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USWNT vs. Germany: Final Score 1-0 as U.S. Wins First Match of SheBelieves Cup
It was a solid performance from the United States Women’s National Team in its first match of the 2017 SheBelieves Cup, as the Yanks earned a 1-0 win over Germany. This was the 14th time the two countries met in the past 13 years, and the U.S remains undefeated in all 14 after tonight’s result.
The first half of the match saw both teams create chances. Crystal Dunn had a sharp angle shot saved by Germany goalkeeper Almuth Schult in the 10th minute, and remained an active threat throughout the opening half.
Germany’s best chance of the first half came when Sara Däbritz’s shot from outside the 18 was saved by Alyssa Naeher in the 12th minute.
A slow-mo look as @AlyssaNaeher says 🙅🚫 to Sara Däbritz's 12th-minute shot.
Catch the second half starting now on @FS1 and Fox Sports GO! pic.twitter.com/ENS3vNn6n4
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) March 2, 2017
The second half saw the only goal of the match scored, as Lynn Williams recorded her second career goal for the USWNT. Christen Press had a brilliant run into the box and released a shot that hit the crossbar, a follow-up attempt by Tobin Heath was blocked in front and Williams was there to tuck it home.
GOAL! Press perservance and Lynn Williams with the clean up! 1-0 #USWNT #PlayLikeABadass pic.twitter.com/vVPcuUQDT4
— The American Outlaws (@AmericanOutlaws) March 2, 2017
It was the USWNT that controlled the match the rest of the way. Williams had a golden opportunity on the breakaway to double the advantage, but she skied the shot into the stands. Carli Lloyd also had a late opportunity to put the match away, however, she couldn’t find the finishing touch as Schultz came up with a save.
In the end, it finished 1-0 as the USWNT successfully begin the SheBelieves title defense. Naeher picked up the clean sheet in net, making four saves.
Statistically, the U.S outshot Germany 15 to 11 and controlled 56% of the possession.
Alex Morgan was featured late in the match as she replaced Williams in the 79th minute. The other two Orlando Pride players on the roster, Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris, did not play. In total, the U.S only made three of the six substitutions allowed per match in the tournament, bringing on Mallory Pugh, Morgan, and Lindsey Horan in the second half.
Up next, the USWNT will face England on Saturday at 5 p.m. England fell to France, 2-1, on a stoppage-time goal in the first match of the day.