What happened to Rose Lavelle, Suspension, Injury Update, Height, High School
What happened to Rose Lavelle, Suspension, Injury Update, Height, High School – When Kelley O’Hara approached Rose Lavelle after the United States’ World Cup match against Portugal ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw, it was clear that something important had happened. The U.S. team had secured their spot in the next round, but the overall feeling was one of missed opportunities. They were expected to dominate their group, not merely scrape through. To make matters worse, they would now have to face the round of 16 without Rose Lavelle, who had received her second yellow card in two games and was suspended.
Rose Lavelle Suspend
Lavelle was visibly upset after the match, and O’Hara comforted her, reminding her of the positive impact she had on the field that night. O’Hara’s embrace was a reminder of how crucial Lavelle’s presence was to the team. Now, the question is how the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) will replace her in their upcoming match against Sweden.
Rose Lavelle, a star midfielder, had been recovering from a knee injury before the tournament began. Her minutes on the field had been gradually increasing: 30 minutes in the first match against Vietnam, 45 against the Netherlands, and a full 90 minutes against Portugal. Her influence was evident, particularly against the Netherlands when her perfect corner kick led to a crucial equalizing goal.
Lavelle’s fitness had been a topic of concern for U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski since the team arrived in New Zealand. Finally, against Portugal, she was given the start, and her absence in the upcoming match against Sweden is a significant blow.
“Andonovski said the day before the Portugal match, ‘Rose is one of the best players in the world, and not having her fully for 90 minutes in the first two games obviously impacted the team because she was penciled in as a starter a long time ago.'”
Sweden, ranked third in the world by FIFA, poses a considerable challenge for the U.S. team in the round of 16. To overcome this challenge, Andonovski might need to make some bold decisions. One option is to move Julie Ertz back into the defensive midfield to add a spark. Ertz had been playing as a center back in the first three matches as a replacement for the injured Becky Sauerbrunn, and she performed excellently alongside Naomi Girma.
However, Ertz played a crucial role in the U.S. World Cup victory four years ago as a holding midfielder. Her experience and organizational skills could be what the U.S. needs, especially against a physical Swedish team.
“Andonovski said last week, ‘I feel comfortable with Julie playing as a No. 9 or a 7 or 11. She’ll give you her best, she’ll play 90 minutes, and she’ll be good.'”
Of course, moving Ertz to midfield would require a reshuffle in the team’s formation. What would happen to Andi Sullivan, who has been the defensive midfielder in Ertz’s absence due to maternity leave? And who would replace Lavelle more formally—Savannah DeMelo or Ashley Sanchez?
DeMelo, earning her first USWNT cap in the send-off game on July 9, started the first two World Cup matches before being subbed off for Lavelle. Sanchez might be the stylistic match for Lavelle when it comes to creativity, something the team has been lacking in this tournament.
Another consideration is who would replace Ertz in defense if she moves to midfield. Andonovski’s options include Alana Cook, who played more minutes than any other U.S. player in 2022, or Emily Sonnett, who made a brief appearance in the final minutes against Portugal. It’s clear that Andonovski prefers Ertz and wasn’t planning to use Cook or Sonnett unless absolutely necessary. Now, it might be necessary.
So, where does all of this leave Andonovski and the USWNT? The coach remains confident in the team’s abilities, saying, “It’s not like we don’t have the pieces. We have executed our principles on both sides of the ball against good opponents with the group of players we have here, and I have no doubt that we can execute against good opponents going forward.”
Meanwhile, Rose Lavelle is determined to continue contributing to the team, even if her greater impact will be felt in her absence. “I’m disappointed I can’t help the team out on the field next game,” she said. “There’s still a lot of ways that I can help the team off the field, so I guess that’s where my energy will be now.”
In the face of adversity, the USWNT must regroup and adapt to ensure they continue their quest for World Cup glory. How they fill the void left by Rose Lavelle will be a critical factor in their journey through the tournament.
Who are the potential replacements for Julie Ertz in defense if she moves to midfield?
Possible replacements for Julie Ertz in defense include Alana Cook and Emily Sonnett, although the coach prefers Ertz in that position.
What is the coach’s perspective on the team’s capabilities despite the challenges?
The coach remains confident in the team’s abilities and believes they have the necessary pieces to succeed in the tournament.
How is Rose Lavelle planning to contribute to the team despite her suspension?
Rose Lavelle is determined to continue helping the team off the field in any way possible, despite not being able to play in the next game.
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