The United States Women’s National team faced a fierce match against Germany to open the SheBelieves Cup. Mother Nature did no favors for either team, throwing high winds, snow, sleet and rain at the players on the pitch.
The inclement weather added some thrills and spills to the action. Germany set the tone early as forward Sara Däbritz terrorized the U.S. backline. The German striker peppered the American goal and challenged goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher early, but couldn’t find the back of the net.
U.S. head coach Jill Ellis made a tactical shift to counter Däbritz, dropping midfielder Julie Ertz deeper to shield the Yanks’ backline.