Christen Press and Carli Lloyd lead USWNT to victory
Christen Press and Carli Lloyd lead the USWNT to a 2-0 victory over England in the SheBelieves Cup with a goal each.
The last time the USWNT and England faced off was in the 2019 World Cup semifinals where a header goal from Christen Press broke the ice in what would be a 2-1 win for the United States. Press repeated history on Thursday night, netting the first goal against England in the USWNT’s opening match of the SheBelieves Cup.
The USWNT front line came out of the gate hungry, high pressing England’s defense from the opening whistle. They continued to knock on England’s door with a handful of dangerous goal scoring opportunities including Lindsey Horan’s 1v1 with the goalkeeper that she was unable to put away, and an appeal by Tobin Heath for a penalty kick (though the contact from the defender was minimal and undeserving of a PK).
England gave a dominant United States team way too much time and space to maneuver the ball, a problem that Coach Neville surely spoke to them about at halftime. England has a talented side, but they were lucky to go into the locker room after 45 minutes tied 0-0.
Though England got a few chances of their own, the USWNT was keen to do a better job of capitalizing on their chances. And capitalize they did in the 53rd minute with a brilliant goal from Christen Press.
Press had the vision to position herself in between the two center backs. A precise pass from Carli Lloyd found Press’ feet, and two rapid touches later she sent the ball bending spectacularly into the upper 90 from well outside the penalty area. The goal was a wonderful display of skill, and certainly helped justify her spot in the starting line-up on a USWNT with a deep, talented bench.
Only two minutes later, Carli Lloyd would get a goal of her own from close range when a beautifully chipped ball from Lindsey Horan found her feet from roughly 14 yards out. She calmly brought the ball down and sent it sailing confidently into the back of the net. Two goals down against an invigorated United States team, England had no chance of recovering.
Next. Christen Press: Breakout star of the Olympics?. dark
The USWNT continues to sharpen up and improve as the Olympic games approach. They will continue their quest to win the SheBelieves Cup in Game 2 on Sunday as they face off against Spain in New Jersey.