U.S. Soccer

Solo Records Historic 100th International Shutout In 1-0 Win Against South Africa

CHICAGO (July 9, 2016) – Hope Solo became the first goalkeeper in international history to earn 100 international shutouts as the U.S. Women’s National Team defeated South Africa, 1-0 in the first meeting between the two teams.

The crowd of 19,272 fans at Soldier Field also saw Solo earn her 150th career win and Crystal Dunn bag the game-winner in the 35th minute.

The USA had far more possession on the day and numerous quality scoring chances, but the South Africans certainly distinguished themselves with some organized defense, hard running and a few dangerous attacks.

The USA finally broke through 10 minutes before halftime when 18-year-old Mallory Pugh set up Dunn for a close-range finish. Pugh dribbled with pace down the left side of the box and sent a bouncing ball across the face of the goal. Dunn was unmarked at the far post and sent a first-time shot past the goalkeeper for her ninth tally of the year. Pugh earned her team-leading seventh assist through 13 games in her debut year.

Solo had a fine performance, stopping both of South Africa’s shots on goal and dominating her penalty box to reach 100 shutouts in her 197th cap. Her 150th career win extended her record for a goalkeeper.

Goal Scoring Rundown:
USA – Crystal Dunn (Mallory Pugh), 35th minute:
Mallory Pugh carried the ball down the left flank and into the penalty area to the end line. Her left-footed cross bounced through traffic and across the face of the goal to a patient Dunn at the far post. Dunn finished with confidence from four yards out for her ninth goal of the year. Pugh’s assist marks her team-leading seventh in her debut year. USA 1, RSA 0 (SEE GOAL). FINAL

Key Saves and Defensive Stops:
RSA – Nothando Vilakazi, 48th minute:
Kelley O’Hara got forward down the right wing and sent a terrific cross to Allie Long in the middle of the box. Long sent a headed attempt on goal and past goalkeeper Roxanne Barker, but Nothando Vilakazi was in prime position to clear the ball off the goal line with her chest.

Next on the Schedule: The U.S. WNT returns to action for its final Olympic send-off game against Costa Rica on July 22 at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas (8 p.m. CT: ESPN).

Social: Facebook; Twitter (@ussoccer_wnt; @ussoccer_esp); Instagram; Snapchat (ussoccer_wnt)

Additional Notes:

  • The USA improved to 13-0-1 on the year, including 12 shutouts while allowing just four goals.
  • Today’s game marked the first meeting between the U.S. WNT and South Africa in the history of the programs at any level of women’s soccer.
  • Carli Lloyd came on for Lindsey Horan at halftime, marking her first appearance since April 10 after suffering a sprained MCL with the NWSL’s Houston Dash on April 23.
  • Ali Krieger subbed in for Alex Morgan in the 68th minute, Whitney Engen replaced Julie Johnston in the 81st minute, Heather O’Reilly came in for Kelley O’Hara in the 83rd minute and Samantha Mewis subbed in for Mallory Pugh in the 87th minute.
  • Morgan Brian, Megan Rapinoe, Tobin Heath, Gina Lewandowski and Ashlyn Harris did not suit up for the match.
  • Dunn’s ninth goal of 2016 trails only Alex Morgan (11) for the team lead.
  • Heather O’Reilly earned her 230th cap for the USA. Lloyd earned her 223rd.
  • Ali Krieger earned her 90th cap. 

- U.S. Women’s National Team Match Report -

Match: U.S. Women’s National Team vs. South Africa
Date: July 9, 2016
Competition: International Friendly
Venue: Soldier Field; Chicago, Illinois
Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. CT
Attendance: 19,272
Weather: 75 degrees, sunny

Scoring Summary:   1          2          F
USA                            1          0          1
RSA                            0          0          0

USA – Crystal Dunn (Mallory Pugh)  35th minute

Lineups:
USA: 1-Hope Solo; 5-Kelley O’Hara (9-Heather O’Reilly, 83), 8-Julie Johnston (6-Whitney Engen, 81), 4-Becky Sauerbrunn (capt.), 7-Meghan Klingenberg; 23-Allie Long, 12-Christen Press, 20-Lindsey Horan (10-Carli Lloyd, 46); 16-Crystal Dunn, 13-Alex Morgan (11-Ali Krieger, 68), 2-Mallory Pugh (3-Samantha Mewis, 87)
Subs not used: 21-Alyssa Naeher, 22-Emily Sonnett
Head Coach: Jill Ellis

RSA: 1-Roxanne Barker; 15-Refiloe Jane, 4-Noko Matlou, 5-Janine Van Wyk (capt.), 3-Nothando Vilakazi (19-Bambanani Mbane, 87); 20-Stephanie Malherbe, 21-Robyn Moodaly (18-Nompumelelo Nyandeni, 46), 2- Lebohang Ramalepe (17-Leandra Smeda, 56), 12-Jermaine Seoposenwe (11-Chrestinah Kgatlana, 80); 8-Linda Mothlalo (9-Amanda Dlamini, 61), 13-Octovia Nogwanya (14-Sanah Mollo, 24)
Subs not used:
16-Andile Dlamini, 23-Kaylin Swart, 6-Mamello Makhabane, 7-Nomathemba Ntsibande, 10-Silindile Ngubane, 22-Lebogang Mabatle
Head Coach:
Vera Pauw 

Stats Summary: USA / RSA
Shots: 18 / 4
Shots on Goal: 6 / 2
Saves: 2 / 4
Corner Kicks: 10 / 2
Fouls: 11 / 10
Offside: 2 / 2 

Misconduct Summary:
USAMeghan Klingenberg (caution)           84th minute
RSA – Nompumelelo Nyandeni (caution)      90+2

Officials:
Referee: Maria Serpas (SLV)
Assistant Referee 1: Elizabeth Aguilar (SLV)
Assistant Referee 2: Emperatriz Ayala (SLV)
4th Official: Sandra Arteaga (SLV) 

Budweiser Woman of the Match: Hope Solo

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WNT Jul 9, 2016

- U.S. Women’s National Team Match Report -

Match: U.S. Women’s National Team vs. South Africa
Date: July 9, 2016
Competition: International Friendly
Venue: Soldier Field; Chicago, Illinois
Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. CT
Attendance: 19,272
Weather: 75 degrees, sunny

Scoring Summary:       1          2          F
USA                             1          0          1
RSA                             0          0          0

USA – Crystal Dunn (Mallory Pugh)        35th minute

Lineups:
USA: 1-Hope Solo; 5-Kelley O’Hara (9-Heather O’Reilly, 83), 8-Julie Johnston (6-Whitney Engen, 81), 4-Becky Sauerbrunn (capt.), 7-Meghan Klingenberg; 23-Allie Long, 12-Christen Press, 20-Lindsey Horan (10-Carli Lloyd, 46); 16-Crystal Dunn, 13-Alex Morgan (11-Ali Krieger, 68), 2-Mallory Pugh (3-Samantha Mewis, 87)
Subs not used: 21-Alyssa Naeher, 22-Emily Sonnett
Head Coach: Jill Ellis

RSA: 1-Roxanne Barker; 15-Refiloe Jane, 4-Noko Matlou, 5-Janine Van Wyk (capt.), 3-Nothando Vilakazi (19-Bambanani Mbane, 87); 20-Stephanie Malherbe, 21-Robyn Moodaly (18-Nompumelelo Nyandeni, 46), 2- Lebohang Ramalepe (17-Leandra Smeda, 56), 12-Jermaine Seoposenwe (11-Chrestinah Kgatlana, 80); 8-Linda Mothlalo (9-Amanda Dlamini, 61), 13-Octovia Nogwanya (14-Sanah Mollo, 24)
Subs not used:
16-Andile Dlamini, 23-Kaylin Swart, 6-Mamello Makhabane, 7-Nomathemba Ntsibande, 10-Silindile Ngubane, 22-Lebogang Mabatle
Head Coach:
Vera Pauw 

Stats Summary: USA / RSA
Shots: 18 / 4
Shots on Goal: 6 / 2
Saves: 2 / 4
Corner Kicks: 10 / 2
Fouls: 11 / 10
Offside: 2 / 2 

Misconduct Summary:
USA Meghan Klingenberg (caution)           84th minute
RSA – Nompumelelo Nyandeni (caution)       90+2

Officials:
Referee: Maria Serpas (SLV)
Assistant Referee 1: Elizabeth Aguilar (SLV)
Assistant Referee 2: Emperatriz Ayala (SLV)
4th Official: Sandra Arteaga (SLV) 

Budweiser Woman of the Match: Hope Solo

Peay Names 48-Player U-14 BNT Roster for November Training Camp

CHICAGO (Nov. 14, 2016) – U.S. Under-14 Boys’ National Team Head Coach Clint Peay has named a 48-player roster to the team’s sole camp of 2016, set to take place from Nov. 13-20 at U.S. Soccer’s National Training Center in Carson, Calif.

During the camp, the U-14 BNT will play two intra-squad matches on Nov. 16, as well as three matches against U.S. Soccer Development Academy clubs on Nov. 19. The BNT will face Strikers FC at 3 p.m., LA Galaxy at 4:30 p.m., and Real So Cal at 6 p.m. (all times PT).

Out of the 48 players on the roster, 44 currently play for U.S. Soccer Development Academy clubs and all players were born in 2003.

Roster by Position:
GOALKEEPERS (5): Andrew Cordes (Colorado Rapids; Denver, Colo.), Eliot Jones (NE Revolution; New Britain, Conn.), Gavin Krenecki (Sacramento Republic; Fair Oaks, Calif.), Jacob Morris (Real Colorado; Parker, Colo.), Tommy Williams (Sporting KC; Roeland Park, Kan.)
DEFENDERS (13): Mateo Acosta (FC United; Skokie, Ill.), Diego Alvarado (Chicago Fire; Addison, Ill.), Fernando Alvarez (C.F. Pachuca; New York, N.Y.), Dominic Briones (Columbus Crew; Pickerington, Ohio), Ryan Cote (Real Colorado; Highlands Ranch, Colo.), Reece Fragle (FC Dallas; Plano, Texas), Camilo Gallego (Kendall SC; Miami, Fla.), Jobany Garcia (Metropolitan Oval; Brooklyn, N.Y.), Jacob Greene (D.C. United; Crofton, Md.), Issac Homer (Portland Timbers; Portland, Ore.), Kayden Pierre (Vardar; Rochester Hills, Mich.), Boca Rogart (Real So Cal, Sylmar, Calif.), Zachary Sardi-Santos (NE Revolution; Newton, Mass.)
MIDFIELDERS (20): Paxten Aaronson (Philadelphia Union; Medford, N.J.), Valentin Bargagna (Atlanta United; Atlanta, Ga.), Joel Brown (Baltimore Armour; Elkridge, Md.), Sebastian Burke (Chelsea FC; Raleigh-Durham, N.C.), Owen Butcher (Solar Chelsea; Plano, Texas), Elton Chifamba (Columbus Crew; Blacklick, Ohio), Jeremy Garay (D.C. United; Woodbridge, Va.), Brian Gutierrez (Chicago Fire; Burbank, Ill.), Sota Kitahara (Seattle Sounders FC; Edmonds, Wash.), Martin Killeen (LA Galaxy; Brea, Calif.), Ryan Kipness (NYCFC; Stamford, Conn.), Brian Lopez (Weston FC; Miami, Fla.), Morris Matthews (NE Revolution; Cambridge, Mass.), Andrew McGee (Pateadores; Fullerton, Calif.), Jack McGlynn (BW Gottschee; Middle Village, N.Y.), Nicholas Pariano (Crew Wolves; Ann Arbor, Mich.), Nicolas Pereira (Weston FC; Miami, Fla.), Noah Sick (San Diego Surf; San Diego, Calif.), Dominic Vegaalban (Sacramento Republic; Rocklin, Calif.), Micah Worton (Atlanta United; Marietta, Ga.)
FORWARDS (10): Andres Cardenas (Weston FC; Doral, Fla.), Tyler Freeman (Sporting KC; Shawnee, Kan.), Anthony Hernandez (Columbus Crew; Reynoldsburg, Ohio), Tega Ikoba (Vestavia Hills; Madison, Ala.), Marcos Isidoro (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.), Lateef Omidiji Jr. (FC Dordrecht; Breda, The Netherlands), Jose Ortega (Bethesda; Potomac, Md.), Sam Sarver (Internationals; Beachwood, Ohio), Andre Saucedo-Avila (Portland Timbers; Beaverton, Ore.), Dante Sealy (FC Dallas; Frisco, Texas)

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U-14 NDP Nov 14, 2016

Five Things to Know: Costa Rica in 2018 World Cup Qualifying

The U.S. Men’s National Team is set to play away to Costa Rica in World Cup Qualifying at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday night, live on beIN SPORTS and NBC Universo. Here’s what you need to know ahead of this difficult Hex matchup:

USA-Costa Rica History
The United States takes a 14-14-6 all-time record into the next chapter of one of CONCACAF’s most competitive rivalries. Home field has been a decisive factor in the World Cup Qualifying series between the two sides, with the USA coming to Costa Rica in search of its first win, having gone 0-8-1 in nine previous World Cup Qualifying matches in the Central American nation. The one draw came in the MNT’s first visit, a 1-1 result on May 26, 1985.

The story is similar on U.S. soil, where the MNT holds a 13-6-5 advantage and 5-1-2 edge in World Cup Qualifying. The lone USA home Qualifying loss to Costa Rica also came in 1985. Just five days after earning that 1-1 draw, the U.S. fell 1-0 to Los Ticos in Torrance, Calif., ending their hopes of qualifying for the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

Most recently the two sides faced off during the Group Stage of the 2016 Copa America Centenario, where the USA used goals from Clint Dempsey, Jermaine Jones, Bobby Wood and Graham Zusi to earn a 4-0 victory against Los Ticos on June 7 in Chicago. The win was the largest margin of victory by either side in the 34-game series.

No goal against Costa Rica resonated more than Jonathan Bornstein’s 95th minute header in the last game of Final Round Qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It propelled the U.S. to a first-place finish in that edition of the Hex and made Bornstein a national hero in Honduras by giving them the third automatic bid to South Africa while sending Costa Rica to a playoff, which it would lose to Uruguay.

Costa Rica Soccer History
Costa Rica’s recent ascendance to North American and even international success followed many years as the best team in Central America. Los Ticos won seven of 10 competitions between Central America and the Carribean countries prior to the formation of CONCACAF in 1961.

Even with the U.S. and Mexico in the mix, Costa Rica won the Gold Cup’s predecessor, the CONCACAF Cup, in 1963, 1969 and 1989. The last title earned Costa Rica a trip to its first World Cup in Italy, where it beat Scotland and Sweden in group play to reach the Round of 16 in 1990.

In 2002, Costa Rica started a stretch of three World Cup appearances in four chances and even earned another win against China. But they wouldn’t return to the knockout phase until 2014 in Brazil, where they won a group featuring Uruguay, Italy and England before falling to The Netherlands via penalty kicks in the quarterfinals.

Country History
The southern Central America nation is home to an unmatched level of biodiversity for its size, from rainforests to dry tropical forest to savannas. It served as an “Intermediate Region” between Mesoamerican and Andean cultures before Christopher Columbus arrived in 1502, after which it became a Spanish colony for 300 years.

Costa Rica declared its independence in 1821 and drafted a new constitution following a civil war in 1948. Since then, the country’s citizens have taken pride in its pacifism without a military and a high level of education and health relative to the rest of Central America.

Strong Club Resumes
Legendary forward Paulo Wanchope put Costa Rica on the map in England with a spectacular goal in his debut for Derby County away to Manchester United in 1997. Wanchope’s five seasons in the Premier League paved the way for the next talented generation of Costa Rican players in Europe.

Captain Keylor Navas is the starting goalkeeper for Spanish giants Real Madrid, while midfielder Celso Borges also plays in La Liga for Deportivo La Coruna. Attackers Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell have reunited in Portugal where the pair have been playing UEFA Champions League football for Sporting Lisbon. In defense, Bryan Oviedo wears Everton blue in England, while Cristian Gamboa lines up for perennial Scottish power Celtic.

Ticos in MLS
MLS has long been a destination of choice for Costa Rican internationals and the roster that faces the USA on Tuesday will once again serve up familiar faces for MNT players that feature in the domestic league. Left back Ronald Matarrita helped New York City FC to its first M.L.S. Cup Playoff appearance in his first season, while midfielder Johann Venegas just helped Montreal Impact to the Eastern Conference Final.

Two members of the squad feature for Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Kendall Waston was named to the M.L.S. Best XI in 2015 and earned 2016 All-Star honors for the Canadian club, while Christian Bolaños put up five goals and eight assists during his inaugural campaign with Vancouver in 2016.

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MNT Nov 14, 2016

Brad Guzan Poised to Step in to Starting Role Against Costa Rica

A goalkeeper’s mentality always has to be that he’s ready to be called upon. Whether in the context of a big save or being prepared to enter a match at the drop of a hat, readiness is as paramount to the position as shot stopping and controlling the box.

For Brad Guzan that moment came in the 40th minute of Friday’s 2-1 defeat against Mexico. Moments earlier, Tim Howard went down to the ground in pain following a routine goal kick. It was revealed Sunday that Howard suffered a right adductor strain on the play, news that confirms Guzan will start in Tuesday’s away World Cup Qualifying match in Costa Rica.

“For me, nothing changes,” said Guzan. “It’s part of being a professional, it’s part of being on the national team. When your name and number is called, you’ve got to step into the team and do your best, be as good as you can and try to help the guys in front of you.”

“Unfortunately injuries are a part of the game. We just want Timmy to recover as fast as possible, but we have a job to do in terms of going down to Costa Rica and trying to get three points.”

Guzan has had a banner year at the international level, going 8-3-0 and most notably leading the USA to a fourth-place finish at this summer’s Copa America Centenario. In 12 World Cup Qualifying caps, Guzan has a stellar 8-1-2 mark, with his only recorded loss coming in a 2-1 Semifinal Round defeat to Trinidad & Tobago in 2008 when the MNT had already qualified for the next year’s Hex.

The Middlesbrough ‘keeper clearly has enough experience to step in for Tim Howard and he even has a similar scenario to lean back on. One match into the 2013 Hex, Guzan was called upon to replace Howard home against Costa Rican and away to Mexico in Azteca when the veteran U.S. ‘keeper broke bones in his back on club duty with Everton.

Playing in two different climates – the Denver snow against Costa Rica and the altitude of Azteca against Mexico – Guzan performed admirably, earning two clean sheets as the U.S. took four points, including an historic road draw in Mexico City.

While he’s never played in Costa Rica, that test at Azteca should suit him well as the MNT searches for its first result away to Los Ticos since a 1-1 qualifying draw in 1985.

“We know it’s going to be hostile, we know it’s going to be a hard place to go to, but in saying that, we know the ability we have in our guys. I think we showed at times, especially in the game on Friday night that when we’re playing our best, we’re a good team. We’re going to need that for 90 minutes come Tuesday night.”

Kicking off the Final Round of World Cup Qualifying against Mexico and Costa Rica always presented a challenge. Guzan emphasized that getting two of the MNT’s toughest matches of the round out of the way early will be beneficial as the side also recognizes that qualification for the World Cup is about results in all 10 matches, not just the first two.

“We knew we had two tough games before the games even started. We knew they’d be difficult, but in saying that, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. We know the result wasn’t what we wanted on Friday night and now we’ve got a chance on Tuesday to correct that.”

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MNT Nov 14, 2016

USA Opens 2016 U-20 Women's World Cup with 0-0 Draw vs. France

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (Nov. 14, 2016) – The U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Team drew 0-0 with reigning European Under-19 champions France to open Group C play at the 2016 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup.

The USA will face New Zealand in its next Group C match on Nov. 17 at PNG Football Stadium (4 a.m. ET on FS1 and NBC Universo). In the other Group C game, New Zealand defeated Ghana 1-0 on an 89th minute goal and currently leads the group after one match day.

It was a physical match in which France had more shots and more ball possession than the Americans, while the U.S. team had perhaps the better scoring chances, but on a steamy night in the capital city of Papua New Guinea, neither side could manufacture a goal.

“What an absolutely incredibly athletic team France is,” said U.S. head coach Michelle French. “They gave us all that we could handle and then some. They have personality players, they can take on and they can serve. With that being said, I could not be more impressed with the effort, grit, and the attitude of our team to compete. At the end of the day, we had a couple of opportunities to win so it was a great first game of our group.”

The USA had an excellent scoring chance in the first half when Ashley Sanchez stole a ball deep inside the France half and raced down the right flank. Her pass to Mallory Pugh in the middle was a bit too far ahead of the U.S. captain and she crashed into France goalkeeper Mylene Chavas, who came out to smother the ball.

France center back Hawa Cissoko was a formidable presence for the entire match and was able to run down and defuse several forays from Pugh into the attacking third.

U.S. goalkeeper Casey Murphy also dominated her penalty box. While she was forced to make only four saves as many of France’s shots did not trouble her, she caught a handful of well-played crosses, including cutting off very dangerous chances in the 55th and 56th minutes after the French had gotten to the end line to serve from close range.

Pugh created excellent scoring opportunities on long dribbling runs in the 31st and 62nd minutes, but on the first, she shot hard right at Chavas, and the second she blasted high as a defender closed on her.

The U.S. back line, led by Kaleigh Riehl, was stellar, for the most part keeping the talented France attackers in front of them. Outside back Ellie Jean fought an all-game battle with the dynamic Delphine Cascarino on the USA’s left flank while the Americans team defensive spacing, work ethic and organization continually thwarted the French.

The USA did well to see out the last 10 minutes plus five minutes of stoppage time, and even had several chances to bag a late winner through the speedy Ally Watt, who had entered the game in 79th minute for Jessie Scarpa.

“I think we put ourselves in the best position to get acclimated with the pre-tournament camp we had in Australia,” said French about the hot conditions. “You could tell both teams got pretty fatigued towards the end of the game and you could see that in the cramping. I think the water breaks definitely helped. Again, with the way we able to play from the first minute to the 90th minute and the commitment we played with, I think our preparation was fantastic.”

Goal Scoring Rundown:
None

Key Saves and Defensive Stops
FRA – Mylene Chavas, 31st minute:
Mallory Pugh took off on a long dribbling run up the middle and outran the entire France defense, but she shot right at Chavas who stood her ground and made a solid save to hold the ball.

USA – Madeline Elliston, 59th minute: Delphine Cascarino, who was awarded FIFA Player of the Match honors, got free down the USA’s left flank with a brilliant solo run and took the ball all the way to end line before cutting it back for Clara Mateo who had a look at a wide open goal. Elliston closed the distance quickly and blocked the point-blank shot to preserve the tie on what was France’s best chance of the game.

FRA – Mylene Chavas, 84th minute: A poor back-pass momentarily put France in trouble as Ally Watt raced in and slid at the France goalkeeper, but Chavas was able to sweep the ball away with her feet as Watt fouled her.

Social: Facebook; Twitter (@ussoccer_ynt; @ussoccer_esp); Instagram; Snapchat (ussoccer_wnt)

Additional Notes:

  • Neither team made a change at halftime in the hot conditions that hovered in the high 80s, but the USA made its first substitute when Savannah DeMelo replaced Parker Roberts in the 64th minute.
  • U.S. head coach Michelle French used her second sub to send on Emily Fox for Courtney Petersen in the 76th minute and the final change was Ally Watt for Jessie Scarpa in the 79th.
  • France used just two of its three allowed substitutes.
  • The match marked the first time the USA had opened the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with a 0-0 draw and it was just the third scoreless tie for the Americans in the history of the tournament. The USA drew both the semifinal and the third-place match 0-0 in Russia in 2006 and lost both games in penalty kicks.
  • The USA also drew 0-0 with France to open the 2012 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in Azerbaijan. France went on to win that tournament.

-U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Team Match Report-

Match: U.S. U-20 Women’s National Team vs. France U-20 Women’s National Team
Date:
Nov. 14, 2016
Competition:
2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup; Group C
Venue:
PNG Football Stadium; Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Kickoff:
1 a.m. ET
Attendance:
2,033
Weather:
87 degrees; clear 

Scoring Summary:    1          2          F
USA                            0          0          0
FRA                            0          0          0         

Lineups:
USA:
1-Casey Murphy; 5-Madeline Elliston, 6-Taylor Otto, 3-Kaleigh Riehl, 14-Ellie Jean; 18-Ashley Sanchez, 10-Emily Ogle, 2-Parker Roberts (7-Savannah DeMelo, 65), 8-Courtney Petersen (16-Emily Fox, 76); 9-Mallory Pugh (capt.), 15-Jessie Scarpa (11-Ally Watt, 79)
Subs Not Used: 4-Sabrina Flores, 12-Rose Chandler, 13-Marley Canales, 17-Kelcie Hedge, 19-Natalie Jacobs, 20-Katie Cousins, 21-Brooke Heinsohn

Head Coach: Michelle French
 

FRA: 1-Mylene Chavas; 3-Sakina Karchaoui, 4-Hawa Cissoko, 12-Heloise Mansuy, 13-Thea Greboval (capt.), 14-Estelle Cascarino; 8-Onema Geyoro, 15-Maelle Garbino (9-Marie-Charlotte Leger, 69), 17-Juliane Gathrat; 7-Delphine Cascarino, 10-Clara Mateo (18-Valerie Gauvin, 83)
Subs Not Used: 2-Marion Romanelli, 5-Pauline Dhaeyer, 6-Laura Condon, 11-Louise Fleury, 16-Cindy Perrault, 19-Cathy Couturier, 20-Anna Clerac, 21-Jade Lebastard
Head Coach: Gilles Eyquem
 

Stats Summary: USA / FRA
Shots: 3 / 17
Shots on Goal: 1 / 4
Saves: 4 / 1
Corner Kicks: 2 / 4
Fouls: 6 / 7
Offside: 1 / 2 

Misconduct Summary:
None

Officials:
Referee: Casey Reibelt (AUS)
Assistant Referee 1: Sarah Ho (AUS)
Assistant Referee 2: Kim Kyoung Min (KOR)
4th Official: Aye Thein (MYA) 

ussoccer.com Woman of the Match: Kaleigh Riehl

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U-20 WNT Nov 14, 2016

WNT Caps Off Unbeaten 2016 with 5-0 Win vs. Romania

CARSON, Calif. (Nov. 13, 2016) – The U.S. Women’s National Team finished strong in 2016 with a 5-0 win vs. Romania in front of 20,336 fans at StubHub Center.

With the win, the WNT completes 2016 with a 22-0-3 record, marking the third time the team has gone unbeaten in regulation in a calendar year in which it has played 10 or more matches. The USA went 18-0-4 in 2006 and 13-0-3 in 2013. The penalty kick loss to Sweden in the 2016 Olympics officially counts as a tie.

The U.S. dominated possession from start to finish and out-shot Romania 31-0, but it was Romania who put the ball into its net first via an own-goal from Teodora Meluta, who chested a Crystal Dunn cross into her own goal to give the USA a well-deserved lead into the 20th minute. Dunn got on the scoresheet herself in the final seconds of the first half with a crisp finish between the goalkeeper’s legs from 10 yards out.

Christen Press scored in her fourth consecutive game after finishing an excellent pass from Tobin Heath. Press’ tally marks her 41st career goal in her 80th cap.

Morgan Brian converted a penalty kick with ease in the 88th minute to mark her second goal in as many games and Samantha Mewis finished the scoring with a header from the top of the six-yard box in second half stoppage time.

Goal Scoring Rundown:
USA – Own Goal (Teodora Meluta) 20th minute:
Crystal Dunn dribbled down the right flank, held off a defender and sent a cross into the goal box where Romania defender Teodora Meluta chested the ball toward the net. Goalkeeper Roxana Oprea got a hand to the ball but couldn’t keep it out of the goal. USA 1, ROU 0 WATCH

USA – Crystal Dunn (Christen Press) 45th minute: Christen Press settled a ball in the middle of the Romania half and found Dunn on a diagonal run into the right side of the penalty box. Dunn took two touches toward goal before sending a low right-footed shot between the ‘keeper’s legs and into the back of the net. USA 2, ROU 0 WATCH

USA – Christen Press (Tobin Heath) 55th minute: From the middle of the attacking third, Press sent a through ball on the ground to a charging Tobin Heath on her left. Heath used her first touch to cut the ball back to the crashing Press in the middle of the penalty area and she finished from about 14 yards out with a strong right-footed shot past Romania’s diving goalkeeper. USA 3, ROU 0 WATCH

USA – Morgan Brian (penalty kick) 88th minute: A Romania handball gifted the U.S. a penalty kick in the final minutes of the match. Morgan Brian stepped up to take the attempt, sending a driven shot to the left while the ‘keeper dove the opposite direction. USA 4, ROU 0 WATCH

USA – Samantha Mewis (Kelley O’Hara) 90+1’ minute: Heath played a short corner kick to Kelley O’Hara, who possessed the ball on the left flank. As a trio of Romanian defenders closed in, O’Hara sent an in-swinging cross to the middle of the box. Samantha Mewis met the ball at the top of the six-yard box and headed the ball inside the right post to complete the scoring. USA 5, ROU 0 WATCH FINAL

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Additional Notes:

  • The USA began the match in a 3-4-3 formation with Casey Short, Allie Long and Becky Sauerbrunn in the back, Andi Sullivan and Morgan Brian in the middle; Kealia Ohai and Tobin Heath on the wings; and Crystal Dunn, Lynn Williams and Christen Press up top.
  • Dunn’s goal was the 18th of her career goal, 14 of which came in 2016.
  • Her 14 goals scored are third on the team in 2016 behind Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan both of whom have 17.
  • Press found the back of the net for the fourth consecutive game. She scored 12 goals this year, including a hat trick last Thursday vs. Romania. Press improved her career total to 41 goals in 80 caps. She finishes fourth on the team in scoring for 2016.
  • Dunn and Press finished tied for the team lead with 25 appearances each this year.
  • After scoring her first goal of the year on Thursday, Morgan Brian converted a penalty kick in the 88th minute for her second goal in as many games and the sixth of her career.
  • Samantha Mewis’ goal was her fourth of the year and of her career.
  • Heath earned her eighth assist of 2016, good for second on the team behind Carli Lloyd (11).
  • Allie Long made her 14th start of 2016 and 16th appearance of the year. Since re-joining the WNT in April, she has more than quadrupled her career caps. Long came into this year with only four WNT appearances but with today’s start, she earned her 20th cap. She has three goals and two assists this year as well.
  • Stanford junior Andi Sullivan and Chicago Red Stars’ Casey Short both earned their fourth caps and fourth consecutive starts. Short has played all 90 minutes in the last three games.
  • Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher improved to 5-0-0 on the year with four shutouts.
  • The USA scored goals in the final seconds of both halves.
  • In the two games against Romania, the USA had a 61-4 edge in shots, 24-0 in corner kicks and piled up a 13-1 margin in goals.
  • Romania earned seven yellow cards over the two games, three in San Jose and four in Los Angeles, two of which came on nasty fouls on Alex Morgan.
  • U.S. head coach Jill Ellis used all six subs in the second half, sending on Ali Krieger, Alex Morgan, and Julie Johnston at halftime, Lindsey Horan in the 61st minute, and Kelley O’Hara and Samantha Mewis in the 70th.

- U.S. Women’s National Team Match Report –

Match: U.S. Women’s National Team vs. Romania Women’s National Team
Date: November 13, 2016
Competition: International Friendly
Venue: StubHub Center; Carson, Calif.
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. PT
Attendance: 20,336
Weather: 71 degrees, clear

Scoring Summary: 1 2 F
USA                        2 3 5
ROU                        0 0 0

USA – Own Goal (Teodora Meluta)         20th minute
USA – Crystal Dunn (Christen Press)     45+1
USA – Christen Press (Tobin Heath)       55
USA – Morgan Brian (Penalty Kick)        88
USA – Samantha Mewis (Kelley O’Hara) 90+1

Lineups:
USA: 1-Alyssa Naeher; 4-Becky Sauerbrunn (capt.) (5-Kelley O’Hara, 70), 20-Allie Long (3-Samantha Mewis, 70), 2-Casey Short (11-Ali Krieger, 46); 7-Kealia Ohai (13-Alex Morgan, 46), 12-Andi Sullivan, 6-Morgan Brian, 17-Tobin Heath; 19-Crystal Dunn (9-Lindsey Horan, 61), 16-Lynn Williams (8-Julie Johnston, 46), 23-Christen Press
Subs not used: 24-Ashlyn Harris
Head Coach: Jill Ellis

ROU: 12-Roxana Oprea, 4-Ioana Bortan (capt.), 5-Adina Giurgiu (13-Beatrice Tarasila, 79), 6-Maria Ficzay, 8-Ştefania Vătafu, 9-Laura Rus (3-Lidia Havristiuc, 63), 10-Andreea Voicu (19-Loredana Popa, 88), 15-Teodora Meluta, 16-Ana Maria Gorea (2-Andreea Corduneanu, 52), 17-Mara Batea (14-Alexandra Lunca, 46), 18-Mihaela Ciolacu (21-Cristina Carp, 82)
Subs
not used : 1-Linda Kajtar, 7-Raluca Sarghe
Head Coach:
Mirel Albon

Stats Summary: USA / ROU
Shots: 31 / 0
Shots on Goal: 11 / 0
Saves: 0 / 8
Corner Kicks: 14 / 0
Fouls: 5 / 15
Offside: 3 / 0

Misconduct Summary:
ROU – Adina Giurgiu (caution)      16th minute
ROU – Ioana Bortan (caution)        52
ROU – Teodora Meluta (caution)     59
ROU – Andreea Voicu (caution)      68

Officials:
Referee: Margaret Domka (USA)
Assistant Referee 1: Felisha Mariscal (USA)
Assistant Referee 2: Amanda Ross (USA)
4th Official: Christina Unkel (USA)

Budweiser Woman of the Match: Christen Press

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WNT Nov 13, 2016
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