Alex Morgan scored in her fourth straight game and Julie Ertz and Megan Rapinoe each had a goal to lead the U.S. women’s national team to a 3-1 victory over South Korea Thursday night in New Orleans.
Despite the early lead in possession for the U.S., the South Korean defense, coupled with saves from goalkeeper Kang Gaae were able to keep the USWNT off the board during the early portion of the match.
The U.S. finally broke through in the 24th minute, when a cross off a corner kick from Rapinoe found a cutting Julie Ertz in the box, who headed the ball down and into the goal.
Set piece? You better mark @julieertz.
Beautiful run and finish from our versatile defender to put ?? on top. pic.twitter.com/dfJ0xT9vxj
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) October 20, 2017
The goal was the fourth in five games for Ertz.
Alex Morgan scored in the 40th minute, using her right foot to control the pass from Kelly O’Hara, then pivoting and using her left foot to strike the ball into the back of the net, Morgan’s fifth goal in 4 games, which gave the U.S. a 2-0 advantage.
RTs DO count as endorsements ?
Cool as you like from @alexmorgan13! pic.twitter.com/L1dEzik9nH
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) October 20, 2017
South Korea was able to pull one back when Han Chaerin, making her first international appearance for South Korea, sent a sizzling ball from 25 yards out into the upper netting and above U.S. keeper Alyssa Naeher in first half stoppage time, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
The U.S. struck early in the second half, as Rapinoe earned a penalty after being tripped up in the box. Rapinoe stepped up and buried the PK, giving the U.S. a 3-1 advantage that would hold until the final whistle blew.
Finished what she started ?@mPinoe earns the PK then strikes for her 3rd goal of 2017 and 34th career. pic.twitter.com/vHOV7xXN6a
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) October 20, 2017
The U.S. will take on South Korea in another friendly on Sunday, October 22 at 2 p.m. ET. You can watch the game on ESPN.
Notes:
Mallory Pugh injured
Mallory Pugh was injured in the second half for the U.S., as she pulled up holding her right hamstring, and couldn’t even put pressure on it as she had to be helped off the field. This is bad news for the U.S., and hopefully Pugh isn’t out for an extended period.
This injury may have been caused by the harsh artificial turf surface, raising more concerns over why the United States Soccer Federation schedules USWNT matches on turf, while it does not for the men’s team.
Carli Lloyd returns
Carli Lloyd, the two-time FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, returned after a nine-week absence due to an ankle injury, entering the game as a substitute in the 77th minute.
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