For a second World Cup in a row, the U20 WNT fell short of expectation.
While it may seem strange to pin the disappointment label on a run to a World Cup semifinal, the U20 WNT created these expectations out of its own past at the competition. Nobody’s won the tournament more than the U.S., which has three U20 Women’s World Cup titles and the most recent in 2012. So when one of the most talented U20 teams we’ve ever seen falls before even reaching the final game, it’s fair to ask some questions.
Chief among them is whether the program is headed in the right direction.
The North Korean U20 WNT is nothing to shake a stick at, of course. It’s one of just three nations to have won this tournament at all (the Germans are the other), and it was clear they were well-drilled and technically able. You don’t get to this stage without being quality.
But should the U.S., with the unmatched resources at its disposal in the girls development game, expect more than two knockout flameouts in a row?
The end of this cycle brings us to a fresh two-year churn with new opportunities ahead. Here’s a look at three areas begging for immediate improvement.
