US Women's National Soccer Team

The United States women's national team picked up its sixth successive win after sweeping South Korea 6-0 to collect a one-sided friendly victory at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina.

Samantha Mewis scored twice in the opening 20 minutes, while Christen Press and Julie Ertz also netted to help mount a 4-0 lead at the interval. Lynn Williams and Allie Long bagged goals in the second half to seal a dominant United States win.

The USWNT now have a little more than a fortnight to prepare for their meeting against Canada at BMO Field in Toronto on Friday, November 11, a fixture that promises to offer more opposition than South Korea could muster.

Two days after beating the same opponent 3-1 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, the United States women were altogether more confident in their hammering of South Korea on Sunday. 

The destruction began early on—three minutes in, to be exact—when Mewis got on the end of an Abby Dahlkemper cross to head home at the back post, the North Carolina Courage star scoring in front of a home crowd no less.

The 25-year-old made her 32nd appearance for the national team Sunday—three years after her senior debut—and Caitlin Murray of the New York Times hailed her swift progress up the ranks in recent times:

https://twitter.com/caitlinmurr/status/922168457134727169

South Korea goalkeeper Kang Ga-Ae had a torrid time attempting to keep the hosts at bay and conceded a sloppy second when her attempted palm away fell into Mewis' lap after 20 minutes, gleefully smashing in a second.

There was a bit more skill required for the United States' third, however, and Press exposed Kang's poor positioning to convert Alex Morgan's ball through the middle, via the official USWNT Twitter account:

🎯 P 🎯 R 🎯 E 🎯 S 🎯 S 🎯

Go on, @ChristenPress! pic.twitter.com/oEz5mDUzF0

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 22, 2017

The visitors looked far more motivated to compete during Friday's contest but simply didn't look to be at the races in Sunday's edition of the double-header.

That lack of competition was best shown by South Korea's lack of will to compete for a corner that Ertz all-too-easily latched onto, diverting her header in after the United States dominated an aerial jostle for the ball.

Scorers Mewis and Press both made way as two of the five changes made by United States coach Jillian Ellis at the break, but that didn't stop the Stars and Stripes resuming their rout in the 61st minute.

It was then Megan Rapinoe and Williams combined in front of goal—the South Korea defence seemingly gone missing—to prod into an open net:

When opportunity knocks 👊, @mPinoe and @lynnraenie answer 🚪 pic.twitter.com/iKwTZ4lRrD

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 22, 2017

Long brought that same back-line weakness to the surface when she picked up a sixth in the 83rd minute, with seven South Korea defenders failing to mark four United States attackers as the Portland Thorns midfielder side-footed home.

As much as Ellis will take her share of positives from back-to-back victories over South Korea, there aren't many lessons one can learn from beating an opponent that struggled to offer just about any opposition.

Mewis in particular will savour her first brace for the national team and the role she played in mounting the United States' largest victory of 2017, a result that can only build their confidence ahead of next month's clash against Canada.

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While the United States men's national team is still dealing with the fallout from its failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, Thursday night was business as usual for the women's national team.

The United States beat Korea Republic 3-1 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.

Julie Ertz, Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe scored for the U.S. in the victory.

The win came at a cost for the USWNT after Mallory Pugh exited in the first minute of first-half injury time. She eventually had to be carried off the pitch after she was unable to put any weight on her right leg.

The New York Times' Caitlin Murray noted the FS1 broadcast had discussed the playing surface being an issue for the players:

https://twitter.com/caitlinmurr/status/921189352348172288

The 19-year-old Pugh is one of the United States' most promising players, and being without her for an extended period of time would be an obvious concern for coach Jill Ellis as she continues her preparation for the 2019 Women's World Cup.

Pugh's injury put a damper on a convincing performance.

The U.S. struggled to break down the Korean defense during the early stages of the first half. The USWNT dominated possession and enjoyed plenty of time in the attacking third but couldn't create any serious goal-scoring opportunities.

Given that issue, it's little surprise the United States' opening goal came from a set piece in the 24th minute. Ertz got on the end of Megan Rapinoe's corner kick with a diving header that rolled between the legs of goalkeeper Kang Ga-Ae.

Ertz's husband, Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz, celebrated the goal on Twitter:

That Goal though.... WOWWWWWW @julieertz ❤️

— Zach Ertz (@ZERTZ_86) October 20, 2017

Morgan doubled the United States' lead in the 40th minute. Kelley O'Hara got the assist as she crossed in to Morgan from the end line. The Olympique Lyon forward still had plenty of work to do, though, as she shielded the ball from a Korean defender and deftly turned for the left-footed finish.

ESPN Stats and Info's Paul Carr shared an interesting fact about Morgan's national team career:

Alex Morgan has now scored a #USWNT goal vs 25 different opponents, and in 13 different U.S. states.

— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) October 20, 2017

Han Chae-Rin got Korea on the board just before halftime with a goal in the fifth minute of first-half injury time. While that goal gave Korea Republic some hope of clawing back and tying the match, Ji So-Yun conceded a penalty in the 49th minute when she brought down Rapinoe in the 18-yard box.

Rapinoe converted from the penalty spot to make it a 3-1 game and erase whatever momentum Korea had generated with its late first-half goal.

The USWNT and Korea Republic will meet for another friendly on Sunday in Cary, North Carolina. 

The United States women's national team kick off a doubleheader of friendlies with Korea Republic on Thursday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.

They go into the clash on the back of four successive wins and will be aiming to maintain their form in a quartet of friendlies that will see them to the end of 2017—two fixtures against Canada follow the South Korea meetings.

South Korea have never beaten the U.S. in nine meetings but boast their own fine form heading into Thursday's fixture having won three and drawn one of their last four. 

Read on for a preview of the match, along with full scheduling and viewing details. 

       

Date: Thursday, Oct. 19

Time: 8 p.m. ET, 1 a.m. BST (Friday)

TV Info: Fox Sports 1 (U.S.)

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

              

Preview

While South Korea have never beaten their American counterparts, they have earned two draws against them, including their most recent meeting.

The two sides met in a warm-up match ahead of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, a game that resulted in a 0-0 draw at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey. 

It is quite a feat to keep the USWNT from scoring a goal, but it must again be South Korea's aim to not concede on Thursday and hope to net themselves on the break to earn a win.

Neither side has been short on goals of late. South Korea have netted 21 goals in their last four matches—including a 10-0 win over India—while the U.S. have netted 15 in four.

Alex Morgan, Mallory Pugh, Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz have all been in the goals of late and will be aiming to add to their 2017 tallies for Jill Ellis' side.

The hosts will be missing attacker Tobin Heath and defender Taylor Smith for Thursday's clash after both were injured in the 2017 NWSL Championship match earlier this month, per U.S. Soccer WNT:

NEWS: @TobinHeath, @taylornsmith11_ ruled out of #USWNT matches vs. Korea Republic » https://t.co/VcMOvFW5iM pic.twitter.com/bwxGWQY1qE

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 16, 2017

But given the incredible attacking quality in the U.S. side it seems hugely unlikely they will fail to score against South Korea.

Indeed, due to home advantage and the USWNT's recent fine form, it would be a surprise were they not to earn a convincing win.

South Korea are far from a poor team. They reached the first knockout round of the 2015 World Cup—which USA won—and are ranked 15th in the world by FIFA.  

The U.S., though, are the best side in the world and, barring an uncharacteristic poor performance on Thursday, a home win seems likely. 

The United States women's national team take on New Zealand for the second time in four days on Tuesday at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Jill Ellis' side won the first of the back-to-back friendlies 3-1 on Friday thanks to a first-half Julie Ertz double and a late Alex Morgan strike—Hannah Wilkinson scored for the Kiwis.

Another victory will be the minimum requirement for the USWNT in Ohio, and they will also be looking to keep a clean sheet against a New Zealand side enduring a spell of poor form.

Read on for a full preview of the clash, along with full scheduling and viewing details.

    

Date: Tuesday, September 19

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET/12:30 a.m. (Wednesday) BST

TV Info: Fox Sports 1 (U.S.)

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

      

Preview

New Zealand's last match before facing the U.S. on Friday was a 3-1 defeat of Hungary to earn ninth place at the 2017 Cyprus Women's Cup.

That result is the only high point in a recent run of matches that has seen Tony Readings' side lose five of their last six.

Defeats to South Korea, Austria, Scotland and France preceded their victory over Hungary, and New Zealand never really got close to claiming anything from any of them.

The same was true of Friday's friendly at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, in Commerce City, Colorado, when the U.S. were 2-0 ahead through midfielder Ertz inside 24 minutes, per U.S. Soccer WNT:

🗣 So good it Ertz! @julieertz in the right place at the right time. Again. pic.twitter.com/pgwYRgHJ2x

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 16, 2017

Wilkinson gave the visitors a shred of hope they could mount a comeback as she netted in the 74th minute, only for Morgan to guarantee the victory five minutes later.

If New Zealand are to have any chance of claiming a draw or victory in Cincinnati, they have to be tighter in defence. 

The U.S. have so much attacking quality in their squad, it is difficult to successfully marshall them all at once.

But the Kiwis were guilty of giving the likes of Megan Rapinoe, Ertz, Morgan and the consistently impressive Mallory Pugh far too much space in the first match.

An organised rearguard action is required for New Zealand on Tuesday, and then they must look to hit the U.S. on the break.

However, it will still be a tough ask. The U.S. are FIFA's top-ranked team for a reason. Their strength in depth is second to none, and they have won seven of their last eight matches. 

In contrast, New Zealand are the No. 19-ranked side in the world and do not boast anywhere near the same quality group of players as their Tuesday hosts.

Another U.S. victory seems inevitable. 

The United States women's national team is officially back on track. 

Julie Ertz scored two first-half goals and Alex Morgan added another in the 79th minute as the USWNT earned a 3-1 victory over New Zealand in their friendly Friday night. 

Hannah Wilkinson added a goal in the second half for New Zealand, which was overmatched throughout the match. The United States held possession for 65 percent of the match, took eight shots on goal and committed only one foul in what was a near-flawless performance at times.

USWNT has now won three straight matches since its July 27 loss to Australia. The U.S. has outscored its opponents 10-4 in those contests and has given up just one goal in its last two matches.

Ertz scored in the 16th minute off a Lindsey Horan cross and then eight minutes later on a rebound after Megan Rapinoe hit a header off the post. Morgan knocked through a difficult shot to the left corner of the net in the 79th that ultimately sealed the deal.

Kelley O'Hara earned her 100th cap as a member of the women's national team Saturday.

The two teams will play again Tuesday night in Cincinnati. 

The U.S. women's national team take on New Zealand on Friday in the first of two friendlies at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, in Commerce City, Colorado.

The two teams will then clash again on Tuesday at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The friendlies are the beginning of a run of games taking the team through until the end of the year, with the U.S. team set to face the Korea Republic twice in October before two games against Canada in November.

Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming match.

    

Date: Friday, September 15

Time: 10 p.m. ET/3 a.m. (Saturday) BST

Venue: Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, Colorado.

TV Info: ESPN 2 (U.S.)

Live Stream: WatchESPN

     

Preview

The U.S. face New Zealand for the first time since 2016, when they won 2-0 in their opening game of the Rio Olympics, thanks to goals from Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan.

The Stars and Stripes possess a good head-to-head record over Friday's visitors, having won 12 and lost just one of the past 14 meetings between the two countries, per U.S. Soccer.

Jill Ellis' side go into the games following the summer's 2017 Tournament of Nations, where they finished in second place behind winners Australia.

The hosts have named a 22-player squad for the two friendlies, with football writer Caitlin Murray providing details of the full list:

https://twitter.com/caitlinmurr/status/905870067036024832

The team's defeat to Australia at the 2017 Tournament of Nations is their only defeat in the last seven games, and along with their past record against New Zealand, that means they go into the game as strong favourites.

The game could also provide a landmark for defender Kelley O'Hara who, if selected, will be making her 100th appearance for the national team.

In stark contrast, New Zealand arrive having won just one of their last five fixtures, although there will be some familiar faces in their lineup.

The visitors boast three players currently with National Women's Soccer League clubs—Katie Bowen for FC Kansas City, Rebekah Stott for Seattle Reign and Rosie White for Boston Breakers.

However, the Football Ferns have to go all the way back to 1987 for their last victory over the U.S., with their best recent result a 1-1 draw in Columbus, Ohio, in 2013.

The last time the U.S. team played in Colorado, they produced a thrilling 3-3 draw with Japan, but current form suggests they will go one better on Friday and maintain their excellent record against New Zealand.

United States goalkeeper Hope Solo is reportedly looking to continue her soccer career.

The Associated Press (h/t NBC Sports) reported the news Monday, noting the 36-year-old "had offers to play overseas."

Despite an illustrious career, Solo was suspended six months and saw her contract with U.S. Soccer terminated after calling Sweden's national team "cowards" for their style of play, per the AP.

The AP also noted Solo has been recovering from shoulder replacement surgery, although she doesn't seem ready to hang up the cleats.

"Let's be clear, a goalkeeper peaks a little bit later in their career, so I feel like I have many years ahead of me if that opportunity arises," she said.  

Solo also did her best to quell fears about her shoulder health, saying, "I have a completely metal arm now—I'm bionic. I'm better now than I have been in the last 10 years, so I'm pain free and I have more range of motion."

Even with her unceremonious suspension, Solo said she would like to play for the United States in the 2019 World Cup. However, she granted, "it's highly unlikely they are going to ask for me to come back," per the AP.

Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated noted the comments Solo made about Sweden's defensive style of play was far from the first controversy she found herself in as a member of the American national team.

She publicly criticized then-coach Greg Ryan after she was benched in the semifinals of the 2007 World Cup, was accused of fourth-degree domestic violence in 2014 and was suspended 30 days in 2015 after her husband was charged with DUI after he was stopped in a U.S. team van she was in at the time.

Even with the controversies, Solo is arguably the best goalkeeper in United States history with a World Cup title and two Olympic gold medals on her resume.

In its last match, the United States women's national team needed three goals in the final 10 minutes to beat Brazil. No such heroics were required Thursday night when the USWNT closed the 2017 Tournament of Nations with a 3-0 win over Japan in StubHub Center in Carson, California.

Megan Rapinoe got the U.S. on the board in the 12th minute, and Mallory Pugh and Alex Morgan scored in the second half.

The United States finished the Tournament of Nations in second place behind Australia, which won all three of its matches, capping off the event with a 6-1 demolition of Brazil on Thursday.

Rapinoe was instrumental in the United States' comeback against Brazil. She assisted Christen Press on the USWNT's second goal in the 80th minute and scored an equalizer five minutes later.

The Seattle Reign midfielder delivered again Thursday. She sent Japanese defender Aya Sameshima to the turf with a deft shot fake and then fired a right-footed shot into the far post as Sameshima attempted to regain her bearings. The USWNT's official Twitter account shared a replay of the goal:

Pinoe. So hot right now.@ChristenPress feeds @mPinoe for her second goal in as many #ToN2017 games. pic.twitter.com/BiSmk38XrN

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) August 4, 2017

American Soccer Now's John D. Halloran thought the goal was part of an encouraging start from the United States:

For all the negative talk surrounding #USWNT in last few months, they look absolutely fantastic so far tonight.

— John D. Halloran (@JohnDHalloran) August 4, 2017

While taking an early 1-0 lead was important for the U.S., Julie Ertz, who scored the winner against Brazil, provided arguably the play of the game in the 34th minute.

Mina Tanaka rounded American goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher and appeared to have an empty net for an easy equalizer. But Ertz continued following the play and knocked Tanaka's shot out for a corner:

Not on @julieertz's watch 🙅.

Japan still scoreless thanks in large part to this goal-line clearance. pic.twitter.com/Pv8TxlM5Br

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) August 4, 2017

Ertz immediately held her right knee, which collided with the left post as she slid to make the save. She returned to the match after receiving medical attention, and her club team, Chicago Red Stars, breathed a sigh of relief:

Now that she's back on and we're breathing...

Ertz just made a huge goal line save to keep the  up by one.

— Chicago Red Stars (@chicagoredstars) August 4, 2017

Ertz did, however, exit in the 54th minute after clearly favoring her right knee. It's doubtful she would've been available for the Red Stars in Saturday's match against the Orlando Pride given the quick turnaround time, but the knee injury could jeopardize her status for Chicago's matchup with the Portland Thorns on Aug. 12.

Pugh doubled the United States' lead in the 60th minute, beating Japan goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita with a left-footed shot to the far post. The 19-year-old's potential is there for all to see, and the Guardian's Caitlin Murray thought the goal will help her find her comfort zone on the pitch:

https://twitter.com/caitlinmurr/status/893314707653771264

Morgan capped off the scoring in the 80th minute, getting on the end of a low cross from Taylor Smith. The shot took a deflection off Sameshima before finding the back of the net.

The 2017 Tournament of Champions didn't get off to a great start for the United States after they lost to Australia for the first time in 28 meetings. But the USWNT showed a lot of composure to overturn a 3-1 deficit in the final 10 minutes and put together a strong performance on both ends of the pitch Thursday night.

National team coach Jill Ellis will want to see more of the same when the U.S. returns to action Sept. 15 against New Zealand in the first of two friendlies that will take place over five days.

United States women's national team goalkeeper Briana Scurry and Dr. Joe Machnik—who has served in multiple roles, including as a player, coach and referee—were elected into the National Soccer Hall of Fame, per U.S. Soccer.

Scurry will be inducted into the Hall on the player ballot, while Machnik goes in on the builder ballot.

She spoke on the honor of being inducted into the Hall:

"It’s a fantastic honor to be inducted to the Hall of Fame. I remember watching the Olympics on the couch with my parents at 8 years old, dreaming of becoming an Olympian myself. It was with their help—and that of my coaches, teammates, and countless others—that I was blessed to not only become an Olympian, but an Olympic and World Cup champion. Soccer had already given me so much more than I could possibly give back. Now, to be inducted alongside the likes of Michelle Akers, Mia Hamm, and Kristine Lilly—I am truly humbled. And though my mother and father have passed, I can feel their pride swell. Thank you for letting me play for you, and thank you all for this incredible honor."

Scurry appeared in three World Cups and two Olympics for the USWNT, winning the World Cup in 1999's famous penalty shootout against China and two gold medals.

In all, she spent 11 years as the USWNT top-choice keeper.

Most notable on Machnik's long and storied resume was a stint as a USMNT assistant coach under Bob Gansler. He also served as the director of referees for MLS, the Major Indoor Soccer League and National Premier Soccer League. He now serves as a Fox analyst and expert on soccer rules.

"Induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame is the ultimate award in American soccer," he said. "To be recognized as a Builder of the sport that has captivated the passion of our country and has provided playing opportunities for millions of boys and girls and men and women is, indeed, an honor."

The United States women's national team play Australia in the inaugural Tournament of Nations at CenturyLink Field in Seattle on Thursday.

The four-team competition, which also includes Brazil and Japan, follows a round-robin format. Per FIFA, the United States top the world rankings, with the Matildas in seventh spot.

Here is how you can watch both nations' opening fixture:

            

Date: Thursday, July 27

Time: 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET/3 a.m. BST (Friday)

TV: ESPN

Stream: WatchESPN

             

Preview

A hugely competitive lineup has been assembled, as four of the top 10 teams on the planet clash in the tournament.

USWNT defeated Australia on their way to capturing the 2015 World Cup, but they know their opponents carry a threat. However, the Matildas lost 4-0 in their last encounter on American soil.

Australia co-skipper Lisa De Vanna will provide firepower for her side in Seattle, and the hosts will have to be wary of her talents.

Australia have brought in a number of young players in recent years, and they continue to climb the world rankings after a successful spell.

Per Jonathan Tannenwald of the Philadelphia Inquirer, superstars Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan are in the U.S. squad as coach Jill Ellis shuffles the pack in her selection. Prolific Boston Breakers midfielder Margaret Purce has been drafted in for her first cap and handed a platform to shine on a major stage.

               

Prediction

The standard between Australia, Brazil (eighth in the rankings) and Japan (sixth) is similar, but the Americans have the gears available to beat each team.

Lloyd and Morgan will produce a world-class quality that cannot be matched by their opponents, and only a lack of care will see them drop points in their matches.

According to U.S. Soccer, the United States have defeated the Aussies 25 times, only losing twice to them.

This reflects their superiority and dominance in the world game, and the Matildas will be pleased to just run them close at CenturyLink Field.

Lloyd is too good for the Australia defence, and her magical abilities will cast a spell on the travelling party. 

Score Prediction: United States win 3-0