USWNT vs. Uzbekistan: Live stream, TV channel, how to watch, time, storylines for international friendly

The U.S. women’s national team will close out their two game series against Uzbekistan at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania on Tuesday. The No. 1 FIFA ranked USWNT defeated 48th-ranked Uzbekistan, 9-1, on Saturday at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio. 

There is one more international window in June before the Concacaf W Championship takes place July, though no official matches have been announced yet by U.S. Soccer. USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski has stated he will make some player rotations for the upcoming match while still evaluating specific groups of players.

Here’s how you can watch the match and what to know:

Viewing information

• Date: Tuesday, April 12 | Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: Subaru Park — Chester, Pennsylvania
• TV: ESPN | Live stream: fuboTV (try for free)

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Storylines

Developing chemistry: Andonovski has been vocal about evaluating a specific group of players together as the calendar year continues. Mallory Pugh, Catarina Macario, and Sophia Smith have been part of the frontline in the SheBelieves Cup and currently during the international window. Fans can expect to see more of them during the second friendly against Uzbekistan as they all continue to familiarize themselves with each other.

The offense has been active when the trio is on the pitch. More tactical when on the ball and eager to take defenders on 1-v-1, Macario and Pugh were involved in five of the 10 goals during the SheBelieves Cup, and with Smith, the trio were involved in six of the nine goals scored against Uzbekistan on Saturday.

“I think that you could say it is a little different. I think that all of us are different players,” Pugh said during a pregame press conference. “But I think Cat (Macario) has the ability to be a hold up 9 too, and she has the ability to drop into the pocket. I think with Sophia and I, you do see that in our club environments, that we do like to come inside, and a little bit higher on the line, and we can play as a 9 too. So, I think it’s just good that we can all kind of interchange and I think it’s important that we now get on the same rhythm when we do have the interchange.”

Player rotation: Despite still wanting certain groups of players to have extended time together. Andonovski expects to have some rotation and to keep an eye on minutes in the series final against Uzbekistan. Abby Dahlkemper is on a minute restriction, and either Bella Bixby or Aubrey Kingsbury will make their USWNT debut on Tuesday night. Kingsbury was named to the 18-player roster during the first match against Uzbekistan. 

“I think that’s a great opportunity to introduce one of the one of the two goalkeepers that have not had a chance to be on the field and get any minutes with us before,” Andonovski said. “So, we can certainly expect rotation or change on that position as well.”

Andonovski said he and his coaching staff will be looking at decision-making and how goalkeepers respond to different game scenarios no matter who is in between the posts. 

“Whether it’s Bella or Aubrey on the field, I think the first thing is that they experience the moment,” Andonovski said. “They experience the preparation for the game, being with the team on the field . . .As easy as it looks for the goalkeepers, it’s really hard to stay focused for 90 minutes and get called out to make a save or do something once or twice in the last 10 minutes. We want them to be able to stay focused, stay concentrated for those two moments — or one moment — of the game.

“And then to be able to direct the team, be involved as much as possible — not necessarily being involved with saves or playing — but vocal communication, controlling the backline, and directing traffic. There are so many things that they can do to be involved and this team be successful.”

USWNT vs. Uzbekistan prediction

The USWNT will have some rotation but will come out with another high scoreline against Uzbekistan, expect goals before the 25-minute mark in the second round between these two sides. Pick: USWNT 11, Uzbekistan 0