Wambach and Morgan have truly become something special in the women's game. In fact, they've become one of the most feared strike partnerships in the women's game today, and by the end of this year, maybe even the best in women's soccer history, let alone USWNT history. That is, if they can break the combined goals record held by Michelle Akers and Carin Jennings in 1991, a time when things were just getting started for our USWNT. The feat is more than possible to tackle; the duo has 50 combined goals as of right now. That's only 5 goals away, and there's still 3 more games left of the Fan Tribute Tour, and they'll be played against China. No offense to China, but their team just isn't what it used to be like back in 1999. They've become somewhat of a punching bag, and the USWNT's last meeting with them ended in a 4-1 beating (I'm happy to say I witnessed that game live, and let me tell you, there could have easily been more goals for us). So, 3 games against an opponent we're likely to whack around and get at least 3 goals in? I'd say our chances are pretty good, since Wambach, and Morgan especially, have been on fire lately. For once in a long time, I can say we really have a duo that clicks. It just fits perfectly. The chemistry these two have is unmatched. Hell, I remember the days when we had a hard time finding someone for Wambach up front. A-Rod didn't quite fit; her composure and accuracy in front of goal left much to be desired, and her speed made her more fit for a wing position. Then there was Lauren Cheney. Excellent accuracy on long range shots and great when her back was to defenders, but she simply wasn't prolific enough. She's a great option for our center midfield now. Then came Alex Morgan. But in 2010 she was simply our "Super Sub." Pia opted to keep her on the bench until she was really needed. After a while, the goals didn't lie, and she became a solid striker alongside Wambach, and the combo went together better than peanut butter and jelly. And we still have a Super Sub; good ol' Syd the Kid gives us that burst off the bench whenever we need.
But what makes Wambach and Morgan such a threatening combo? Why do defenders cringe at the thought of having to face off against these two? The answer is simple. Wambach and Morgan compliment each other like no other strike force in the women's game. They balance out and make up for what the other lacks, and this sole fact creates the whole core of their offensive tandem. As I said in an earlier post, Wambach and Morgan are Yin and Yang; they are two halves of the same whole. They are mirror images of each other; the inverses of each other create an equality and balance. Take Wambach for example. Her weaknesses are Morgan's strengths, and vice versa. This is what makes them the perfect, and most dangerous combination in the women's game. Because they are two very different players, it gives defenders twice the amount of homework. They need to deal with the double-edged sword. They need to worry about Wambach's set of abilities and strengths, and at the same time deal with Morgan's. Both sets of abilities are different from each other, and so this creates a ton of havoc for the opposing team.
-Let's take an in depth look at how Wambach and Morgan compliment each other on the field. The first way to start is to ask ourselves what each players strengths and weaknesses are. So, what are Wambach's strengths? Well, Abby is an all-around skilled player, but there are a few qualities that make her excel and stand out. She has a physical approach to the game, has a height advantage, is better in the air than on the ground (however she is still excellent on the ground), has plenty of experience (which she uses to position herself and read the game), and is a great team leader. However, Wambach lacks speed (this makes is hard for her to catch long balls or rush down the wing), lacks some finesse on the ball, and lacks her youth.
-Now lets take a look at Morgan. What are her strengths and weaknesses? Alex has a lot of speed (which makes her an excellent recipient for long balls, and gives her the ability to charge down the wing), has youth and energy, is better on the ground tha in the air, and has a lot of finesse on the ball. What Morgan lacks is height, strength in physical challenges, and some experience when reading the game and positioning herself.
Notice a trend here? If you don't I'm sorry to tell you but you may need glasses. Take a close look. Wambach's weaknesses are Morgan's strengths. And Morgan's weaknesses are Wambach's strengths. Morgan makes up for Wambach's lack of speed. Wambach makes up for Morgan's lack of height and strength. Morgan makes up for Wambach's decrease in energy, while Wambach makes up for Morgan's lack of experience. When challenging the defense, Wambach will go through you and Morgan will go around you. Both share qualities as well; both have great vision and assist each other all the time. And, they take the defenders' attention off one another. If Wambach pulls the defender's attention away, it opens up space for Morgan, and vice versa.
Defenders have a harder time guarding against this strike partnership than any other possible combo in the USWNT roster. They have to have one eye on Wambach's height, and the other on Morgan's speed. Half their brain has to anticipate Wambach's experienced positioning, yet the other half has to think about what spontaneous burst Morgan will make next. The defender has to fight Wambach's physicality, and at the same time be ready to track down Morgan's expertise on the ball. I think it would be a lot simpler for defenders to deal with a tandem of Morgan and Leroux, for example. Both are lightning fast and crafty on the ball, but it makes the attack more one-dimensional and predictable. They know that both are going to attack head-on and use their speed to go around and/or latch onto long balls. This doesn't make the defender's job easy (I certainly wouldn't want Syd or Alex running full speed at me), but it makes it easier and more predictable. When you have such different players combining to create a strike force, you now need to adapt and fight against two different styles, rather than just one, and this is the case with Alex and Abby.
Wambach and Morgan: The Mentor and the Apprentice. The Veteran and the New Kid. The Bull and the Baby Horse. Soon to be the most prolific strike partnership in USWNT history, and maybe in all of women's soccer.
Denise
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