BY Robert j. matthews
You can see the lack of teamwork in this screenshot from the USWNT's 0-0 tie with Portugal at the World Cup.
In their recent matches against China, the USWNT had a clear and organized structure.
The U.S. played defensively with a 4-4-2 formation and then switched to a 3-2-5 when they had the ball. Here's a look at the attacking formation:
Sophia Smith has been the top striker in the NWSL for two years. She is really good at moving without the ball, she is fast, and she can make her own shots.
She scores a lot of goals for the Portland Thorns. On the national team, Smith mostly plays on the wing, while Alex Morgan plays in the middle.
That didn't happen in this game against China. Smith played for 45 minutes in both games as the center-forward for the USWNT.
They led the line, broke through the opposing defense, and scored in the first match.
Smith is really good at making goal scoring runs, especially when she gets a pass from Trinity Rodman.