U.S. set to play Denmark in Algarve Cup final
Algarve, Portugal (Sports Network) - The United States Women's National Team (WNT) defeated Sweden 3-2 Monday night to book its fifth consecutive spot in the Algarve Cup final.
Two goals from Abby Wambach and the third consecutive game with a goal from Carli Lloyd in the tourney propelled the team to a Group B victory in one of the premier women’s international tournaments in the world.
The WNT will now face Group A winner, Denmark, Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. ET at Vila Real de San Antonio, Portugal.
The U.S. needed to win Monday night as a draw would have seen Sweden advance. The WNY came out firing in the game and eventually outshot the world's fourth- ranked team, 11-1, in the first half and 15-4 for the match.
The U.S. got on the board in the 39th minute as Wambach finished smart buildup by the WNT with the inside of her right knee from five yards out.
The WNT got its second goal just a minute before the break off a free kick from the left side. Lloyd took a pass in the box and one-timed the pass in from about eight yards out to make it 2-0.
Sweden go a goal back about 20 minutes from time to cut the U.S. lead in half before the WNT made it 3-1 just a minute later. Shannon Boxx took control of a corner kick and lofted a pass to Wambach, who was stationed inside the six yard box. The U.S. forward headed home for her 68th National Team goal in just 87 international appearances.
Sweden added another goal with about seven to play to close out the scoring.
Comments
"This afternoon is the first Soccer tcpcaire and I just feel like yelling, Ok people, no messin' with the Team Parent because you know every single one of you and your children will need water so you better kiss my high horse butt, and by the way, do you guys prefer sparkling or tap"?"I LOVE THIS! MUAHAHAHAHA! Personally I like the term "Water Goddess". Sounds like you are going to have a lot of fun.
Posted by: Rashamila | March 13, 2012 11:12 PM