The USWNT trains for the Tournament of Nations at CenturyLink Field in Seattle.
Photo by: Brad Smith
SANTA MONICA – Today at 4:15 the Tournament of Nations kicks off in Seattle, Washington when Brazil plays Japan. The Tournament of Nations is a new tournament hosted by U.S. Soccer that will take place over the course of 3 different days: July 27, July 30, and August 3rd. Two matches will be played each day between the four participating teams: Brazil, Japan, Australia, and the USA.
The USWNT, who are currently ranked number one in the world, are looking to take home a victory. However, after their lackluster performance in both the Olympics in 2016 and the SheBelieves Cup earlier this year, coach Jill Ellis is looking to shake things up.
The USWNT did wow at the last World Cup, silencing their opponents and winning it all. However, as coach Jill Ellis prepares for the 2019 World Cup, she is not looking to simply repeat the USWNT’s performance in 2015. Rather, she is looking to to develop some newer players and recreate a stronger USWNT.
Ellis has put three players on the roster for this tournament who are completely uncapped, and 5 others who have less than 10 caps total. This tournament serves as the perfect opportunity to give some playing time to less experiences players and develop them since the World Cup is still 2 years away. The question is: although the USWNT is favored to win the tournament, will they still be able to if they play some fresher talent in favor of their more seasoned veterans?
The USWNT will face Australia tonight at 7:00 p.m. The game will air on ESPN.
Becky Sauerbrunn training at CenturyLink Field before the Tournament of Nations.
Photo by: Brad Smith
Photos by ISI.
