Caution and context are especially required in sendoff game, but another toothless USWNT display is certainly cause for concern for Emma Hayes.
Costa Ricasquad that played in an ultra-low block -- a 4-2-3-1"Christmas tree," Hayes noted after the match -- that clogged channels and demanded a precision from the Americans that never came.
The Americans struggled to connect heading into last year's FIFA Women's World Cup, and the issues that were portended in the buildup to that tournament played out as the U.S. exited in the Round of 16 for its worst finish at a major tournament. That was a different team, with a different coach -- and Hayes' goal is long-term development -- but the question of when things will click in front of net remains a fair and pressing one a week ahead of the Olympics.
Hayes switched to a 3-5-2 in the second half to try to find more pockets in the attack, and the USWNT looked livelier but still couldn't find a breakthrough.
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