Why Abby Wambach Should Continue as a Substitute for USWNT

In an unfamiliar role against a well-known foe, Abby Wambach very nearly proved Pia Sundhage—her former national team coach—correct. With issues to fix in the United States attack, Jill Ellis—her current coach—would do well to take note.

Wambach, the all-time leading scorer for U.S. soccer, started on the bench Friday night as the Americans played out a scoreless draw with Sweden. It was perhaps a slight disappointment for the U.S., which had a chance to seal progression to the knockout phase, exact revenge for a loss to the Swedes in the last World Cup and beat now-Sweden coach Sundhage—all in one evening.

But taken in perspective, the result was still positive for the Americans, who remain atop Group D with one match left to play. In addition, a few key lessons emerged. The first and most important was that the U.S. defense, especially center-back Julie Johnston, appears set for a deep run in the tournament.

Another takeaway was that the substitute's role appears ideal for Wambach at this stage of her career.

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Featuring as a substitute is unfamiliar terrain for Wambach. According to ESPN's Paul Carr, the veteran striker had not started a World Cup match on the substitutes' bench since 2003. But after playing the full 90 minutes of the opening U.S. game against Australia, the 35-year-old was not physically prepared to start again, especially on artificial turf.

In the buildup to the match, Sundhage told Sam Borden of the New York Times she would use Wambach as a substitute.

"The best sub ever. But a sub," Sundhage said.

That little statement caused enough of a stir that the former U.S. coach had to clarify and even reverse course, as she told ESPN:

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You have players starting the game, but you have players that will end the game. And Abby is a player that will make the difference [at the end of games]. So I would have that in my back pocket and throw her in and win the game. Now, I don't know the team today, but I saw the game against Australia, and today, playing against Sweden, I would start her because she's that good.

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Sundhage did not need to clarify her remarks. Her original point—that Wambach is most effective as a substitute for the U.S. at this point of her career—was correct. Wambach showed as much when she came on in the 68th minute and created her team's best chance Friday night against Sweden.

In the 77th minute, Wambach stooped to reach a lofted pass into the box. Her bouncing header initially appeared destined for the back of the net, but Sweden goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl tipped the ball over the crossbar. 

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While Wambach did not score a dramatic winner after entering the match as a substitute, there were plenty of reasons to believe she best serves the U.S. by making late-game cameos. For one thing, playing her as a substitute allows Ellis to use other attacking options, of which she has many.

If Alex Morgan was fully fit, she would probably start alongside Sydney Leroux in the front line. But with Wambach out, the speedy Christen Press can move into her natural position as a forward, as was the case Friday. Amy Rodriguez can provide another option and entered the Sweden match as a substitute.

Michael Caley of the Washington Post noted before the game that Wambach doesn't have the pace or the versatility that the other U.S. forwards possess:

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While Wambach is primarily a penalty box finisher at this point in her career, Press and Leroux are perfectly suited to pulling a high defensive line out of shape with intelligently deployed pace. By using two dynamic forwards to make runs in the channels, supported by dangerous wingers in (Megan) Rapinoe and (Tobin) Heath, the United States could give the Swedish back four fits. 

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The match didn't quite play out that way, but Caley's tactical reasoning is sound. The problem, as has been the case with the U.S. frequently in recent months, was an overreliance on long balls. Wambach's introduction didn't change that, but that was hardly her fault.

In her prime, Wambach was the best option in the U.S. attack—and at times the most dangerous attacker in the world. But at 35 years old, she is not as mobile as she used to be, nor is she able to handle the rigors of playing a grueling tournament schedule.

Fortunately for the U.S., the team has several strong options available in the forward line. As the Americans look forward to their final group match against Nigeria, Wambach would continue to serve her team best in her new role as a substitute.

Follow @MiguelCominguez