Having played an overall boring match against Australia, the USA came out just slightly better to best Nedtherlands in PKs. Lynn Williams got her first start of the tournament, recording a goal and an assist. Meanwhile, keeper Alyssa Naeher also kept the USWNT tied after saving a regulation PK taken by the Netherlands.
After a hard fought regulation, overtime couldn’t secure a winner either and the game was decided by penalties. Naeher saved two of the Dutch’s PKs, meaning only 4 USWNT players had to shoot. Rose Lavelle, Alex Morgan, Christen Press, and Megan Rapinoe put away their shots to give their team a semifinal matchup against Canada.
Scoring Summary:
NED – Vivianne Miedema, 18th minute: After the USA deflected a shot just inside the top of the penalty box, the ball unfortunately bounced straight to Miedema who took one touch before volleying the ball into the left post. USA 0, NED 1
USA – Samantha Mewis (Lynn Williams), 28th minute: Speedy Lynn Williams was able to free herself with a little space from her defender and sent in a beautiful cross to a diving Mewis who headed the ball cleanly into the back of the net to even the score. USA 1, NED 1
USA – Lynn Williams (Samantha Mewis), 31st minute: Just three minutes later, Mewis set up Williams with another combination between the two. Off a Tierna Davidson corner kick, Mewis won a header which bounced to the feet of Williams who volleyed the ball into the left post. USA 2, NED 1
NED – Vivianne Miedema, 54th minute: Initially trying to play the ball into the box, the ball took a deflection right back to her feet. She dribbled slightly before creating a shot to even the score once again. USA 2, NED 2
The USA will be back at it again Monday against Canada. Go USA!!