The United States women’s national team defeated New Zealand 6-1 Rose Lavelle, Lindsey Horan, Christen Press, and Alex Morgan provided the goals for USA and Betsy Hasett scored for New Zealand while Abby Erceg and Catherine Bott recorded own goals.
Team USA got off to a much different start in their second group match against the Football Ferns, attacking early, trying to break lines, and spending time in the final third. New Zealand started the game playing in a low block, attempting to absorb the USWNTs pressure and looking to attack in transition. The game plan for New Zealand broke early as Lavelle scored the opening goal in the 9th minute.
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Despite the early lead, USA struggled to nab a second goal and at times still played a bit tense, though they did connect in front of net for a total of four disallowed goals on offside calls, before finally getting their second goal in the 45th minute just ahead of halftime.
Even with a two goal lead to start the second half, USA had to readjust with the Football Ferns attempting to play a bit more open style, as New Zealand’s Hannah Wilkinson nearly scored to drag New Zealand back into it. It was a missed opportunity, and one the Ferns paid for in the 63rd minute as Erceg recorded an own goal to give…
