CARSON — The U.S. women’s national soccer team kicked off 2022 and a busy two-year stretch Thursday.

However, despite dominating the ball, the U.S. was unable to solve the Czech Republic defense and goalkeeper Barbora Votikoa as the game ended in a scoreless draw to cap the first night of the SheBelieves Cup at Dignity Health Sports Park.

The Czech Republic is ranked 24th in the latest FIFA World Rankings.

The U.S. started a roster with an average age of 25.6 years, the youngest starting lineup since 2018. This is an important tournament for the U.S., because there are so many new, young players on the roster with CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying approaching and next year’s FIFA World Cup.

The Americans did everything right in the first half except score a goal. It wasn’t for a lack of trying. With Rose Lavelle pulling the strings, the U.S. applied heavy pressure on the Czech Republic defense but struggled in the final attacking phase.

It also helped the Czech Republic to have Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Votikova, who was quick to everything once the U.S. did get a shot off on target. Votikova was credited with eight saves.

The Americans again had the Czech defense under heavy pressure in the second half, but even with Lavelle still orchestrating things, they could not break through for a goal.

“They were very organized, very tough, very physical and there was very little space,” Andonovski said of the Czech Republic.

Lavelle was eventually replaced in the 75th minute.

U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski tried to unlock the offense in the second half, bringing on Trinity Rodman and Ashley Sanchez. The Southern California natives (Rodman from Newport Beach and Sanchez from Monrovia) are teammates with the Washington Spirit in the NWSL.

Andonovski stressed patience considering the youth of the roster and the fact that the majority of the roster is in the early stages of preseason.

Teams receive three points for a win and one for a draw in the four-team tournament. The next round of games (also in Carson) is scheduled for Sunday, with the U.S. taking on New Zealand (noon) and the Czech Republic facing Iceland (3 p.m.).

The teams will conclude the tournament on Feb. 23 in Frisco, Texas.

“It’s a process,” U.S. defender Becky Sauerbrunn said. “You saw a wave of attacking that got more relentless and we were creating a lot of chances and solving some things.

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“We have a super talented and young roster and it is going to take time to jell. This is the first game of the year and it is going to take time. I don’t think there are a lot of frustration, I think you saw people out there trying to find solutions.”

Sauerbrunn earned her 200th career cap for the national team, becoming the 12th player to reach that number for the national team.

In the opening game, Iceland defeated New Zealand, 1-0. Angel City FC defender Ali Riley played the full 90 minutes for New Zealand.

Dagny Brynjarsdottir scored in the first minute for Iceland.