After being shut out by Sweden on Wednesday, in a late Saturday night clash, U.S. Women’s Soccer dominated New Zealand 6-1. As the United States was coming off their opening loss in pool play, New Zealand wanted to get back to their winning ways. New Zealand comes off a loss to Australia on Wednesday.
The United States would get on the board in the 9th minute with a goal from Rose Lavelle for an early 1-0 lead. However, there would not be another goal until right before the half. In the 45th minute the United States scored its second goal of the match. The goal was scored by Lindsey Horan. So, heading into halftime the United States had a 2-0 lead over New Zealand.
But, unfortunately for New Zealand, they gave the United States a goal. The own goal was scored by New Zealand’s Abby Erceg, giving the United States a 3-0 lead. However, in the 72nd minute, New Zealand would generate offense of its own getting its only point of the match. Betsy Hassett would score the goal to shrink the deficit to two points, with the United States leading 3-1.
However, in the final 13 minutes of the game any possible comeback for New Zealand was slowly disappearing. In the 80th minute Christen Press would score the United States’ fourth point of the match. Eight minutes later the United States would score again with a goal by Alex Morgan streching the U.S. lead to four points with the US leading 5-1. However, in the final seconds of the game the United States would get another point off a own goal by New Zealand’s C. J. Bott for a score of 6-1.
After the game Team USA member Crystal Dunn spoke on the difference in mentality from Wednesday’s game to Saturday nights match,
“I think we came into Game 2 knowing that we don’t go from being a really great team two days ago to not being a great team anymore.”
Crystal Dunn
US Women’s Soccer Preview
After today’s match both teams prepare for the group play final match on Wednesday. New Zealand who is currently fourth in the group standings prepares for Sweden. However, even with a win on Wednesday New Zealand will not advance to the knockout stage.
But, for the United States a win aganist Australia on Wednesday will advance to the next round. However, if the United States were to lose on Wednesday barring New Zealand winning aganist Sweden the US has a strong possiblity to advance. The reason why its not definite is with three pools and the top two in each pool advancing automatically there will be two spots remaining. However, with the tiebreakers that are in place the United States should have enough to advance to the next round.
The United States will take on Australia with the match starting at 4:00 in the morning on Tuesday.
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