U.S. interim boss Twila Kilgore is thrilled with the performances of Jaedyn Shaw of late, after netting her fifth goal in five starts for the USWNT.
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U.S. clashing with Canada in SheBelieves Cup finalShaw has five goals in five startsUSWNT teen in stunning formWHAT HAPPENED?
Shaw found the back of the net in the 21st minute against Japan in the semifinals of the tournament, helping lead the U.S. to a 2-1 victory over their opponents. It was her fifth-straight start where she found the back of the net, setting a record as the youngest-ever to do so.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT TWILA KILGORE SAID
“I think Jaedyn has always been a really good goalscorer,” Kilgore said speaking at a press conference ahead of the SheBelieves Cup final. “I think finding your niche in this team and being able to score consistently is quite a feat, especially as you’re being integrated. And I would actually say even though she’s here, she’s doing a great job, we’re seeing great things from her and we’re really pleased, I’d say she’s still in the onboarding process. She is still working on all phases of her game.
“She’s open to challenges, she’s very humble, she’s hardworking, she wants to be better. And while the world is saying, ‘Yeah, she’s here and she’s arrived,’ and I agree she’s doing a great job, be patient because there’s more lot more for her," Kilgore added.
With five goals in her first five starts, Kilgore believes there are also specifics that set her apart from other attackers.
“It’s her focus, it’s her calmness, and I believe that she’s looking at beating the goalkeeper and not necessarily the person that’s right in front of her,” Kilgore said. “I think that’s almost a given at this point. And it’s more about beating the goalkeeper… She’s willing to take the risk and hit a first-time ball or even take a risk and make a well-timed run and assume the ball is going to get there as opposed to waiting for the ball. And that sets her apart from a lot of people.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
With Shaw's stupendous form, the USWNT now have a selection headache heading into the Summer Olympics in Paris. She's become a locked-down must-start player in the attack, but figuring out who to surround her with is the biggest question on the table.
From Alex Morgan and Cat Macario to Rose Lavelle, Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith, Crystal Dunn, Lynn Williams and Trinity Rodman, the U.S. has a selection dilemma – and it's not a bad thing.
Shaw, however, is now one of the first names on the teamsheet and is the hottest-scoring attacker in the pool at the moment.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR THE USWNT?
The U.S. takes on Canada Tuesday evening in the SheBelieves Cup final. The CONCACAF duo will face off once again after going head-to-head in the CONCACAF W Gold Cup semifinals earlier this year.