Excellent article.
I think what you see is a difference in philosophy. UNC and ND play a 3 forward formation which allow them to play the ball quickly to their best players who are usually isolated on a defender 1 v 1. It is a great idea if the goal is to win. UNC and ND don't have to develop the players any more, they want to win. The best from UNC and ND play for the national team and get possession taught there.
The US national team has moved from a 3 forward system (see China) to a 2 forward system. This move alone almost forces a change in playing style to more possession oriented.
This isn't much different then the men's game 25 years ago. teams like Norway and sweden on the men's side used a 3 forward direct style for years to take advantage of the great players they had. The US was much the same (just not very good at it).
At the college level, playing very direct still works for the women. There is still a great difference in the talent level from the top 5 - 10 teams and everyone else. If you could just play your forward and constantly win (AND KEEP YOUR JOB) that is probably the way it will continue to be.
at the national level, the US Fed. (after getting hammered by Brazil) realized they needed a coach (foreign) who understood the indirect style and could teach it. This was the only way the US was to continue to be a world force in soccer on the women's side.
Eventually, the college coaches will have to change their style to be able to feed the national team. or the academy program will be the only source of national level players.
