The United States Women’s National Team advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Cup with their 2-0 victory over Colombia last night.
After heading into halftime square at zero, the USWNT broke through with a 53rd-minute goal by Alex Morgan, who played the full 90 minutes for the team, since a bone-bruise injury to her knee kept her out of World Cup warm-up matches prior to the tournament. In the 66th-minute, Carli Lloyd knocked in a penalty kick to make it 2-0 after Morgan drew a penalty inside the box. Abby Wambach missed a penalty kick in the 47th-minute that created a one-person advantage for the U.S. for the rest of the match.
The U.S. defense has been outstanding, recording their third consecutive shutout and having not allowed a goal in the last 333 minutes. The lone goal scored against Hope Solo and the American back-line was to Australia in group-stage play.
The USWNT faces China PR on Friday, June 26, at Lansdowne Stadium in Ottawa, Canada at 7:30 p.m. ET. China defeated Cameroon on Saturday to reach the quarterfinals stage. FIFA World Cup tickets according to TiqIQ.com have an average price of $462.52, with a get-in price of $280 for Friday’s match. National team supporters can use Hipmunk.com for flights to Ottawa to watch the World Cup run in person. Hipmunk also has discounted hotels in Ottawa to enjoy the long weekend after the USWNT’s hopeful victory.
The U.S. women will be without two starters in their matchup against China, as Megan Rapinoe and Lauren Holiday both received their second yellow cards of the tournament, and thus must serve a one-game suspension. Morgan Brian is in line to replace Holiday, but Rapinoe’s absence may result in a tactical shift instead of just subbing in a new player.
The United States’ two-goal lead allowed Christen Press and Brian to get quality minutes that should bode well for the next match, where they may have to be used more than usual.
Last night was Solo’s 133rd win as the United States goalkeeper, tying Briana Scurry for the most all-time.
