Facing a tough opponent and even tougher weather conditions, the United States started off the 2018 SheBelieves Cup with a solid if unspectacular 1-0 win over Germany. Megan Rapinoe’s 17th minute goal was enough for the USWNT, who spurned several chances to pad their lead before having to survive a late push by Germany for an equalizer.
USWNT coach Jill Ellis largely chose an unsurprising lineup, including Washington Spirit duo Mallory Pugh and Taylor Smith both playing on the right flank. Perhaps the only major surprise came at center back, where Becky Sauerbrunn (out with a foot injury) was replaced by Stanford’s Tierna Davidson, who was selected ahead of NWSL Best 11 defender Emily Sonnett.