The U.S. women finally found their scoring touch against New Zealand. There were four goals from four different players: Heather O’Reilly, Amy Rodriguez, Angela Hucles and Lindsay Tarpley. The final score was a 4 - 0 victory for the U.S. National Team. This was a scoring display that the U.S. women needed to restore some confidence in their offense. It was also a statement to other teams that the American offense cannot be taken lightly, even without Abby Wambach in the lineup.

Here are five game observations:

• Heather O’Reilly’s quick goal, at the forty second mark, provided the U.S. team with an immediate advantage. The New Zealand team had to press immediately, from the beginning of the game, for the equalizing goal. Advantage U.S.A.
• Amy Rodriguez is fast - amazingly fast. Her speed on offense changes the game. Defenses have to adjust to the threat that she presents. Teams may decide to play Amy Rodriguez a bit differently. They may allow her to have the outside shot and prevent her from having a run at goal. She is dangerous and she knows how to put the ball to the back of the net.
• Lori Chalupny returned to play in this game. She was hurt in the first game against Norway when she was struck in the head. She missed one game, the match against Japan. Lori Chalupny provides another offensive threat and the U.S. team will need her to extend the opponent’s defense.
• The U.S. women limited their own offense by settling for the long shots. It is similar to trying for a long touchdown pass in football. It is possible to score with a long shot but the probabilities are lower. As the Americans advance and face better defensive units, it will be necessary to make goalkeeper move by penetrating nearer the goal.
• Pia Sundhage, the U.S. coach, is not hesitant to try different combinations in her lineup. It might be that she is still looking for that ‘right’ combination of players. Even with this victory over New Zealand, the American women have not played at the level that they are capable. However, with each game, they are improving and Pia Sundhage still has the luxury of experimenting with her lineup.

The next game for the U.S. team will be the national team from Canada. This is a team that they know well. As the U.S. team advances from group play, the challenge will be to play a complete game - without any lapses whatsoever.

Catherine Forsythe