The USA celebrated Independence Day (July 4th) weekend with a USWNT defeat over a young Colombian side. This was the first ever meeting of the two nations in history of women’s soccer. An early 12′ goal, an upper-v beauty, by Heather O’Reilly set the tone for the match. The USA entered the halftime break dominant but with only a one goal lead… not quite the freedom we’re looking for. Not yet anyway. Swedish Coach Pia Sundhage told the team at half they have to take their opportunities in front of the net and shoot. The ladies obviously listened. Although Abby Wambach recorded 9 shots she struggled to find the back if the net. Today was just not her day. But that’s the beauty of teams sports, her efforts combined with 10 other players on the pitch gave the US the momentum we needed. USA used all three of their substitutions, playing a total of 14 players, revealing the depth of their bench. Platinum blond, half time super sub Megan Rapinoe was part of this revelation, netting her first goal of the tournament five minutes after she stepped onto the field. A perfectly timed through ball played by Lauren Cheney hit Rapinoe in stride on the outside of her right foot which set up her rip of a strike. Her celebration might have been a match highlight for all football fans and even Bruce Springsteen fans… CHECK IT:
Impeccable timing Meg. Basically another way of saying HAPPY 4th of July WORLD!
But the fun didn’t stop there. Carli Lloyd, known for her power shot, ripped a stunner that probably should have been stopped by the Colombian keeper but wasn’t. The USA went up 3 in the 57′. Colombia looked defeated but managed to keep the score at 3. The USA face Sweden in the last game of the group stage. Both teams have recorded 6 points this tournament however the USA only need a draw to advance based on goal differential. This match is extra personal for Coach Sundhage as Sweden is her home country. But this time she wears RED, WHITE, and BLUE. And the USA Ladies, they will forever channel their inner Springsteen singing loud and proud and into sideline mics “BOOOORN in the USA!”
Tune in JULY 6th for the Group C First place match: USA vs. Sweden.
Looking Sharp Ladies,
xoxo USA Futbolita
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