Abby Wambach Walks Away from the Game in 'Forget Me' Gatorade Commercial
Dec 16, 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGQZ5FfvP3E
After a career that's seen two gold medals, a World Cup victory and the most goals scored in international competition by a man or woman (184), Abby Wambach will take the pitch for one last time Wednesday night.
Wambach, 35, announced her retirement in October, and the United States Women's National Team striker will play her final game for the team against China in a Victory Tour match in New Orleans.
As she's readied herself to part ways with soccer, Wambach's focus has been on the game itself—specifically, how far women's soccer has come since she began playing and how far she'd like to see it advance in her absence.
Here, in a new Gatorade commercial commemorating her career, Wambach drives that point home in no uncertain terms:
Forget me. Forget I've ever existed. Forget the medals won, the records broken and the sacrifices made. I want to leave a legacy where the ball keeps rolling forward. Where the next generation accomplishes things so great, that I'm no longer remembered.
The USWNT kicks off against China at 8 p.m. ET. As NPR's Russel Lewis reports, Wambach will play on the starting line and captain the team.
Dan is on Twitter. He knows he's supposed to forget, but nope: Wambach forever.
USWNT Announces Match vs. Trinidad and Tobago Has Been Canceled
Dec 6, 2015
ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 25: Abby Wambach #20 of USWNT stands tall during the national anthem ceremony prior to a women's international friendly soccer match between Brazil and the United States at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on October 25, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
The United States women's national soccer team announced that it has canceled its Victory Tour match against Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday because of poor field conditions at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, where the match was to be held.
U.S. Soccer said it tested the stadium surface, which features artificial turf, on Saturday and attempted to explore other options to salvage the match before making the announcement Sunday.
"Player safety is our No. 1 priority at all times, and after a thorough inspection throughout the day, we determined it was in the best interest for both teams to not play the match," Neil Buethe, spokesman for U.S. Soccer, said in a statement. "We regret not being able to play in front of our fantastic, loyal fans."
Julie Foudy of ESPN shared a photo showing the poor field conditions:
Sunday’s drastic yet warranted decision came just two days after star midfielder Megan Rapinoe suffered a torn ACL in a non-contact injury while training in Hawaii, leaving her hopes for next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in doubt.
The USWNT collectively clarified its decision in a poignant letter on the Players’ Tribune, titled “Equal Footing”:
And this was about wanting to protect women’s soccer players in general. We have become so accustomed to playing on whatever surface is put in front of us. But we need to realize that our protection — our safety — is priority No. 1. At the end of the day, we expect to be treated equally as our male counterparts. And we hope that, in the future, our fields and our venues will be chosen and inspected at the standard of an international match — whether it’s men or women playing on the field.
It’s a shame to see what was supposed to be a celebration of the U.S. women’s 2015 FIFA World Cup title come to a screeching halt, but kudos to the Americans for boldly taking a stand to raise awareness on a longstanding issue.
Megan Rapinoe Injury: Updates on USWNT Star's Knee and Recovery
Dec 5, 2015
Oct 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; United States midfielder Megan Rapinoe (15) against the Brazil during the second half of an exhibition match in the women's soccer post World Cup tour at Citrus Bowl. United States defeated Brazil 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The United States women's national team received some tough news about one of its top midfielders Saturday, a day after Megan Rapinoe suffered a serious injury.
Continue for updates.
Rapinoe Has Torn ACL
Saturday, Dec. 5
On Saturday, the United States women's national team announced Rapinoe's right knee injury was in fact a torn ACL.
A timetable for a possible return has yet to be disclosed. However, according to Nicholas Mendola of NBCSports.com, Rapinoe could miss the entire NWSL season with the Seattle Reign along with the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Rapinoe sustained the injury while training with the national team Friday in Honolulu, Hawaii, just two days before its Victory Tour match against Trinidad and Tobago.
The 30-year-old, who was a part of the Americans' World Cup-winning team in 2015, released a statement through the national team:
I want to thank my teammates and the staff for the amazing support I've received so far. I know I'll be in the best of hands moving forward and I'll be doing everything I can to get healthy as soon as possible. This is obviously a very difficult time, but I do feel super confident in my recovery as I've gone through this before and I know what the process will be like. I want everyone to know that I'll be fine, and that I'm currently accepting any recommendations for TV shows to binge watch and great restaurants that deliver in Seattle. I'm also going to get really good at FIFA 16.
Rapinoe has suffered this injury before, including twice to her left knee while she was in college at Portland. She has appeared in 113 games for the U.S. national team, recording 31 goals.
The United States, however, has a plethora of talented midfielders who could help fill her shoes: World Cup Final hat-trick hero Carli Lloyd, Morgan Brian, Tobin Heath and Heather O'Reilly.
USWNT Visits President Obama at the White House After World Cup Victory
Oct 27, 2015
President Barack Obama receives a jersey from head coach Jill Ellis as he welcomes the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, during a ceremony to honor the team and their victory in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. In the background right of Obama are Julie Johnston, Sydney Leroux, and Carli Lloyd. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Nearly four months after winning the FIFA Women's World Cup for the third time in team history, the United States women's national soccer team visited the White House on Tuesday.
President Barack Obama has welcomed many championship squads to Washington during his time in the White House, but few have managed to capture the hearts of the entire nation like the USWNT did.
That was apparent from the very start of the ceremony Tuesday, as the team was introduced by a 13-year-old girl named Ayla Ludlow, who wrote this letter to President Obama in June, courtesy of the official White House Twitter account:
After Ludlow's inspiring speech, the president took the podium and expressed his pride in the USWNT and its accomplishments, according to ABC's John R. Parkinson:
POTUS has lots of mtgs but was "excited" for @ussoccer_wnt. "They put America back on top of soccer world and they did it in style." ⚽️🇺🇸🏆
Following the recognition of many of those behind the players who helped them achieve success in Canada, Obama's focus shifted toward Carli Lloyd, who won the Golden Ball by virtue of her three goals in the opening 16 minutes of the final against Japan.
The president joked that Lloyd's dominance in the Women's World Cup final meant the game was essentially over before he had a chance to hunker down, per World Soccer Talk:
President Obama on Lloyd: "I was settling into the game, getting my popcorn, & then *poof* she scored three goals." pic.twitter.com/qR2Fed94Pi
Obama also made mention of somebody's editing Lloyd's Wikipedia page and declaring her President of the United States of America. He used that as an opportunity to poke fun at some of those vying to follow his presidency in 2016, according to Jeff Kassouf of NBCSports.com:
“I guarantee you that @CarliLloyd knows more about being president than some of the folks who are running.” -- @POTUS jokes. #USWNT
On the heels of mentioning many of the USWNT players by name and praising their accomplishments, the president paid them the ultimate compliment and labeled them role models near the end of his speech, per ESPN.com's Chantel Jennings:
"This team taught all America's children that 'playing like a girl' means you're a badass." - Obama, on the #USWNT's WH visit.
As is customary for championship teams visiting the White House, the USWNT and head coach Jill Ellis then presented President Obama with his very own No. 44 jersey:
While the ceremony itself was likely the highlight of the day for those involved, the USWNT players had plenty of fun beforehand too, as they snapped several photos while touring the White House and posted them on social media.
As seen in this photo montage, courtesy of U.S. Soccer WNT on Twitter, stars such as Sydney Leroux, Alex Morgan, Hope Solo and Megan Rapinoe had a great time at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue:
Morgan also provided this shot from inside of the White House, but Tobin Heath came through with an expertly placed photobomb unbeknownst to No. 13:
Lauren Holiday played her final match for the USWNT on Sunday, as she has decided to retire, but she got to experience one last moment of glory with Christen Press in the form of this photo from the USWNT's Instagram account:
Solo and Lloyd couldn't pass up the opportunity to get presidential by doing their best George Washington impressions, per Solo's Twitter account:
The entire USWNT brought home plenty of hardware from Canada, and Lloyd didn't forget to take the Women's World Cup trophy with her to the White House:
The USWNT's infectious personality is often on display during games, but the players' fun-loving attitude and camaraderie off the field are also a big part of what makes them so likable.
It was clear President Obama was legitimately proud of everything the team accomplished in the name of the United States of America, which is a feeling shared by many across the nation.
Team USA came agonizingly close to winning the Women's World Cup in 2011 and missed out on its chance to visit the White House then, but it earned the right this time around, and there is no doubt that it made it count.
USA vs. Brazil Women's Soccer: Score and Reaction from Sunday's Friendly
Oct 25, 2015
Brazil's Andressa, right, moves the ball past United States's Tobin Heath, left, during the first half of an international friendly soccer match Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The USA bounced back from their draw in the previous friendly with Brazil, beating the South American giants 3-1 on Sunday in Orlando, Florida.
Alex Morgan gave the hosts an early lead before sustained pressure from Brazil resulted in an equaliser from Cristiane just before half-time. The 1-1 score didn't last long, however, as Crystal Dunn put the USA back in front with a strong volley.
A multitude of substitutions saw few real chances in the second half, and debutante Stephanie McCaffrey added a third goal in the dying minutes.
The match marked the final time Lauren Holiday and Lori Chalupny would play for the Stars and Stripes, with the former taking the captain's armband, per the team's official Twitter account:
Brazil started the match in strong fashion, pressing forward and creating danger early. Just three minutes in, star forward Marta hit the crossbar with a shot, sending a clear warning to the hosts that their unbeaten streak could be coming to an end.
The USA's response was swift, however. Tobin Heath sent a beautiful pass to Morgan, who didn't hesitate one second and gave the hosts the lead after nine minutes.
Here's the goal:
The American Outlaws noticed the USA's efficiency in front of goal:
The setback seemed to shock the Brazilians, who had started the match with such attacking intentions, and for the next couple of minutes, play was restricted to a number of hard fouls and battles in midfield.
After 21 minutes, Chalupny received a standing ovation as she departed the pitch for the last time, to be replaced by Meghan Klingenberg. The Chicago Red Stars' official Twitter account thanked the veteran for her incredible contributions:
.@lorichalupny coming off to a LOUD ovation. Perserverence, inspiration, strength. Just a few words to describe the legend. #ThanksChups
Brazil cared little for sentiment, however, and continued to press high up the pitch. Morgan nearly doubled her tally on the counter-attack but instead found the side netting with her shot. However, most of the chances started to fall at the other side of the pitch.
Marta teed up Cristiane perfectly for what should have been the equaliser, but the forward couldn't hold her run and wandered just offside. Not that it mattered―Becky Sauerbrunn produced one of the best clearances you'll see all year:
Minutes later, Fabiana hit the woodwork again with a cross that fluttered over Hope Solo, before Andressinha just missed the target with an effort from range.
Cristiane was next to miss a promising chance, firing over from inside the box, and at this point, the visitors more than deserved an equalising goal. It finally came just before half-time, as Marta went another surging run before slipping the ball to Cristiane, who turned inside and fired the ball into the left corner.
But while the Brazilians were celebrating a deserved equaliser, the Stars and Stripes showed again why they're the current world champions. Fresh off conceding, they pushed forward and crossed the ball into the box, where Dunn made it 2-1 off a rebound. The Red Stars used the opportunity to taunt rivals Washington Spirit a bit:
The half-time score was a little harsh on the Brazilians, who certainly had the better of play and the better chances in the first half.
The second half was different, however. Debutante McCaffrey showed no signs of nerves whatsoever, proving herself a real menace out on the wing with constant runs forward and a number of solid crosses.
While it didn't lead to a lot of chances, it did help take the pressure off, as Brazil were less inclined to send their full-backs forward, knowing the young winger could take advantage of the space.
The ever-popular Carli Lloyd came on in the 56th minute to replace Holiday, prompting this tweet from the team's official Twitter account:
The substitution almost paid huge dividends immediately, as Lloyd sent Morgan through on goal with a superb pass. The striker finished well but was flagged down for offside.
Marta had a great chance to find an equaliser after 65 minutes, but Solo read the play well and got down in time to make the stop. Andressa curled a free-kick over the bar from a promising position, with Marta on the sideline receiving treatment.
Gina Lewandowski became the third player to make her USWNT debut, replacing Ali Krieger after 74 minutes as Brazil continued to push. But despite all the pressure, the USA stood firm, giving away few chances. There was still time for McCaffrey to add a third goal, however, ending her debut match with a bang.
The USWNT's Victory Tour will continue in December as the team travels to Honolulu to take on Trinidad and Tobago. They'll play the Caribbean nation twice before a doubleheader with China to end the year.
USA vs. Brazil Women's Soccer: Score and Twitter Reaction from 2015 Friendly
Oct 22, 2015
SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 21: Carli Lloyd #10 of the United States dribbles against Formiga #20 of Brazil at CenturyLink Field on October 21, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
A late equalizer in the 85th minute from Carli Lloyd ensured the United States women's national team stayed unbeaten during its World Cup victory tour with a 1-1 draw against Brazil on Wednesday night in Seattle.
The Brazilians were by far the toughest challenge for the United States on this tour after its World Cup win this summer. The USA played the first four games of their tour against Costa Rica and Haiti, winning all four quite handily.
While a world championship is still being celebrated, it was also a time to say farewell as longtime defender Shannon Boxx, in her 195th cap, made her last appearance for the national team. She wore the captain's armband and even broke out some new digs, as the national team shows:
The formalities ended at the opening kick, and Brazil didn't wait long to get in front. Off of a corner, Monica beat two U.S. defenders in the air and headed her chance into the open far side of the net to put the Brazilians up 1-0 in the third minute.
It was the first time that the United States trailed in a match since March 4 against Norway, according to the ESPN telecast. Playing behind Brazil wasn't pleasing Sky Blue FC reporter Brittany Alvarado:
Even though it's a friendly, it's always bad blood when it comes to Brazil. Let's go USA!!! #USAvBRA#ThanksBoxxy
The U.S. had a fair share of chances in the proceeding minutes, with some of the best opportunities falling to striker Alex Morgan, but she was unable to convert. Her mind could be elsewhere, as she is about to be traded from the Portland Thorns to the expansion Orlando Pride team in the NWSL, per Grant Wahl of SI.com.
It was the World Cup hero Carli Lloyd to find the equalizer with less than five minutes to play. Meghan Klingenberg rolled a cross into the box, where Lloyd simply beat her defender. Our Game Magazine shows Lloyd's goal:
If a draw isn't satisfactory for some United States fans, the squad has another chance in a few days to take down Brazil again when the two face off on Sunday, Oct. 25. But in an exhibition where a win isn't imperative, the U.S. players still showed great resolve in showing pride for their country.
Hope Solo Facing Domestic Violence Charges: Latest Details and Reaction
Oct 2, 2015
United States goalkeeper Hope Solo (1) in action against Mexico in the second half during a CONCACAF semifinal soccer match in Chester, Pa., Friday, Oct. 24, 2014. The United States defeated Mexico 3-0. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
Hope Solo's domestic violence case has returned, as an appeals court in Washington has overturned a decision to dismiss charges against the U.S. women's soccer star.
Mark Fainaru-Wada of ESPN's Outside The Lines, via ESPNW.com, reported that a document from the state court's official website noted "the court reverses the decision of the lower court and remands the case to the Kirkland (Washington) Municipal Court."
Solo's attorney, Todd Maybrown, released a statement, per Paul Barrett of the Seattle Times:
We are shocked and disappointed by the judge’s ruling this morning. However, we maintain our position that the charges in this case should have never been filed, that the original trial court’s dismissal of the case was correct, and we plan to file an appeal of today’s decision with the Court of Appeals.
In June 2014, Solo was arrested on a domestic violence charge in which she was alleged to have hit her sister and nephew.
Seven months later, per Christine Clarridge of the Seattle Times, a judge in Kirkland Municipal Court dismissed misdemeanor domestic violence charges against Solo after her "attorney successfully argued that the alleged victims had refused to be deposed by defense attorneys."
Fainaru-Wada's report notes that city prosecutors "immediately" appealed that decision. He also provided additional details of the case in a separate report for ESPN.com in June, with Solo's half-sister, Teresa Obert, claiming the controversial goalie grabbed Obert's son by the head and "kept slamming him into the cement over and over again."
Solo has denied any wrongdoing in the incident, telling Good Morning America (h/t Suzan Clarke of ABC News) in February that she was the victim of domestic violence on the night in question by her nephew.
“I'm not going to go into all of the details, but it was a scary night," Solo said. "I was a victim of domestic violence at the hands of my 17-year-old nephew who is 6-foot-9, 280 pounds. I was struck over the head and concussed pretty severely. It was a very scary night.”
Fainaru-Wada reported the document did not list a date or timeframe for Solo's trial.
Over the summer, Solo helped lead the U.S. women's soccer team to a World Cup title, with five consecutive shutouts along the way. She's currently playing for the Seattle Reign of the National Women's Soccer League.
USA vs. Haiti Women's Soccer: Score and Reaction from Sunday's Friendly
Sep 20, 2015
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 17: Alex Morgan #13 of the United States talks with fans after the U.S. Women's 2015 World Cup Victory Tour match against Haiti at Ford Field on September 17, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. The U.S. defeated Haiti 5-0. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/Getty Images)
The United States continued their Victory Tour with another lopsided win over Haiti on Sunday, beating the CONCACAF side 8-0 at Legion Field in Birmingham, Alabama.
Carli Lloyd once again stole the show with a first-half hat-trick, while Julie Johnston, Crystal Dunn, Amy Rodriguez, Alex Morgan and Heather O'Reilly also got their names on the scoresheet. As expected, the hosts cruised to another easy win, setting up a double showdown with South American giants Brazil for the next chapter of the Victory Tour.
Before kick-off, the team's official Twitter account shared this stat, with everyone inside the stadium expecting to celebrate the USA's incredible domestic unbeaten streak:
Should the #USWNT win or tie today, it will mark 100 Consecutive Games Unbeaten at Home dating back to 2004. USA is 87-0-12 in last 99.
Haiti were only called in to play the Stars and Stripes at the last minute to replace Australia, who didn't travel to the USA because of an internal dispute, per USSoccer.com. The CONCACAF side aren”t exactly football powerhouses, and after Thursday's 5-0 loss, more of the same was expected in Birmingham.
It took the hosts less than one minute to open the score, with defender Johnston easily converting a corner kick. The American Outlaws, the team's official fan club, couldn't hide their excitement:
Dunn was one of the standouts during Thursday's friendly, and she again made a fantastic impression early on Sunday, darting in and out of play. The hosts had several good chances to increase their advantage early, but Ednie Limage showed her class, making a series of impressive saves.
The second goal eventually came courtesy of a Lloyd penalty after Morgan was barged off the ball inside the box. Less than a minute later, Dunn made it 3-0 after some fine work from Megan Rapinoe, and the people governing the team's official Twitter account had flashbacks of the World Cup final just a few months ago:
Three goals in 17 minutes...hmmm, almost like a certain performance from a few months ago ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. #USAvHAI, 3-0
Haiti seemed just about ready to crumble, and their defenders tried a different approach, treating the American attackers to some rash challenges. Morgan was slow to get up after one particular tackle, but thankfully, she was able to continue.
A couple of minutes later, she was sprinting down the wing with the entire Haitian defence out of position, allowing Lloyd to simply tap the ball home and give the Americans a 4-0 lead.
Howler Magazine wasn't surprised:
#USWNT leads Haiti 4–0 after 30 min: Carli Lloyd brace+goals from Julie Johnston and Crystal Dunn.
The pace of the match finally dropped, allowing Haiti to keep some possession of the ball and enjoy some time away from their own goal. Chances were few, and the best still fell to the hosts—through Morgan and Lloyd.
The latter nearly completed her hat-trick after 33 minutes, smashing a shot onto the crossbar, but she had better luck just before half-time, as her lofted header glanced off the bar and landed in the net.
According to ESPN's Paul Carr, Lloyd joined an exclusive club in scoring her fifth international hat-trick:
Carli Lloyd is the 5th American with 5 international hat tricks (Hamm, Parlow, Wambach, Akers).
As expected, coach Jill Ellis made numerous changes at half-time, allowing some of the less experienced players to show their worth in what basically amounted to a carefree friendly. Rapinoe, Lloyd, Hope Solo and Johnston all took a spot on the bench, but surprisingly, Morgan didn't join them after picking up a knock earlier.
The Guardian's Caitlin Murray didn't like the decision:
The substitutions naturally had their effect on the match, as it took the USA some time to get organised again, but Rodriguez immediately converted the first real chance of the second half, making it clear to the visitors that their nightmare wasn't over yet.
Kelley O'Hara and O'Reilly both troubled the Haiti defence throughout the second half, but the visitors did well to slow down the match and were greatly helped by Limage's heroics. Chances were limited to long-range shots, and while the USA were never troubled defensively, the gap in quality between the starting forwards and backups was clear to see.
Morgan did manage to add a seventh goal late in the match, showing some quick thinking after a flick from Whitney Engen. And with that goal, the floodgates once again opened. More chances came in quick succession, and O'Reilly took advantage of a dreadful clearance to make it 8-0.
Limage also took a late knock and had to be carried off the pitch on a stretcher, but according to the hosts' Twitter account, her injury wasn't serious.
The team's next opponents will be Brazil, who disappointed at the World Cup but have the talent to challenge the Stars and Stripes, unlike Haiti. With the 2016 Summer Olympic qualifying tournament drawing ever closer, the challenge from a top team like Brazil will be welcomed by coach Ellis.
Post-Match Reaction
As reported by Fox Sports' Laura Vecsey, coach Ellis spoke at length about her decision to start Becky Sauerbrunn in midfield, despite her strong contributions when playing in defence:
Why not? I wanted to see her in there. I know she can play there. She's a very competent player. Part of the process going forward is to see who in the group can play multiple positions.
Obviously it's a big decision to have to make after we just gelled the back line and solidified. We have a pretty low goals-against percentage. That's kind of the fun part about moving forward. We have a couple of players stepping away and a slightly smaller roster to work with. It's not like you have to start all over again because you certainly have a great base but you have to explore options.
USA vs. Haiti Women's Soccer: Date, Time, Live Stream and Prediction
Sep 20, 2015
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 17: Nerilia Mondesir #9 of Haiti tries to drive past Meghan Klingenberg #22 of the United States during the first half of the U.S. Women's 2015 World Cup victory tour match at Ford Field on September 17, 2015, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
The USA's Women's national team will continue its Victory Tour with a second friendly against Haiti on Sunday, with ESPN2 providing full TV coverage of the friendly played in Birmingham, Alabama. Live streams will be available via WatchESPN.
The Stars and Stripes were supposed to play World Cup upstarts Australia in their third and fourth matches of the Victory Tour, but due to an internal dispute on the Australian side, Haiti were instead selected as opponents, per USSoccer.com.
Haiti were no match for the World Champions in their last meeting Thursday, losing 5-0, and fans shouldn't expect anything different Sunday. The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football side are relative minnows of world football and should provide the Stars and Stripes with little more than a warm-up match ahead of their highly anticipated clash with Brazil.
Date: Sunday, September 20
Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama
TV info and live stream: ESPN2 will provide full coverage of the match, with live streams available via WatchESPN.
Preview and Prediction
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 17: Alex Morgan #13 of the United States autographs for fans following the U.S. Women's 2015 World Cup victory tour match against Haiti at Ford Field on September 17, 2015, in Detroit, Michigan. The US defeated Haiti 5-0. (Photo by
The hosts didn't play particularly well in their win over Haiti on Thursday and still trashed the CONCACAF side 5-0―that tells you all you need to know about this upcoming match.
Carli Lloyd led the charge with another hat-trick, continuing her ridiculous scoring form, while Christen Press and Crystal Dunn also contributed to the goals column. As reported by ESPN.com, Haiti didn't muster a single shot all match long, compared to 40 for the Stars and Stripes.
These two teams shouldn't even be on the same pitch, but you can't fault the Americans for picking Haiti as an opponent; Australia dropped out, and a solution had to be found in a hurry. Instead of real test, the world champions now get to treat their home fans to an incredible scoring barrage and some attractive football, which isn't a bad thing, considering these matches are still part of the Victory Tour.
Those fans continue to turn out in huge numbers and give the team an incredible reception, something Press gladly thanked them for, per the team's official Twitter account:
Alabama is the next stop for the team, and the fans in Birmingham will be anxious to see Lloyd do her thing once again. The World Cup hero has quickly established herself as the new darling of women's soccer in the country, and while coach Jill Ellis will likely rotate her squad again and give some of the younger players minutes, Lloyd continues to be a must-start.
The USA's dominance over Haiti was particularly visible in the air, as the visiting defenders struggled covering the attacker, at times taking odd angles to try and close down the ball. Expect similar tactics from Ellis' squad Sunday, although with a higher emphasis on proper build-up play from the back.
Because even though the Americans easily dominated Haiti, not everything went according to plan. The USA's passing was horrendous at times, and if you take a ridiculous 40 shots, you have to score more than five goals.
It's unfortunate for the visitors, who don't deserve this, but the USA are likely to come out on fire Sunday, led by Lloyd and Dunn, who has so far done a nice job convincing coach Ellis she deserves to be a part of the full-time squad. The American Outlaws, the team's official fan club, certainly believe she deserves more chances:
Sunday's match will be about improving on Thursday's showing, particularly in front of goal and in playing out of the back. Double-digit goals are a possibility, with the Haiti squad not used to playing matches this close together and visibly tiring late Thursday.
Final Prediction
This could get ugly. Again, double-digit goals are a real possibility, although this prediction will be a little more conservative. USA 8-0 Haiti.
USA vs. Haiti Women's Soccer: Score and Twitter Reaction from 2015 Friendly
Sep 17, 2015
CHATTANOOGA, TN - AUGUST 19: Midfielder Carli Lloyd #10 of the United States gestures during the friendly match against Costa Rica at Finley Stadium on August 19, 2015 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
The United States women's national soccer team may have been hosting Haiti in a friendly, but the World Cup champion certainly didn't treat it like an exhibition as Carli Lloyd's hat trick led a 5-0 onslaught Thursday night.
And it could have been much worse.
But that's nitpicking. Christen Press and Crystal Dunn also scored for the United States, which took a three-goal lead into the half and coasted in the second frame, cycling through the bench and enjoying its decisive victory.
The domination was both expected and complete. The U.S. held 79 percent of possession, outshot Haiti 40-0 (17-0 on goal) and earned nine corners compared to just one for the visitors, per ESPN.com.
It didn't take long for the USWNT to strike, either. Six minutes into the game, Dunn made a strong run down the right before swinging a cross into the box. Lloyd—who else?—was waiting, heading home the game's first goal.
Fox Sports 1 shared footage of the goal on Twitter:
Dunn's work down the right set up the next goal as well, as a series of quick one-two passing set her free down the right flank. She sent a low cross into the box this time, and the ball took a weird hop, bouncing over the right foot of Press, who was attempting to shoot the ball into the net, but instead hitting her left knee and finding the back of the net.
The missed hit served Press well, as the ball off her knee resembled a chip into the net, fooling the Haiti goalkeeper.
Press wasn't done yet, earning a penalty minutes later after she was fouled in the box as she attempted to cut back toward goal and fire a shot. Lloyd stepped up to the spot and calmly inserted the ball into the right corner, giving the United States a 3-0 lead.
And it easily could have been a bigger lead than that, as the United States seemed to spend the entirety of the half in or around Haiti's box. Goalkeeper Ednie Limage did well to keep her country in the game, making a few nice saves and rushing forward to knock the ball out of danger on crosses.
But the United States was too strong. Lloyd continued putting on a show in the second half, heading home her second goal in the 69th minute after a corner from Lauren Holiday.
GOAL! Carli Lloyd heads home a corner to pick up a hat trick for the #USWNT vs. Haiti. 4-0 with just under 20 to go. http://t.co/EwG8Mq7L4Y
The hat trick was the fourth of Lloyd's career, making her the sixth USWNT player to reach that mark, per Paul Carr of ESPN.com. The Houston Texans—whom Lloyd spoke to before the beginning of the NFL season, as shown on HBO's Hard Knocks—tweeted their congratulations to Lloyd on her accomplishment:
Were it not for Lloyd's hat trick, however, Dunn likely would have been the player of the match, as she put the cherry on top of the United States' win with a headed goal in stoppage time after a perfect pass over the defense from Heather O'Reilly.
It was a dominant display, and it was supposed to be, though detractors might note that the United States wasn't clinical in its finishing and was wasteful around goal for much of the match. Still, it's hard to knock a team for putting in five goals, no matter who the competition may be.
Post-Match Reaction
After her excellent display, Lloyd remained humble.
"I think my goal is to just keep improving, little by little, year by year, day by day," she said after the game, per the FS1 broadcast, adding "I want to do everything possible to help this team win. And it's fun right now."
She certainly is doing a whole lot to help her team, and it certainly is fun to watch, too. USMNT's Mix Diskerud has certainly taken notice:
I gotta get myself a U.S. Soccer #10 jersey! @CarliLloyd on fire 🔥 ⚽️⚽️⚽️
Dunn was the other hero on the night, though she seemed thrilled just to be invited on the team's Victory Tour.
“I was pretty excited to get the call that they wanted me in camp and at first I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m going to join the Victory Tour,' she told Laura Vecsey of Fox Sports. "This was the team’s moment to celebrate, but I’m super excited."
Haiti has likely seen enough of Lloyd, Dunn and Co., but it will get another dose of the USWNT on Sunday when the teams meet again at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Lloyd and the United States likely won't treat that game like just another friendly, either.
