The United States women’s national team closed out 2017 season on a strong note, beating rival Canada 3-1 on Sunday in San Jose.
After a 1-1 draw on Thursday north of the border, the U.S. made a few changes with its lineup with Christen Press replacing Lynn Williams and Taylor Smith replacing Casey Short.
The U.S. nearly scored in the 10th minute as Lindsey Horan headed the ball which fell to the feet of Christen Press. Press then found Alex Morgan for the shot, but it was blocked by the Canada keeper to force a corner kick.
After a failed first corner attempt, the U.S. struck on the second try, when a ball whipped in by Megan Rapinoe found Julie Ertz near post for the first goal of the game.
Always an Ertz on Sundays! ⚽️?@julieertz buried her 14th career goal and 6th of 2017 off a @mPinoe corner kick. pic.twitter.com/XEi9TfFJt6
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) November 13, 2017
After a few failed chances for the U.S., Canada was able to finish the half strong and keep the game close. Canada struck early in the second half to tie the score 1-1 as Nichelle Prince found Janine Becky who then beat Alyssa Naeher for the game-tying score.
However, it didn’t take long for the U.S. to regain the lead as Christen Press found Alex Morgan in the box, who buried the shot far post for the 2-1 advantage. It was Morgan’s seventh goal in seven games and cemented her title as the team’s leading scorer in 2017.
Brilliant vision by @ChristenPress sets up @alexmorgan13 in front of ? and she slots it home for the 2-1 ?? lead. pic.twitter.com/beYlOeZ1YA
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) November 13, 2017
The U.S. were able to tack on another goal as Carli Lloyd came on and scored in the 80th minute to give the Americans a 3-1 lead. It was the 98th international goal for Lloyd, who is just two goals away from becoming the sixth U.S. player to reach the century mark.
No. 98. Lloyd scores her 98th international goal to give the #USWNT a 3-1 lead. #USAvCAN pic.twitter.com/8AAXbqabGi
— Our Game Magazine (@OurGameMagazine) November 13, 2017
After an up and down 2017 campaign, the USWNT was able to finish strong by beating their northern rival to close out the year.
The U.S. will now turn their attention to 2018, when they will host the SheBelieves Cup in the spring, followed by the CONCACAF Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament, where the U.S. will aim to defend their title in the 2019 World Cup in France.
