Positives:

+ Abby Wambach’s Playmaking Abilities

Much like in the Germany friendly, Wambach proved why she is so much more than a typical center forward. Her ability to run at defenders with the ball is unparalleled. Same goes for her vision and passing range, as was shown in her service to Rodriguez for her first goal. She’s got the physical assets and the goal-scoring prowess of a striker with the tactical intelligence and passing skill of a central midfielder. Talk about a complete offensive player.

+ Shannon Boxx’s Distribution

Although she was knocked off her game in the second half, Boxx’s distribution was generally wonderful. Without her bossing the center of midfield, it’s difficult to imagine which player would initiate the link-up play between the midfield and the forwards. She’s also a fierce tackler in a team with few.

+ Coach Sundhage’s Somewhat Bold Selection

Perhaps it’s not at all surprising that Pia selected Barnhart over Solo. Solo hasn’t been at her best this season. Not even in Saint Louis. She’s conceded eight goals over three weeks in Atlanta and make that 13 if you include the All-Star Game. Yes, that has a lot to do with a cobbled-together back line but still. Nicole Barnhart has been solid all season long and was likely a much more logical choice. The selection of Kate Markgraf at right back may have been somewhat sentimental but the woman’s still got some speed.

Negatives

- The Paucity of Chances From the Wings

Stephanie Cox had some good runs into the box, as did Kate Markgraf but the service from the flanks dwindled after about 20 minutes. Megan Rapinoe was okay but her crosses were typically inaccurate and Heather O’Reilly was much more effective running with the ball than serving in passes. Kelley O’Hara didn’t do much to improve this either in the second half but the U.S. were getting overrun by that point anyway. The lack of flank play is a major concern.

- The Back Four

Gosh, Amy LePeilbet and Rachel Buehler were largely outpaced and outsized. Both center backs are just 5’5 which might be a bit of an issue, particularly when playing against players with the size of Landstrom and Fischer. The back four completely lost their rhythm and synchronicity in the second half as they struggled to clear even simple chances. There didn’t appear to be a leader back there. It was a rather disconcerting defensive performance and could raise some serious questions regarding how good this back four can be when it’s tested by players with size, pace and technical ability.

- The Lack of A Holding Midfielder

It seems like Lori Lindsey struggles to find herself in the first halves of USWNT matches. Her distribution out of midfield was totally off (like it was in the Germany game) but her physicality counted for something in midfield. Perhaps she needs a better defined role in center midfield. She was subbed off for Sarah Huffman and the USWNT totally lost the battle of midfield. Again, it’s not Huffman’s fault alone but the U.S. proved to be tactically naïve in thinking they could stop the Swedish midfield continuing to play in a straight 4-4-2. Nobody dropped back to help a struggling back four. The USWNT needs a physical presence back there whose only job is to break up play.

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• U.S WNT vs Sweden, 2 Game Series