Coach Vlatko Andonovski made good on his promise to examine young talents by leaving some of the national team's more famous stars off the squad for the start of the tournament, including Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Christen Press, and Tobin Heath. The starting lineup's average age was 25, the lowest since April 2018. Five starters have played in fewer than 15 games for the team. Casey Murphy was only in her third game as a goalkeeper.

The beginning of a new World Cup cycle is an exciting time. There are new players to keep an eye on, as well as possibly some new tactics to try out. All of a team's dreams are feasible, especially for one as talented as the US women's national team. The visitors dealt admirably with the crosses that the Americans poured into the box for much of the game. The Czechs also helped each other out. Even when one player was outplayed, another was there to steal the ball. Since its last such triumph in a friendly against Portugal in June, the US is currently winless in its last five games in which it has failed to score in the first half. Vlatko Andonovski blamed his team's inability to make a breakthrough on a lack of familiarity within the group and the time of year.

There were, however, some glimpses of the US attack. Tierna Davidson's long-range passing, as well as Sophia Smith's efforts off the ball, created several opportunities. There was also some potential combination play between Catarina Macario and Rose Lavelle, who saw some rare minutes as a central striker. This result showed the need for the young US squad to become more adept at breaking down opponents that defend in a low block, something Iceland and New Zealand will be employing on a regular basis. Andonovski is preaching patience, but there's a limit to how much he can preach. Only five months remain until the World Cup and Olympic qualification tournaments.

[Photography by ICONIC photographer Ashley Orellana]