The USWNT got to their winning ways with an emphatic 6-1 defeat over New Zealand. Goals from Rose Lavelle, Lindsey Horan, Christen Press, Alex Morgan, and a couple of own goals, sealed the victory for Vlatko Andonovski’s team.
The Americans came into this game with a far different demeanor and tenacity compared to their first group match against Sweden. They attacked and applied pressure early and often, and the fruits of those labors paid off early with a beautiful Rose Lavelle near post goal in the 9th minute.
The U.S. kept possession the majority of the first half, much of it spent in the final third. Their fast pace was at times too frantic as they had four goals disallowed due to being offsides. However, Lindsey Horan, in her 100th cap for the stars and stripes, was able to earn the USWNT’s second goal just before the half from a header off a corner set piece.
The Americans nabbed a third goal in the 63rd minute from an Abby Erceg own goal as she attempted to clear away a Carli Lloyd header.
Minutes later, the Football Ferns had signs of life as Betsy Hassett was able to capitalize and score following some poor U.S. defending.
But the U.S. brought on some late substitutions, and put the game away with goals from Christen Press and Alex Morgan, plus a Catherine Bott own goal to seal the 6-1 victory for the USWNT.
The USWNT are now in second in Group G, tied with Australia in points (three), but ahead in the goal differential. The Americans will take on the Matildas on Tuesday. A win or draw against the Australians would be enough to secure a second place finish in the group, which would get them through to the elimination round.
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