OT: Soccer - USWNT Beats Brazil 3-0
The USWNT's final match of the Kirin Challenge Cup was moved up four hours from 8PM to 4PM local due to expected bad weather. As it was, it was raining on and off, and it got worse in the second half.
I was a bit surprised that the starting lineup remained the same, given they played on Sunday. Brazil did not have Marta, who was with her club team.
18' - Abby Wambach got fouled in midfield, and Christie Rampone sent the free kick into the box. It dropped down just outside the six, where it deflected off Rachel Buehler's heel and went right. Unmarked, Carli Lloyd pounced on it for the 1-0 lead. Brazil G Barbara did not come out to get the ball. (Usual starter Andrea was there, but is still recovering from an injury.)
23' - Another set piece, taken by Lauren Cheney. She sends it far post, and it's Shannon Boxx making a curling run and heading the ball down into the lower left corner, and Barbara can't get to it.
30' - Brazil sends a long ball to the right corner, crossed and headed into goal. But it's waved off. The announcer thought the cross curled out of bounds.
68' - Free kick, and Alex Morgan heads it into goal. But it's waved off. I don't see any offsides. Was it a foul? Grrr.
83' - Free kick 32 yds out, as Daiane dragged down Amy Rodriguez, who subbed at 71' for Alex Morgan. Abby? heads it down and back (away from goal), it bounces off a leg, and settles in the center of the box. Amy blasts it, gets a deflection off a defender into the right side of the net.
Coach Sundhage used more subs this game: Stephanie Cox for Amy LePeilbet at 32'; Becky Sauerbrunn for Christie Rampone, and Megan Rapinoe for Heather O'Reilly at halftime; Tobin Heath for Carli Lloyd at 62'; and Heather Mitts for Kelley O'Hara at 83'.
The Kirin Challenge Cup finishes with Japan playing Brazil on Thursday. If they can't beat Brazil by more than three goals, the US claims the cup.
Next up for the USWNT is a friendly vs China on May 27 at PPL Park in Chester, PA.
The USMNT has four games showing on the schedule: May 26 vs Scotland, May 30 vs Brazil, June 3 vs Canada, June 8 vs Antigua & Barbuda.
Good. I'm still pissed at Brazil for the girl blatantly faking an injury and then coming right back onto the field in the world cup. I hope she cried
That was BS, no doubt about it. On the bright side, it arguably helped us win that game as it extended stoppage time just long enough for the US to score the tying goal and send the game to PKs. Karma.