US Women's National Soccer Team

The United States Women's National Team had already qualified for the 2016 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Championship semifinal round before Monday's Group A matchup against Puerto Rico, but that didn't stop the Americans from cruising to a 10-0 victory.

Crystal Dunn was the star of the night, leading the U.S. with a hat trick plus two, although that's nothing new for a North Carolina Tar Heel, per ESPN Stats & Info:  

Hat trick! Crystal Dunn is the 7th UNC alum with a #USWNT hat trick.

Others include: Mia Hamm and Kristine Lilly

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 16, 2016

There were eight new faces in the starting lineup for the U.S., shown here on the team's official Twitter account:

Starting XI for #USAvPUR: Naeher; O'Hara, Sonnett, Krieger, Hinkle; McCaffrey, Mewis; Lloyd (c), Pugh, Press; Dunn pic.twitter.com/D7bvJ8uKaT

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) February 16, 2016

It was the third straight match the U.S. didn't allow a goal, and Puerto Rico finished pool play without scoring one while yielding 25.

Dunn doubled her international goal total and tied a U.S. women's soccer record, per U.S. Soccer WNT:

Dunn ties a #USWNT record with five goals in a match! #USAvPUR, 9-0, 87' pic.twitter.com/vt0xocEw95

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) February 16, 2016

She opened the scoring just six minutes in on a nice pass from 17-year-old Mallory Pugh, per NBC Sports Soccer:

WATCH: Mallory Pugh --> Crystal Dunn --> #USWNT GOAL https://t.co/4aHhh2wiHk

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 16, 2016

Former women's national team star Julie Foudy congratulated the duo on the nice play:

.@crysdunn_19 getting it dunn. Nice turn. Nice ball in by 17 yo (yes, 17!) Mallory Pugh. #USAvPUR

— Julie Foudy (@JulieFoudy) February 16, 2016

The onslaught continued when Carli Lloyd knocked in a penalty kick off the crossbar at the 19th minute, per NBCSN:

Corner Perfection.#RoadToRio pic.twitter.com/thBBfxSO7M

— NBC Sports Bet (@NBCSportsBet) February 16, 2016

It was Lloyd's 85th career goal, and two minutes later Dunn scored her second goal of the night on a strong left-footer to give the U.S. a 3-0 lead, per NBC Sports Soccer:

WATCH: She's Dunn it again. 3-0 #USWNT https://t.co/4Vnz0mOWn3

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 16, 2016

It seemed like the ball was on Puerto Rico's side of the pitch the entire night, as the U.S. took 18 shots compared to just one for Puerto Rico in the first half, per NBCSN:

1st Half Stats:

.@ussoccer_wnt lead the shots category 18-1. pic.twitter.com/f37EIcTTh9

— NBC Sports Bet (@NBCSportsBet) February 16, 2016

NBC Sports Soccer praised Puerto Rico, which tightened up the defense midway in the second half:

Impressed by Puerto Rico. Mentally & physically exhausting for them to chase with so little of ball. If US maintain focus, goals will flow

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) February 16, 2016

The U.S. dominated so much early on it was a shock when the ball did not go in the net, per NBCSN:

So close.#RoadToRio pic.twitter.com/DV2vP48zpX

— NBC Sports Bet (@NBCSportsBet) February 16, 2016

If Puerto Rico wants to take a positive away from the match, it's the play of its defense late in the first half after the three early goals. Despite constant pressure from the U.S., Puerto Rico did not allow a goal for 24 minutes in the first half until Kelley O’Hara scored with a nice left touch in the 45th minute, per NBCSN:

Silky smooth goal for @ussoccer_wnt! #RoadToRio pic.twitter.com/JZbn0oxrNc

— NBC Sports Bet (@NBCSportsBet) February 16, 2016

With the U.S. resting a few starters, Puerto Rico looked like it might play better in the second half, not allowing a goal for 15 minutes. However, after scoring an own goal in the 61st minute, the wheels fell off, and Puerto Rico allowed two more goals in less than two minutes to trail 7-0.

The first after the own goal gave Dunn the hat trick at minute 61, per NBCSN:

Hat-Trick for @crysdunn_19!#RoadToRio pic.twitter.com/yxlE3w4GRE

— NBC Sports Bet (@NBCSportsBet) February 16, 2016

Christen Press got into the scoring in the 63rd minute with this right-footed blast, per CONCACAF:

Goal USA - No. 12 Christen PRESS @ChristenPress | @ussoccer_wnt @FutbolPR #CWOQ2 https://t.co/V52SPQTSE2

— Concacaf (@Concacaf) February 16, 2016

Puerto Rico settled down for a bit but allowed Dunn's fourth and fifth goals in the 85th and 87th minutes as well as Samantha Mewis' first career international goal in minute 90 to cap the scoring.

The victory puts the U.S. one step closer to qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

The Americans will compete in Houston against a team to be determined in the semifinal round and need just one victory to secure an Olympic spot. If they win the tournament, it would be their fourth straight CONCACAF Olympics qualifying championship and sixth straight appearance in the Olympics, per U.S. Soccer's official website.

Although the U.S. was pushed by Mexico in pool play and came out with just a 1-0 victory, there is no reason to doubt this team will win its next two games and head into the Olympics with plenty of momentum.

Postgame Reaction

Although competition was high on the field, the game of soccer carries pride and respect, and the teams posed for a group shot after the first meeting between the two countries, per U.S. Soccer WNT:

Following the first-ever meeting between the #USWNT & Puerto Rico, the teams posed for a group shot. #Sportsmanship pic.twitter.com/bsR8CA0vD9

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) February 16, 2016

Dunn was proud of her moment but knows the team has more goals to accomplish, per the Associated Press (via Yahoo Sports): ''I'd like to think this is a special moment,'' Dunn said, ''but I'd love to think there's more to come.'' 

Head coach Jill Ellis praised Dunn's effort, per the AP.

''Crystal worked real hard tonight,'' Ellis said. ''She was in a good position in central; I think that's probably her most comfortable position. Obviously, got a lot of service from her teammates. It's tremendous for her and for her confidence.''

As the Americans move on to semifinal play, they will look to build off the momentum of out-shooting Puerto Rico 32-1 and improving to 16-0-1 in CONCACAF qualifying play, per the AP.

The United States women’s national team take on Puerto Rico on Monday knowing that a draw is good enough to send them into the 2016 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Championship semi-finals as Group A winners.

Fresh from a 5-0 thumping of Costa Rica in the first round of fixtures, Jill Ellis’ side left it late to see off Mexico 1-0 on Saturday courtesy of a Carli Lloyd strike.

But they’ll be looking for a much easier day at the office on Monday night, as Puerto Rico have conceded 15 goals without finding the net themselves in their opening two fixtures.

Here’s everything you need to know about USWNT’s final group game in Texas:

Date: Monday, February 15

Time: 7:30 p.m. CT/8:30 p.m. ET

Venue: Toyota Stadium, Texas

TV Info: NBCSN

Live Stream: NBC Live Extra

 

USWNT Bordering on Olympic Qualification

A place at Brazil 2016 will be awarded to the winners of the two semi-finals at the Olympic Qualifying Championships, and the USA will be looking to go into their final-four clash off the back of a confidence-inspiring thrashing of Puerto Rico.

The underdogs lost their opening match of the tournament 6-0 to Mexico, before Costa Rica gave them a second dose of humiliation courtesy of a 9-0 thumping.

Ellis could be tempted to rest some key players for Monday’s clash with a place in the semi-finals secured, and she said as much after Saturday’s win over Mexico, per the Associated Press for the Guardian: “That’s the No. 1 priority [on Monday], to get three points and finish top of the group, but at the same time, knowing that we’re in the semis, is making sure we’re smart with certain players’ loads.”

One player who could find themselves on the rested list is Lloyd, and it’s safe to say that her killer instinct in front of goal would be missed.

In fact, as USWNT’s official Twitter account revealed, the FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year is on something of a hot streak:

Lloyd now has scored 21 goals in the last 16 matches for USA dating back to the WWC Round of 16 match vs. Colombia. pic.twitter.com/TWJAR4o4IV

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) February 13, 2016

The 33-year-old needed two bites of the cherry against the Mexicans to find the back of the net, and the USWNT themselves needed to stay patient against a disciplined Mexico side.

That’ll likely be the same story on Monday, as Puerto Rico will pack nine players behind the ball and dare Ellis’ side to break them down.

Luckily, they have enough resources to do exactly that.

Based on the tournament so far, it’s going to be a case of how many goals USWNT can chalk up against the Puerto Ricans, rather than if they can get any.

And that much will be the perfect tune-up for the United States to complete the road to Rio. The Group A winners will take on the runners up from Group B, yet Ellis and Co. won’t be afraid of any opponent that comes their way.

Prediction: USWNT 7-0 Puerto Rico

An 80th-minute goal from Carli Lloyd lifted the United States women's national soccer team to a 1-0 win over Mexico in a CONCACAF Olympic qualifying match on Saturday. 

Playing against a Mexico team whose defense was difficult to break down, the United States was awarded a penalty in the 79th minute when Karla Nieto was penalized for a handball in the box. 

Cecilia Santiago saved Lloyd's initial attempt from the penalty spot, but the midfielder and U.S. captain followed her shot and slotted home the rebound. 

CONCACAF showed Lloyd's goal:

Goal USA - Carli LLOYD @CarliLloyd No. 10 | @miseleccionMX @ussoccer_wnt #CWOQ2016 https://t.co/8Z8541NxxW

— Concacaf (@Concacaf) February 13, 2016

It was a slow start from the United States, who didn't piece together many chances in the first half. The Americans outshot Mexico 5-0 in the first 45 minutes and bossed 58 percent of the possession but lacked that final ball to get them in dangerous situations.

Equalizer Soccer's Dan Lauletta wasn't impressed:

HT: Mexico 0-0 #USWNT | Mexico looking as composed as I have seen in a long long time. Not overly inspiring from US either

— Dan Lauletta (@TheDanLauletta) February 13, 2016

Much of the United States' inability to score was due to Mexico's defensive organization, as NBC Sports' Jeff Kassouf pointed out:

Resolute defending from Mexico in a scoreless first half with USWNT. Much better half from El Tri than most anyone expected.

— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) February 13, 2016

Christen Press, who came in at the half to replace Crystal Dunn, almost put the U.S. in front in the 52nd minute when her shot from the box rang off the post. 

NBC Sports showed her chance:

WATCH: Christen Press hits the post. #USWNT 9, Mexico 0. 👇

WATCH LIVE: https://t.co/7EYSxqnUdL https://t.co/T56o6A7L1L

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) February 13, 2016

It would have been the perfect reply to the goal she scored in the opening match against Costa Rica, which the American Outlaws showed:

Watch this @ChristenPress touch forever and ever. #WNTRunTheWorld #USWNT pic.twitter.com/k5ekr2UcrG

— AO (@AmericanOutlaws) February 11, 2016

Press' chance wasn't good enough for the Oregonian's Jamie Goldberg, though:

55 minutes in and this game is still scoreless. USA should certainly be disappointed #USAvMEX #BAONPDX #USA #USWNT

— Jamie Goldberg (@Jamiebgoldberg) February 13, 2016

Another opportunity fell to Press in the box in the 63rd minute, but that solid Mexican defending took away clean contact on the shot right in front of the goal. The ball bounced out to Tobin Heath and was shot well wide. 

Three minutes later, a long throw fell to Alex Morgan right in front of Santiago's goal. But she, like Heath, shot it over the bar. Frustration mounted even further when Morgan did the same to a header in the following minute. 

It's not often that the United States is held scoreless for that long at an Olympic qualifier, as CONCACAF pointed out:

2nd longest time @ussoccer_wnt has been shutout in #CWOQ game ... 108 mins v @CanadaSoccerEN in 2008 ... #CWOQ2016 #Mexico @miseleccionmx

— Concacaf (@Concacaf) February 13, 2016

Lindsey Horan found the same luck as Press from a shot from 23 yards out, when she saw her low effort strike off the left post in the 77th minute. 

The United States' breakthrough finally came three minutes later in the 80th minute thanks to the handball by Nieto and composure by Lloyd, even after Santiago saved her initial attempt. 

However, Ann Odong of the Women's Game did not agree with the penalty call after seeing the ball barely graze off an arm that was not outstretched by Nieto:

Bollocks call. #USAvMEX

— Ann Odong 🐨🇺🇬 (@AnnOdong) February 13, 2016

Kassouf agreed:

Honestly, that's brutal on Mexico.

— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) February 13, 2016

The win puts the United States in first place in Group A as it goes three points clear of Mexico. More importantly, it clinches the U.S. a spot in the semifinals of the Olympic qualifiers as it looks to defend its gold medal won in London in 2012. 

Postgame Reaction

It was far from a convincing victory, but it was three points for the United States. Goalkeeper Hope Solo realized it wasn't a signature win, via U.S. Soccer WNT:

.@hopesolo earned another shutout today in a 1-0 win against Mexico that got the U.S. to the semifinals. #RoadToRiohttps://t.co/vR8sR9BJYr

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) February 14, 2016

But at the end of the day, the United States found a way to get the job done. This match gave the Americans an opportunity to take in what Mexico had to offer defensively and create a game plan for future matches on how to break the opposition down. 

With that showing, Mexico should be considered a favorite to be one of the final teams remaining in this qualifying tournament.

Mexico frustrated the United States and kept the goal differential close enough where it can still challenge for the top of the group if the U.S. somehow loses its final game. 

It's going to be up to head coach Jill Ellis to make adjustments for the United States moving forward to spark the offense, because Mexico has found a way to stifle the Americans' explosive offense. 

Stats courtesy of CONCACAF.com.

The United States Women's National Team made its 2016 Olympic qualifying debut Wednesday with a 5-0 win over Costa Rica in CONCACAF play at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. 

The victory came on the heels of separate 8-0 and 7-2 victories against their Central American rivals in 2015 and propelled the USWNT to 13-0-0 all-time over Costa Rica. 

Place	W	D	L	Pts	+/-
Mexico	1	0	0	3	6
United States	1	0	0	3	5
Costa Rica	0	0	1	0	-5
Puerto Rico	0	0	1	0	-6

The scoring started early, and boy did the Red, White and Blue make it look easy. Right off the opening whistle, Lindsey Horan whipped in a cross for Alex Morgan, who calmly slotted home the game's first goal just 12 seconds in to give her side a 1-0 lead. 

According to the team's official Twitter account, it's believed that Morgan's goal was the fastest in U.S. history. 

CONCACAF offered a look at Morgan's strike:   

Goal USA - No. 13 Alex MORGAN @alexmorgan13 | @ussoccer_wnt @Fedefutbol_CR #CWOQ2016 https://t.co/BU8lDE9ZFu

— Concacaf (@Concacaf) February 11, 2016

Nine minutes later, Crystal Dunn was taken down in the box and Carli Lloyd delivered a 2-0 lead to the U.S. with a rifle into the left side of the net from the penalty spot. The goal represented Llyod's ninth in Olympic qualifying and the 83rd of her career, per USWNT on Twitter. 

Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl took note of the United States' early dominance: 

Good work by Crystal Dunn to earn the foul. US looking scary for the rest of CONCACAF with 2 goals after 9 minutes.

— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) February 11, 2016

By the time the first half came to a close, the U.S. owned a 3-0 lead. According to ESPN Stats & Info, the United States has historically crushed opponents in Olympic qualifying: 

#USWNT leads Costa Rica 3-0

U.S. has won all 3 previous Olympic qualifying tournaments, going 13-0-1 and outscoring opponents 75-4

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 11, 2016

The United States continued to apply tremendous offensive pressure throughout the early stages of the second half, and the persistence paid off in the form of Morgan's second goal courtesy of an assist from Lloyd.

Christen Press tacked on one final goal with time winding down to put the finishing touches on a blistering display from the reigning world champions, as CONCACAF documented: 

Goal USA - No. 12 Christen PRESS @ChristenPress | @ussoccer_wnt @Fedefutbol_CR #CWOQ2016 https://t.co/0PCr0FwsQA

— Concacaf (@Concacaf) February 11, 2016

Showing no signs of slowing down following a 2015 World Cup triumph, the USWNT is within reach of history.

Assuming the Americans can advance out of CONCACAF qualifying and make the trip to Rio de Janeiro this summer, they'll try to become the first team in the history of the sport to capture a World Cup title and a gold medal in back-to-back years, according to Dan Wiersema of the American Outlaws' website. 

Considering the Red, White and Blue's track record includes four gold medals in the span of five Olympic competitions since 1996, coach Jill Ellis' side should be heavily favored to repeat when play gets underway in South America. 

Olympic qualifying is set to resume Friday, when the U.S. and Mexico will clash at Toyota Center in CONCACAF play as the two sides jockey for position atop the Group A table. 

Postgame Reaction

"We knew that goals mattered in terms of exiting the group stage, so we wanted to start out well and I don’t think we could have asked for anything better," Morgan said, according to the Star-Telegram's Travis L. Brown. 

Ellis echoed that sentiment shortly after the win, according to the team's official Twitter account: 

"It was the perfect start." - Jill Ellis with a short but fairly accurate description of today's match.

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) February 11, 2016

"For us, when we did lose the ball, it was great to see us try to win it back quickly and I feel like there was some goals off of our transition and the fact that our defensive play led to a lot of great chances," Morgan added, per Brown. 

But despite the runaway win Wednesday night, the USWNT isn't getting too confident in advance of Friday's crucial showdown with Mexico.

"We can’t dwell on the thing too much," Lloyd said, according to Brown. "We’ve got to kind of put this one to bed and focus our attention on Mexico, but I think overall, some good things."

United States women's goalkeeper Hope Solo has said the Zika virus spreading across some parts of South America would prevent her from travelling to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.  

Speaking to Grant Wahl of SI.com on Monday, Solo suggested the illness could alter her decision to make the trip to this year's Olympic Games:

If I had to make the choice today, I wouldn’t go [to the Olympics]. I would never take the risk of having an unhealthy child. I don’t know when that day will come for Jerramy and me, but I personally reserve my right to have a healthy baby. No athlete competing in Rio should be faced with this dilemma. Female professional athletes already face many different considerations and have to make choices that male professional athletes don’t.

The United States women's national team begin its Olympic qualification campaign against Costa Rica on Wednesday.

Zika is a virus transmitted by mosquitoes and is suspected to be behind a rise in the number of babies born with microcephaly—a condition linked to an abnormal smallness of the head or incomplete brain development.

Solo added that competing in the Olympics should always be a "safe environment," and if it came down to choosing between the tournament and her or her child's health, she'd go with the latter:

We accept these particular choices as part of being a woman, but I do not accept being forced into making the decision between competing for my country and sacrificing the potential health of a child, or staying home and giving up my dreams and goals as an athlete.

Competing in the Olympics should be a safe environment for every athlete, male and female alike. Female athletes should not be forced to make a decision that could sacrifice the health of a child.

Dr. Celine Gounder is an infectious disease and public health specialist—also Wahl's wife—who has said women who have formerly contracted Zika can still have healthy babies after the illness.

This means that based on current knowledge of the disease, female athletes could contract the virus at the Olympics, be treated for the illness and still expect to give birth to a healthy child. Gounder recommended women should wait a minimum of "at least one month" to conceive after being cured, but three months was the preferred waiting period.

The report mentioned that the women's soccer matches at Rio 2016 all take place outside of Rio de Janeiro, in cities such as Manaus, Salvador, Brasilia, Belo Horizonte and Sao Paulo, where the risk of illness is thought to be higher.

Another potential Olympic athlete from the United States, wrestler Adeline Gray, was quoted by the Associated Press and said her intentions could change, depending on her pregnancy plans for the year:

The Zika virus is on the minds of athletes heading to #Rio2016 https://t.co/EslmJLCXmh pic.twitter.com/PwyhkllMbm

— AP Sports (@AP_Sports) February 1, 2016

Kipchoge Keino, head of Kenya's Olympic committee, had suggested his nation could consider pulling out of the Olympics if Zika were to reach "epidemic levels," although BBC Sport later reported he may have been quoted out of context.

One thing for certain is Stars and Stripes stopper Solo is far from alone in her fear of a growing virus currently affecting an important venue in the 2016 sports calendar.

The United States Soccer Federation filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the union representing the women's national team over a collective bargaining agreement dispute.

According to Andrew Das of the New York Times, U.S. Soccer wants a judge to uphold an agreement between the two sides that expired in 2012. The USWNT and U.S. Soccer had been working together under the old terms for the last three years without an official agreement.

U.S. Soccer is asking that a judge confirm the working arrangement is valid to avoid any potential work stoppages. Das expanded on that point in a series of tweets:

For those new to USWNT labor, team's CBA expired in 2012 but lives on as a memorandum of understanding. Terms unchanged.

— Andrew Das (@AndrewDasNYT) February 3, 2016

USWNT has worked under those rules without incident ever since. But union now contends it is invalid, and thus players (with notice) ...

— Andrew Das (@AndrewDasNYT) February 3, 2016

... can begin labor actions (read: strikes). U.S. Soccer hustled to court for fear team would strike before next games, NWSL, Olympics.

— Andrew Das (@AndrewDasNYT) February 3, 2016

If a judge invalidates the current arrangement, U.S. Soccer's hand would be forced into quickly reaching a new CBA. The USWNT could theoretically pull itself out of the 2016 Rio Games, where it's considered a favorite for a gold medal. 

The controversy comes amid a leadership change with the women's team. Richard Nichols, the players' representative since 2014, has been pushing for a new deal behind the scenes and proposed an artificial deadline of Feb. 24. According to Das' report, Nichols contends the players can and may strike if a new CBA is not agreed upon by that day.

In a statement released Wednesday, U.S. Soccer said filing suit was the only way it could ensure players stay on the field while the parties reach a resolution, per Das:

We are confident the court will confirm the existence and validity of the current CBA, which has been in effect since U.S. Soccer and the Women’s National Team Players Association reached agreement almost three years ago. While unfortunate, we believe taking this action provides the parties with the most efficient path to a resolution.

While labor disputes are something of a norm in major professional sports leagues, they're more of a rarity when it comes to international competition. These are high-stakes negotiations for both sides.

The USWNT is pushed to the forefront of American sports once every two years: the Olympics and the World Cup. The possibility of the team sitting out Rio is borderline unfathomable; it could be just as detrimental to the marketability of the players as it would for U.S. Soccer.

That said, these negotiations have reached the point where federal arbitrators need to mediate. Wednesday's filing alone should be evidence of how bad things have gotten. 

Follow Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) on Twitter

The reigning world champions, the U.S. women's national team, are back in action on Saturday as they face a motivated Republic of Ireland side searching for revenge at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.

The Americans cruised past the Irish side when they met shortly before the World Cup last year, earning a 3-0 victory in San Jose, with the legendary Abby Wambach scoring twice. 

The USA are playing their first match of 2016, beginning their preparations in earnest for the summer's Olympic Games.  

Here is how you can catch the action when the two teams face off and clash:

Viewing Info 

Date: Saturday, Jan. 23 

Time:  2 p.m. (PT); 5 p.m. (ET); 10 p.m. (GMT)

Live Stream: Fox Sports 2Go (U.S. only)

TV Info: Fox Sports 1 (U.S. only); Setanta Sports (Ireland only) 

Match Preview

2015 was the year that America's women reclaimed their place at the forefront of football once again, winning the World Cup in emphatic style in Canada. 

However, with the retired Wambach's influence now missing from the squad, the USA need to come again in 2016, with the motivation of the Olympics just around the corner.

Ireland can be a dogged team against any opposition, but their FIFA world ranking of No. 32 underlines the task at hand when they face the best team on the planet. 

The Republic offered no real opposition when they travelled to California last May, and failed to hit the target during the contest, compared to America's 26 shots—according to U.S. Soccer.

The game represents the start of a busy period for the USWNT, who have announced they will host an elite tournament featuring the best teams in the world, including Germany, France and England.

The SheBelieves Cup will take place in March, and the United States will surely use the Ireland encounter to fine-tune their fitness ahead of the event.

A big crowd is expected on Saturday, as announced by the USWNT on social media:

Over 19,000 tickets now sold for #USAvIRL in San Diego! 2016 kickoff is TWO days away. Tix still available. BUY: https://t.co/Cjv4Hks2TS

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) January 21, 2016

The USA are fresh form the success achieved at the recent FIFA Ballon d'Or ceremony, where Carli Lloyd and Jill Ellis were decorated as the women's World Player and Coach of the Year.

Lloyd became the fourth American to receive the huge accolade, per U.S. Soccer, proving herself to have no equal at the World Cup as she forced the USA over the winning line.

One advantage for the Irish in the upcoming game, over their defeat last year, is the availability of captain Emma Byrne—considered one of the finest goalkeepers in the world.

Byrne missed the game in 2015 against the USA and was replaced by deputy Niamh Reid Burke—who made a collection of fine saves to keep the scoreline respectable.

Reid Burke, who is likely to be on the bench in the San Diego game, said via the Football Association of Ireland's official website:

It is always going to be hard but it is not something that I haven’t expected. Emma is not only the first choice goalkeeper but she is also the captain and the most capped Irish player ever, so it always going to be hard competing against the first choice goalkeeper. But you never know what might happen in a game. I could have a chance to come on and I just have to ready for that.

It is unlikely America will be unduly worried by Byrne's presence, but the stopper represents a world-class opponent for the hosts' attackers. 

Lloyd and Becky Sauerbrunn recently spoke about their hopes for the immediate future and beyond for their team, as they once again tackle a competitive year in women's football, per U.S. Soccer WNT:

Captains @CarliLloyd & @beckysauerbrunn took some time to chat about leading the #USWNT towards new goals in 2016.https://t.co/l0s2nuFZ2v

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) January 21, 2016

The USA are a better team than they were when they last came up against Ireland, but the visitors should also be more prepared with Byrne between the sticks.

The presence of America's World Cup winners, and the magical skills of Lloyd, will make this match one hurdle too far for the Republic to jump, and a heavy loss could be on the cards due to the gulf in class.

USWNT will be out to prove last year's global stage success wasn't a one-off event, and with Germany, France and England about to touch down stateside in only a matter of weeks, Ellis' collective will need to be at their sharpest and most competitive. 

One of the most legendary careers in United States Women's National Team history came to a close Wednesday evening at the Superdome in New Orleans as Abby Wambach made her final Red, White and Blue appearance in a 1-0 friendly loss to China.  

Coming off a 2-0 win over China in Glendale, Arizona, on Dec. 13, the U.S. couldn't muster enough quality goalscoring opportunities to send Wambach off in style and snag back-to-back wins over its international foe.

And although Lindsey Horan appeared to net an equalizer in the 87th minute, the official ruled her offside, and the USWNT recorded its first loss on American soil since 2004, according to ESPN Stats & Info's Paul Carr. 

After several failed attempts to get Wambach one last goal, the 35-year-old's ride into the sunset was interrupted in the 58th minute when China broke through with a counterattack strike courtesy of Wang Shuang. 

Fox Soccer on Twitter offered a glimpse at the go-ahead tally: 

Can Abby Wambach and the #USWNT bounce back? Wang Shuang's goal has China ahead with less than 30 to play. https://t.co/SAAQ0WVhLK

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 17, 2015

The USWNT's all-time leading scorer was predictably the focal point of the Red, White and Blue game plan, but she couldn't get free for her 185th international goal. 

Wambach walked off the field for the final time in the 72nd minute, when she was replaced by Christen Press to a rousing ovation from the Superdome crowd, per Fox Soccer: 

WATCH: #USWNT's Abby Wambach subbed off, receives a terrific standing ovation from the Superdome crowd. #ThanksAbby https://t.co/0HFQtq2GEu

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 17, 2015

Fox Soccer also offered a snapshot of Wambach's distinguished career at the time of her substitution: 

184 goals. 255 caps. World Cup champion. Two-time Olympic champion. You're the GOAT, Abby. #ThanksAbby #OnlyOneAbby pic.twitter.com/MlSab6tyMZ

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 17, 2015

The United States provided ample pressure early, and it resulted in several productive runs at goal. While China was merely concerned with trying to clear its final third, the U.S. kept pushing up. Over the game's first 10 minutes, the Stars and Stripes managed two corners and two shots, but the opportunities came and went without the ball finding the back of the net. 

Head coach Jill Ellis' side also made a concerted effort to try to whip balls in for Wambach throughout the early portions of the first half to give her a shot at bagging a trademarked header, as the Advocate's Ramon Antonio Vargas observed:

First half hour of match, Wambach has had about a half-dozen opportunities to net one more for the road, on set pieces and in run of play.

— Ramon Antonio Vargas (@RVargasWrites) December 17, 2015

However, China's disciplined defense repeatedly stymied any attempts. It didn't help that the U.S also had to try to create second-half scoring chances sans Alex Morgan, who exited in the 44th minute with an apparent hamstring injury. 

But as Carr noted, Morgan departed Wednesday's clash with a unique record to her name:    

Alex Morgan finishes with 16 assists on Abby Wambach's #USWNT goals, most by any player.

— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) December 17, 2015

It was hardly the prettiest game from the reigning world champions, and the lack of fluidity in their play was the result of trying to force Wambach the ball time and again when windows simply weren't there. Based on the theme of the evening, though, it would be hard to blame them for taking that tactical route. 

The Women's National Team will be back in action Jan. 23 against Ireland in San Diego before squaring off against Costa Rica on Feb. 10. 

With the quest for 2016 Olympic immortality in Rio de Janeiro just beginning, the U.S. will seek to regain elite form when it heads back to the pitch after the New Year. 

Post-Game Reaction

Fox Soccer provided footage of Wambach's visit to the television set following her final USWNT appearance: 

Abby Wambach reflects on her final match and her incredible career. #ThanksAbby #OnlyOneAbby https://t.co/9vhkIVQjP3

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 17, 2015

After Wambach discussed her career with Fox, she proceeded to address the crowd and end things her way, as the USWNT captured on Twitter:

Mic Drop. #OnlyOneAbby pic.twitter.com/KgIlYkj2jP

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) December 17, 2015

"I love this team," Wambach said, per Vargas. "I love this country. It has been my pleasure, my honor to represent you for as long as I've been able to."

While much of the attention regarding the United States Women’s National Soccer Team was focused on Abby Wambach on Wednesday as she played the final game of her legendary career, teammate and World Cup hero Carli Lloyd was reportedly named the 2015 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year.

According to Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated, the midfielder was honored Wednesday after an impressive season that saw her score 18 goals, assist on five more and take home the Golden Ball (best player) and the Silver Boot (second-leading scorer) awards during her team’s World Cup victory.   

The U.S. women’s team congratulated its leader on Twitter: 

Congratulations to @CarliLloyd on her second U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year award: https://t.co/ay3gbKRn6w pic.twitter.com/jsU77o1jTz

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) December 17, 2015

Lloyd earned international fame at the World Cup when she became the first player in the event’s history to score in four consecutive knockout games. She also tallied a hat trick in the opening 16 minutes of the championship game against Japan that included a strike from midfield that essentially ended any doubt of the outcome. 

Paul Carr of ESPN Stats & Info put Lloyd’s accomplishment into historical perspective:

Carli Lloyd is the eighth two-time U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year (Wambach 6, Hamm 5, Akers/Lilly 3, Gabarra, Heinrichs, Milbrett)

— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) December 17, 2015

Lloyd commented on the recognition in a news release, per Thomas Floyd of Goal.com:

It an absolute honor to be named the U.S. Soccer player of the Year, but when you look at the players nominated this year, it’s obvious that all of them were deserving of the award. I want to thank everyone who voted for me, but more so everyone who supported the team this year, especially at the World Cup, as playing in front of those crowds in Canada was a special experience for all of us.

Of course, I’m so thankful to my amazing teammates and coaches. We all know any individual award is a product of the team and I’m so proud of how everyone stepped up this year. It took all 23 players and support staff to win the World Cup and it was just fantastic to be a part of it all. 

Woo noted Lloyd won the award over teammates Hope Solo, Lauren Holiday, Megan Rapinoe and Becky Sauerbrunn.

Abby Wambach said she would fire Jurgen Klinsmann as head coach of the U.S. men's national team and has criticised the German for bringing "foreign" players into the international fold.

The legendary U.S. women's national team striker is set to play the final match of her career on Thursday in New Orleans against China having won the World Cup back in July, and she will sign off as the most prolific international goalscorer of all time, perhaps adding to her current tally of 184 goals in 254 matches, per BBC Sport.

Unlike the women, the USA men have not enjoyed the best of years on the international stage, and Wambach believes there needs to be a change at the top. She was also critical of the egoism within the men's setup, making particular reference to Klinsmann, per the Bill Simmons Podcast (via soccer analyst and former USMNT player Alexi Lalas):

Some Abby Wambach quotes about @J_Klinsmann & #USMNT as heard on @BillSimmons Podcast. https://t.co/iXmAED8EL1 pic.twitter.com/zvLPvxYc4u

— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) December 16, 2015

She is far from the only person dissatisfied with Klinsmann following a year in which the U.S. only managed fourth place at the Gold Cup and lost the Confederations Cup play-off against Mexico.

However, the former Germany and Bayern Munich boss has a contract with U.S. Soccer until 2018 and led an impressive campaign at last year's World Cup as his side reached the last 16 before going out to Belgium in extra time.

Lalas welcomed Wambach's upfront comments but questioned what the 35-year-old meant by "foreign" players:

Love Abby Wambach's interesting, provocative and entertaining quotes. But curious to hear her definition of a “foreign” USNT player.

— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) December 16, 2015

The individuals she picked out as "foreign guys"—Jones and Johnson–are both German-born and represented Germany at youth level.

Sports Illustrated's Greg Wahl indicated Wambach may regret labelling them in such a way, especially as they have both represented the U.S. on numerous occasions:

Suspect Wambach will apologize about the way she used "foreign" to describe German-American USMNT players. https://t.co/JarjNsxMVP

— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) December 16, 2015

However, there is very little that Wambach could do to tarnish her reputation, and she will rightly sign off from her incredible career as a bona fide legend of the game.

It is unlikely, though, that she will get her wish of seeing Klinsmann removed from the top job at the USMNT any time soon.