it being held later in the year. The 2022 edition of the tournament was the first to be moved to the winter, a controversial decision as it came in the middle of the European football season and therefore necessitated a winter break.
However, Saudi Arabian Football Federation president Yasser al-Misehal says that technology could be used to make stadiums cooler during the summer, but the prospect of holding the competition in the winter has not been ruled out.
WHAT THEY SAID
"Of course, we are ready for all possibilities," he said at the Asian Football Confederation awards in Doha. "Today there are many new technologies that help you with cooling or adding air conditioners in stadiums, in addition to the fact that there are many cities in the kingdom that enjoy a very wonderful atmosphere in the summer."
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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
FIFA will soon confirm Saudi Arabia as the 2034 World Cup hosts.
Despite it being Julie Ertz's big night, Lynn Williams quietly stole the limelight with a brilliant two-goal performance.
All eyes were on Julie Ertz, and rightfully so. The U.S. women's national team legend was here to say goodbye, one last run and one last game for a player that has had so many important ones over the years. With her 2023 World Cup teammates around her, Ertz made way early on to a much-deserved ovation.
But, while this was Ertz's day, it was also Lynn Williams', too. A player that was overlooked at the World Cup could not be overlooked on Thursday night, even with all the fanfare around Ertz' goodbye.
Williams scored two of the three goals in the USWNT's 3-0 win over South Africa, offering the attacking spark that the U.S. needed so badly at the World Cup. Both goals, as unlikely as it may seem, came via set pieces, with Williams the surprising goalscorer on both.
Trinity Rodman's goal, though, was a display of the threat that the U.S. so desperately lacked Down Under. It was a lovely attacking move, one capped by a pass from Alex Morgan to Rodman for a simple finish.
In the first game of the post-Vlatko Andonovski era, the U.S. put out a lineup not unlike the one we saw at the World Cup. What that team lacked in the attacking end a few months back seems behind them, though, as this USWNT played the way that many expected them to this summer.
GOAL rates USWNT players from TQL Stadium…
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Goalkeeper & Defense
Alyssa Naeher (6/10):
Had just about nothing to do for the bulk of this game. Could this have been a good one to get a look at one of the other goalkeepers?
Crystal Dunn (7/10):
A solid game at fullback/wingback. When the lineup came out, there was hope she'd be in midfield. No luck, though, as she exited after 45.
Naomi Girma (8/10):
How many better defenders are there in the world today? Had to get back and stop a few South Africa attacks, but she did so effortlessly every time.
Alana Cook (7/10):
Totally solid, which only makes it more puzzling as to why we didn't see her more at the World Cup.
Emily Fox (6/10):
Helped keep South Africa quiet on that right-hand side. Nothing crazy, but a good performance overall.
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Midfield
Emily Sonnett (7/10):
Was a secret weapon in that last World Cup game and she looked good again in a midfield role here. Ran plenty and helped the U.S. in possession.
Lindsey Horan (8/10):
Involved in all three goals and was fantastic on set pieces. About as good of a performance as you can expect from a midfielder.
Julie Ertz (6/10):
Was given her start, but it didn't last long before she was taken out to a standing ovation. Came oh so close to getting a goal from a corner kick, but it just wasn't quite to be.
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Attack
Trinity Rodman (7/10):
Fantastic run and and great finish on a sequence that would have been very, very welcome at the World Cup. Should be a good one for her confidence after some ups and downs Down Under.
Alex Morgan (7/10):
No goal, which isn't ideal given her World Cup drought but, an overall good performance from the USWNT striker. Fantastic pass on Rodman's goal, a good display of what she can do in her role.
Lynn Williams (9/10):
Could the U.S. have used Williams in the XI at the World Cup? On this evidence, it sure looks like it! Williams was absolutely fantastic and, for a team that saw their attack sputter Down Under, that will be even more frustrating given her lack of minutes.
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Subs & Manager
Mary Alice Vignola (7/10):
A very good first impression for the hometown defender, who did enough to show she can play at this level.
Ashley Sanchez (6/10):
Stop me if you heard this before: Could we have seen more of her at the World Cup?
Ashley Hatch (6/10):
Got her chance after missing the World Cup, and looked okay, but it'll be tough to hold off some of the young forward options behind her.
Casey Krueger (N/A):
Came on a bit too late to make an impact, replacing Fox at right back.
Alyssa Thompson (N/A):
Got a 15 minute cameo in place of Rodman as she looks to find more USWNT experience.
Twila Kilgore (7/10):
Did exactly what you want from an interim manager: made minor changes that produced big results. The next manager can reinvent the wheel, but it's Kilgore's job to make sure that it keeps moving.