With her teammates pushing back the Courage’s defense, DeMelo realizes that she doesn’t have to sprint toward the end line to find a pocket of space.
All she has to do is be patient, hold her run, and she can let the play come to her.
And so it does. The ball falls to DeMelo, who had found the pocket of space she needed, and while she can’t direct the bouncing ball on frame, she helps turn a possession into a high-quality chance — that’s exactly what the world’s best players do.
DeMelo knows when to hold her runs and she knows when to run right at opponents. She has seemingly boundless energy, which makes her a major defensive asset for Louisville. You can see some of that energy on this play against Kansas City where DeMelo makes a hard, winding run out of midfield to press three Current players and push the ball into the back of the net.
Between her efficiency, creativity and hard running, DeMelo is a true game-changer in the NWSL. She could be one for the USWNT, too. Her vision, speed of play and set-piece threat can help the Americans break down some of the compact blocks they’ll face this summer. Her movement and decision-making in transition can add even more heat to the team’s already scorching counterattacks. And her defensive effort and quickness can take Andonovski’s press to the next level.
It won’t be easy for her to earn minutes for the USWNT at the World Cup in a position filled with other capable and more established players. Rose Lavelle , Lindsey Horan , Ashley Sanchez and Kristie Mewis , who are all in the squad, have each had bright moments for both club and country in a similar attacking midfield role.
But if given the chance this summer, DeMelo has the skills to become one of the USWNT’s mainstays — and even a household name.
