The U.S. Women’s National Team had already qualified for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, but the Americans made sure they finished first in CONCACAF on Sunday.
Led by goals from Tobin Heath and Lindsey Horan, the USWNT cruised to a 2-0 victory in the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship vs. Canada.
Fifty-three minutes passed before Horan headed a Beky Sauerbrunn cross into the back of the net to break the stalemate at BBVA Compass Stadium. Heath then hit a beautiful strike past goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe to put the game out of reach in the 61st.
The USWNT finishes the competition without conceding a single goal while scoring 23 goals in five games. The Golden Ball award was given to Morgan Brian, while Hope Solo was awarded Golden Glove honors and Cystal Dunn won the Golden Boot.
Both the U.S. and Canada will represent CONCACAF during the Olympics in Rio de Janiero, joining New Zealand, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Germany, France, Colombia and Brazil. Three more berths, one from UEFA and two from the Asian Football Confederation, remain up for grabs before the group stage begins on Aug. 3.
What do you think of the USWNT’s win? How do you think the Americans will perform in Brazil?
Share your thoughts below.
“Led by goals from Heath and Horan” what a joke! Horan’s big head just happened to be in the right position in receiving a perfect cross form Sauerbrunn who ran up and placed the ball masterfully on her hairline. Heath’s goal was the result of rookie Pugh slotting the ball directly onto Heath’s foot. Overall the US looked disjointed, especially the midfield- Ellis put all the eggs in one basket with the Horan experiment. Corner service continues to be poor (Brian the golden ball?). And the once impenetrable defense looked shaky. Johnston seemed uncomfortable with O’Hara at RB (O’Hara goes up top way too much ala Klingenberg on the left side) JJ had poor passes and even gave up balls. Sauerbrunn was forced to cleanup three positions coupled with Solo’s excellent reads on when to come out and snatch the ball. The US needs Krieger and O’Reilly on the right side with O’Reilly taking the corners.Of course Rapinoe needed on the left but doubtful due to injury. Press is a horrible non factor who should be cut period. Dunn is much more effective and multi-dimensional.
Dispite her age Pugh fits right into this team, automatic starter going forward. Horan too.
Congrats to them, but I am looking forward to some games vs better competition for the rest of the year!
Canada was totally outclassed. The US is at a different level; had the ref not ignored at least one sure pk and Canada’s incessant fouling/disruption of the game, the score would’ve been worse. Canada’s Melissa Tancredi is a complete thug. While she didn’t stomp on Loyd’s head she did take her down more that once. Horan and Brian really controlled the midfield for the US. They are a wonderful combination that I hope we see a lot more of.
+1
I find it hilarious that John Herdman saw it completely differently…even speaking as if his side should have won. Guy’s a bargain-basement Jose Mourinho running the CanWNT into the ground and yet their fans seem happy with his “progress.” Not sure how you can “progress” when you still haven’t become more than a one-woman team…and that one woman isn’t getting any younger.
Four years ago, they had closed the gap with the USWNT significantly…to the point where you actually worried about playing the Canucks. Now? The gap seems as wide as ever. They better hope Buchanan (who’s almost there), Rose and Lawrence develop into world class players…and fast.
I’m sure the US relied upon the refs for the win./s