The U.S. Women’s National Team will be getting a little taste of Rio ahead of this summer’s Olympic Games.
U.S. Soccer announced on Thursday that Jill Ellis and co. will face fellow Olympic qualifier South Africa on July 7 in Chicago. The match will serve as the first of two games in the USWNT’s send-off series.
“We’re very excited to play a country that we’ve never faced before as well as get a game against another team that will be competing in the Olympics,” said U.S. head coach Jill Ellis. “We are going to really embrace these last two opportunities to play in front of our home fans before we go to Brazil.”
An opponent for the second tune-up match will be announced shortly.
The U.S. will begin their Olympic journey on August 3 when they take on New Zealand in Group G play. The Americans will round out the group stage against France and Colombia.
What do you think of the friendly? What do you expect from the USWNT again South Africa?
Share your thoughts below.
Johnny – you obviously did your homework. Maybe S/A has a strong enough League to where they are able to keep their top guns at home. After emerging powerhouse, Equatorial Guinea, took out
W/C qualifier Nigeria, they held S/A to a scoreless tie at S/A and were heavy favorites at home to take the last spot at Rio. HOWEVER, S/A won 1-0 and punched their ticket to Rio. Of 6 qualifying matches, S/A held their opponents scoreless in the last 5. It will be interesting to see how many goals the USWNT can score in their friendly. Zimbabwe, the other 3rd world qualifier, squeaked
thru by beating W/C qualifier Cameroon on away goals, and appears to be the weaker of the 2 African Teams. I see S/A as a good test for the U.S. I don’t see us doing any better than 2-0 or
3-0.
The 3rd World Teams play everyone tough. When you see how many players from those countries are playing in the EPL, you get the idea that they can beat you on any given day. This match will be a good test. Hopefully it’s played before the USWNT makes its last cuts prior to Rio!!!
Bill your knowledge of the women’s game is usually spot on, but looking at their roster none of them play professionally outside South Africa there are 3 that are at American universities one of which is NAIA Div. 2.
Cha-ching, just another chance to make a bunch of money playing a team of amateurs. 5-0 USA.