Rose Lavelle Returns to the USWNT Lineup After Injury
U.S. women’s national team midfielder Rose Lavelle expressed her confidence and readiness to return to the field after recovering from a knee injury that kept her out of the Women’s World Cup. Lavelle’s return is highly anticipated, and here’s what you need to know about her comeback.
“I feel ready for the second match,” Lavelle stated ahead of the USWNT’s game against the Netherlands. She made her first appearance since April’s international break during the team’s 3-0 victory over Vietnam, where she came on as a substitute.
Lavelle played a crucial role in the previous World Cup cycle, scoring a goal in the 2019 final against the Netherlands, helping the USWNT secure a 2-0 victory.
Could Lavelle Start Against the Netherlands?
There is speculation about whether Lavelle will start in the rematch against the Netherlands. Lavelle’s positive message about her condition, along with coach Vlatko Andonovski’s affirmation, suggests that she could be in the starting lineup. While U.S. Soccer does not provide advance notice of the starting XI, Lavelle’s 30-minute appearance in the opener against Vietnam and her presence in the news conference indicate that she is on track to start against the Netherlands.
It is unlikely that Lavelle will be able to play a full 90 minutes yet, but her presence on the field will undoubtedly elevate the USWNT’s performance and creativity. With the Netherlands expected to use a 3-5-2 formation, having Lavelle on the field, even for a half, could help the team find pockets of space and unleash their forward line, potentially leading to an early goal and settling the match down. While the final decision will be made at game time, there are plenty of reasons to be hopeful about Lavelle’s inclusion in the starting lineup.
What They’re Saying
Lavelle shared her thoughts on playing against the Netherlands again, acknowledging that both teams have undergone changes since 2019. She emphasized the importance of approaching the game with a new mindset, stating, “We know every time we play the Netherlands, it’s gonna be a great game.”
Reflecting on her growth as a player since 2019, Lavelle mentioned that she now has more experience and a different mentality. As one of the younger and less experienced players in the previous World Cup cycle, Lavelle’s current position gives her more confidence. She believes that she has become a smarter player and has grown in every aspect, which she hopes will contribute to the team’s success.
Andonovski also addressed questions about the USWNT and the Netherlands being considered favorites in the tournament. Instead, he highlighted teams like Nigeria, Jamaica, South Africa, and the Philippines as examples of how women’s soccer has grown globally. He emphasized that the difference between ranked teams 15-40 is a better indicator of the sport’s growth than the difference between the top-ranked teams.
Backstory
Before the tournament, Andonovski confirmed that not all players in his 23-player squad were ready to play the full 90 minutes. However, there were no injury concerns leading up to the opening fixture. Lavelle had been training with the team for three weeks, gradually increasing her workload to ensure a smooth return.
As Lavelle rejoins the USWNT lineup, fans eagerly anticipate her impact on the team’s performance. Her return brings a boost of creativity and skill, making her an invaluable asset on the field. The rematch against the Netherlands promises to be an exciting and closely contested match, with both teams aiming for victory.