A sensational second-half strike helped the U.S. Women’s National Team take down England in the SheBelieves Cup on Thursday.
Unlike their time in the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament, the Americans struggled to break down their opponent at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. However, substitute Crystal Dunn finally broke down the barrier, wriggling into the penalty box from the left wing before firing in the only goal of the game to hand the U.S. the 1-0 win.
The U.S. will now head to in Nashville, Tenn., to meet France, which suffered a 1-0 defeat to Germany in its first game of the competition, on Sunday (3 p.m., ESPN3). The USWNT will then end the tournament with a game vs. Germany at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Fla. (7:30 p.m., ESPN3).
Dunn’s decider came in the 72nd minute of the contest, but it was England that first had a great opportunity to score in the second half. Toni Duggan received a pass Jodie Taylor, but the former blaster her shot straight at U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo.
England will play Germany on Sunday and France next Wednesday.
Here is Dunn’s goal:
What do you think of the USWNT’s performance? What are you expecting from the Americans in the SheBelieves Cup?
Share your thoughts below.
At some point, I think we need to get past the notion that Morgan is automatic starting 11 material. In the post-Wambach era, I’m starting to think Dunn and Press are better options than #13 up top.
Man, has England really improved over the past few years. Chapman is the coach that Canada wishes Herdman was.
i think injuries have taken a toll on AM, she hasnt played alot of soccer sans the WC last summer where she was ineffective and out of sorts most of the time. It may be time to let the young guns show and prove. With Pugh, Dunn, Press, and the like making a case for themselves of late hoefully Jill Ellis will abandon her favoritism for the older players and develops a happy medium with youth and veterans
Ronniet, you do know that Press is a year older than Morgan. Morgan has just had a bad run of injuries. Press was just a late bloomer. I like them both as players because they are more dynamic than the previous generation. Frankly, Hamm’s dynamic style fits in more than Wambach’s style did, which a lot more direct (and frankly boring/predictable).
All this being said, I have no faith in Jill Ellis.Her hand was forced by injuries. I was screaming for Dunn to be on the team last summer and NO she was not hurt when the teams were announced. She could have played anywhere on the left wing (fullback/wing back/wing forward/forward) was twice the player Chalupny ever hoped of being.
That being the future looks really bright: Pugh (17), Dunn (23), Johnston (23), Morgan Brian (23)
Been watching the women play since the early days of Mia Hamm. The quality of their soccer is so much better and teams like England have improved 1000% so there are a lot of teams out there which are very tough. From what I saw (I missed some of the game), it was very well played and that goal was worth of Ronaldo.
Laser guided cruise missile. Gol-azo-azo-azo-azo-azo! Gol, gol,gol,gol,gol,…….gol-AH-zo!