USWNT vs. Nigeria, 2021 Summer Series: What to watch for

The United States Women’s National Team look to finish out the WNT Summer Series with another win when they host Nigeria tomorrow night in Austin. This Summer Series finale will feel like more of a new beginning, as the team will be the first to open up Q2 Stadium, which will serve as the home of Austin FC. Because of that, the USWNT will want to end the Summer Series with a bang against a tough opponent in Nigeria.

Unknown is the status of Rose Lavelle, who had to leave Sunday night’s match against Jamaica earlier due to an injury. However, for the rest of the roster, it’s one last chance to impress head coach Vlatko Andonovski and hopefully be included on his final 18-player roster for the Olympics when it’s finalized.

The roster for the USWNT:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Adrianna Franch (Portland Thorns), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)

DEFENDERS (8): Alana Cook (OL Reign), Abby Dahlkemper (Manchester City, ENG), Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns FC), Kelley O’Hara (Washington Spirit), Margaret Purce (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns FC), Emily Sonnett (Washington Spirit)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign), Catarina Macario (Olympique Lyonnais), Kristie Mewis (Houston Dash), Samantha Mewis (North Carolina Courage), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit)

FORWARDS (6): Carli Lloyd (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride), Christen Press (Manchester United), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), Lynn Williams (North Carolina Courage)

What To Watch For

Continue the aggressive play. The aggressive high press will likely be a focus once again tomorrow night. Who on the wings are going to play that aggressive style that Andonovski wants to play? With the quick turnaround, it will be important to establish the tempo quickly and keep Nigeria on their heels.

Capitalize on corners. There are very few things that the USWNT could improve on. Too many times, the corner kicks are too low and don’t get an opportunity to make it to the middle where things can happen. It’s harmlessly cleared away by the first defender. The USWNT will draw quite a few corners tomorrow night, so let’s see if they can focus on capitalizing on them to put pressure on Nigeria’s goalkeeper.

Killer instinct. The USWNT will want to end things early, just like they did Sunday night against Jamaica. This is a moment where players will want to leave no doubt and make Andonovski’s job of picking an Olympic roster incredibly difficult. When the chances come, take them. And finish them.

Prediction

The USWNT make it a magical night at Q2. The new stadium opens up with a 3-0 USWNT victory.