WASHINGTON - The U.S. women's soccer team's attempts at evolution since losing in the Olympics quarterfinals have come mainly in response to teams that play a bunkering, defensive style against it.
Out went a possession-based system with four backs, three midfielders and three forwards. In came a high press-oriented 3-5-2.
France is the polar opposite of a bunkering team, though. It's the most stylish outfit in the international women's game. And the French showed it on Tuesday, tearing the Americans apart in a 3-0 win at RFK Stadium.
France scored its first two goals within nine minutes of kickoff: a penalty kick by Camile Abily and a brilliant sprint past two American defenders by Eugenie Le Sommer.