As stated yesterday, when Christen Press used her speed and ball control to beat a few players at a clip, today, she made a half field run beating 2 then slotting one home as it was kicked at the line into the goal by the Spanish defender, she made the difference in a 1-0 game. This was an historic game in that it was the first time ever that the storied soccer nation of Spain on the men's side met up with the best ever women's program. This goal was made in the 54' by 2nd half sub Press, always a great thing to get an early goal from a sub. From that moment until the closing moments, the US had their way with Spain. Just 14 minutes in it was almost 1-0 for the visitors as a bicycle kick was misjudged by the GK but pushed wide as Julie Ertz game in to nod it home. The US peppered the box with crosses none of which found their mark as the half progressed. The defense held strong and the few times she was called upon, GK Alyssa Naeher answered the call. Following the sole goal, Alex Morgan, Mallory Pugh & Julie Ertz had good looks on net but none found the back of it.
Kwik Kixx:
-This was the 30th straight game the USWNT got a goal.
-Naeher now has 41 caps with 22 blank sheets, the 5th USWNT GK with 30 or more games.
-Becky Sauerbrunn now has 151 caps, the 20th player in USWNT history to do so and just the 3rd to do so only as a defender.
-Julie Ertz now has 74 games internationally with 18 goals.
-Rose Lavelle had her first game of 2019, starting and over her 21 games has 6 goals.
-Tobin Heath, has 143 games, last year in just 10 games (injury) she had 7 goals and countless nutmegs.
-Next up, Japan, they played in Hatford last year, will play in Chester PA at the home of MLS side Phila. Union on Feb. 27 @ 7 p.m. ET on FS1 in the first game of the 2019 SheBelieves Cup