How Julie Ertz’s Cameo Reinvigorated A Stale USWNT Midfield

Julie Ertz made a twenty four minute cameo on Saturday as she returned to the USWNT for the first time in two years. Her return made an immediate impact on the run of play vs a physical Irish squad.

There was rust, her individual play still had room to improve but her presence on the pitch saw the midfield pushing up into the attack for the first time all match.

A game that was harsh, physical, and a bit disjointed at times, burst to life once Ertz punctuated her brand of soccer on the match. Ertz even…