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On Friday, France found a way to shut down the high-powered offense of Team USA. Despite that, the USWNT still managed to get past the host team due to a pair of penalty kick goals by Megan Rapinoe. But Rapinoe won’t be on the pitch when today’s match kicks off at Noon PT on Fox.
That’s because head coach Jill Ellis has announced a starting lineup that give Rapinoe the day off, at least to start.
In her place, Ellis will start Stanford alum Christen Press who plays for the Utah Royals of the NWSL. It could be an attempt to boost the US offense as Press has 48 international goals in 121 international matches while Rapinoe has 49 international goals in 157 international matches.
The other lineup change for today’s game involves former Bruin Samantha Mewis, who will also be out of the starting lineup. Instead, Rose Lavelle will switch sides and play on the left side of the pitch when the US is on the attack while Lindsey Horan will get the start on the right side. I’m not sure why Ellis is making this change today. Hopefully, it’s not due to an injury.
This is your 2019 Women’s World Cup USA vs. England semifinal open thread.
Go Bruins!!!