2024-07-17 19:30:02
The USWNT’s last tune-up match before the Olympics has arrived, with the FIFA world No. 5 US looking for an 18th-straight all-time win over No. 44 Costa Rica tonight at Washington, DC’s Audi Field.
Just three days after a redemptive 1-0 victory over No. 29 Mexico, head coach Emma Hayes’s Paris-bound roster appears to be finding its stride. Calling Saturday’s win “a step in the right direction,” Hayes went on to say, “I think we’re only scratching the surface. I think there’s a lot of layers to go from everyone.”
Hayes’s USWNT is still finding its footing
With their first Olympic group stage game against No. 64 Zambia slated for July 25th, the new-look USWNT — which features the youngest roster in 16 years — is working to define its style of play.
While the USWNT’s signature ability to score in transition remains a strong point, the team also acknowledged their shaky first half on Saturday, with midfielder Rose Lavelle commenting that they’re “working on being a little more tactically flexible… We’re trying to, as a group, learn how to adjust on the fly and be a little smarter with our adjustments during the games.”
The patience required to choose their moments, along with the team’s ability to read and anticipate each other’s movements, is clutch to increasing effectiveness in the areas where the USWNT appeared most disjointed against Mexico.
At stake is an Olympic podium finish, where the US hopes to improve on their bronze medal performance in Tokyo — but the team also aims to make a splash amidst their increasingly sophisticated opponents.
Rodriguez leads a rising Costa Rica team
If improving offensive unity and production is tonight’s goal, Las Ticas could provide the ideal matchup: In their 17 previous meetings, the USWNT has outscored Costa Rica 90-2 overall.
That said, Costa Rica has switched things up since the sides last met in July 2022, with the US defeating the Central American squad 3-0 in the Concacaf Championship semifinal. Las Ticas competed in the 2023 World Cup and reached the Gold Cup quarterfinals earlier this year, where they narrowly fell to No. 8 Canada in extra time.
Costa Rica is captained by 30-year-old Angel City midfielder Rocky Rodriguez, the lone NWSL player on their roster and, in 2015, the first Costa Rica national to ever score in a Women’s World Cup.
In addition to maintaining a perfect record against Costa Rica, the USWNT will look to extend their current unbeaten streak to nine, which includes three shutouts in Hayes’s first three matches at the helm.
Where to watch the USWNT vs. Costa Rica friendly
Expect some hydration breaks due to DC’s scorching temperatures during tonight’s 7:30 PM ET match, airing live on TNT and streaming on Peacock.
TruTV and Max will simultaneously air the first-ever USWNT altcast, hosted by retired USWNT star Sam Mewis, former USWNT captain Becky Sauerbrunn, and Men in Blazers founder Roger Bennett.
