USWNT battles back after Rose Lavelle’s introduction, draws Netherlands 1-1

The USWNT battled back from an early deficit to secure a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in the two sides’ critical second group game at the 2023 World Cup on Wednesday.

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Jill Roord staked the 2019 runners-up to their lead after just 17 minutes, when the USWNT failed to clear a series of hopeful balls into their penalty area. Eventually the ball fell to Roord, who struck low and hard, through a sea of bodies. The underdogs going ahead only ratcheted up the intensity of the 2019 World Cup final, as the Oranje looked quite comfortable and in control.

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Rose Lavelle’s introduction certainly changed the course of Wednesday’s game, and it was Lavelle who set up Lindsey Horan’s equalizer in the 62nd minute. Moments earlier, Horan was furious with the referee and Lyon club teammate Danielle van de Donk over a perceived foul. Horan got the last word as she charged toward the near post and met the ball with a thundering header.

Alex Morgan put the ball in the back of the net again in the 67th minute, but she had strayed just offside before Trinity Rodman played the final ball into space.

It’s Rose Lavelle or bust for the USWNT

Also file under: Yeah, no duh, stupid, but everyone’s pre-World Cup suspicions were confirmed on Wednesday — the USWNT will struggle to generate scoring chances when Rose Lavelle is not on the field. So, just put Rose Lavelle on the field, right? Tell Rose Lavelle’s knee, or head coach Vlatko Andonovski, or whoever is responsible for the USWNT’s premier playmaker not starting either of the first two games of this tournament.

After 45 minutes on Wednesday, the two-time defending world champions were toothless in attack and found themselves on the ropes, a goal down and pressed hard for a second. That was with Lavelle not on the field. With Lavelle on the field after halftime, forwards were set free by through balls into the channels and set-piece targets were found with super service into the box.

Get Rose Lavelle’s knee healthy, now, then wrap it in bubble wrap, please.

USWNT vs Netherlands, final score: 1-1

Goalscorers: Jill Roord (17'), Lindsey Horan (62')

How to watch USWNT vs Vietnam live, stream link and start time

Kickoff: 9 pm ET, Wednesday

How to watch in English: Fox

How to watch en Español: Telemundo/Women’s World Cup on Peacock

USWNT schedule - 2023 Women’s World Cup group stage

W 3-0 Vietnam -- July 22, 9 pm ET -- Eden Park, Auckland

D 1-1 Netherlands -- July 27, 9 pm ET -- Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington

vs Portugal -- Aug. 1, 7pm ET -- Eden Park, Auckland