Is Starting Tobin Heath the True Answer to the USWNT's Attacking Problems?

As the United States women's national team's match with Sweden progressed deeper into the second half on Friday, fans and critics alike brought up what they would do to fix the broken USWNT attack.

Many called for prolific forward Abby Wambach to enter the contest and score the game-winning goal. But the second-half substitute was unable to open up her account at the tournament for the second consecutive match after entering in the 68th minute.

Then came the shouts for Alex Morgan's introduction, but manager Jill Ellis only used Morgan for the final 12 minutes of the scoreless draw in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The third name that came up in the social conversation for most of the night failed to see the field. Winger Tobin Heath possesses the qualities that the USWNT attack has been searching for in Canada, but she has mostly been relegated to a role on the bench.

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Now with the final Group D match against Nigeria coming up on Tuesday, the Yanks need to find a solution to the problem that has reared its ugly head through 180 minutes in Canada.

In the opening game of the tournament against Australia, we saw how good of a player Megan Rapinoe is on the left wing, but Christen Press on the right did not match her teammate's production.

On Friday night against Sweden, a plethora of players switched in and out of the right wing position, but neither Morgan Brian, Press, Sydney Leroux nor Amy Rodriguez was able to spark anything spectacular on the flank.

Due to the ineffectiveness of the right-sided midfielders in Canada, Heath seems like the obvious addition to the starting 11 for Tuesday's game at BC Place in Vancouver.

Unlike Press and Brian, Heath is a natural winger who would not have to adjust her game to a new position. Her pace and skill on the right flank would be welcome to the lineup, and she would take some of the pressure off the likes of Rapinoe to create chances.

Another major factor worth bringing up when discussing Tuesday's game is fitness. In their second Group D match of the competition, Nigeria looked sluggish in the waning moments of their 2-0 loss to Australia.

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Nigeria hurt themselves by not using any substitutes against Sweden, and it seems like the treacherous nature of the artificial turf and the short time in between games limited them against the Matildas.

Heath enters the game in Vancouver with a full tank of energy, which could allow her to rip apart the Nigerian defense early and often. A fully fit Heath would allow the Yanks to open up play on each flank, and it would presumably help Carli Lloyd and Lauren Holiday settle into their central roles after two lackluster showings.

Over the first 180 minutes of play in Canada, Lloyd and Holiday, who were seen as two of the most consistent players in the USWNT squad, have disappointed in most aspects of the game. Whether it be poor positioning, the failure to create chances in the final third or the inability to score in the penalty area, neither of the experienced midfielders has contributed in a positive fashion.

Part of that has occurred because of the style of play the Yanks have brought to the turf. Instead of building up play from back to front, they have opted to fly in long balls toward the forwards in front of goal.

With Heath on the wing, the USWNT has the potential to hold possession more in the middle of the pitch in an attempt to wear down the legs of Nigeria. Since her natural instincts tell her to create chances instead of surging forward into the box in search of service, she is prone to stay in midfield and find space to distribute.

Heath's personal style of play would help the Yanks control the ball more and build momentum heading into the knockout phase, where the games will require the U.S. to be more assertive in the middle of the field. In a game where the Yanks are favorites to win, it wouldn't be a bad idea to try something different.

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.