Photo by Adrian J Hernandez / Orlando Soccer Journal
The second day of the SheBelieves cup started with a star studded matchup between two of the top teams and ended with a tractor pull of a match that ended scoreless.
In the early match, the USWNT scored early and late to cement a 2-0 win over Brazil, moving them to the top of the SheBelieves table. Meanwhile, Canada and Argentina played a frantic match that saw neither team find the back of the net.
USWNT blank Brazil 2-0; take commanding lead in standings
Photo by Adrian J Hernandez / Orlando Soccer Journal
With a few new starters, the U.S. Women’s National team came out of the gate firing early on. Thanks to the three impact subs from last game that started Sunday; Christen Press, Rose Lavelle and Orlando Pride‘s Alex Morgan, the U.S. was creating a multitude of chances before breaking through just 11 minutes in.
Christen Press received the ball on the left wing, cut inside on to her right and curled the ball towards the far post and in, giving the US an early 1-0 lead.
“I’m very happy that we’re creating chances and the fact that we’re doing it in a manner that is very creative with some good plays,” USWNT Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski said after the match. “Makes me happy and tells me that we’re moving in the right direction. Now the fact that we’re not finishing is not disappointing, but it’s something that we definitely have to address but in same time. I want to say the players will get those chances, I know those scores those chances, because if you if you think about it for most of these girls, this is offseason. In, once they go back into their markets, and once they start having trainings on a regular basis games on a regular basis compete against good players, they’re going to get their feeling back, they’re going to refine their touch and those final touches will not be a problem and I’m pretty confident I’m confident and positive bug.”
The USWNT and Brazil traded chances throughout the rest of the match, but the home side were able to put it away late after substitute Megan Rapinoe pounced on a ball into the box to seal the 2-0 win for the US.
Canada beat Argentina thanks to late goal
Courtesy of Orlando Pride
Canada and Argentina’s match came down to the last few minutes of the match. After being the dominant team, but unable to find a goal, Canadian Sarah Stratagakis pounced on a loose ball in stoppage time to win the match for team Canada, 1-0.
The final round of SheBelieves Cup matches will be on Wednesday, February 24th, when the USWNT and Argentina face off at 4 p.m., while Brazil takes on Canada at 7 p.m.
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