The United States Women’s National Team defeated CONCACAF rival Canada 2-1 Sunday in Chongqing, China in the Four Nations Tournament.
U.S. forward Lauren Cheney opened the scoring in the 54th minute after midfielder Lindsay Tarpley flicked on a Kelley O’Hara cross. But the lead would not last long. Canada’s Melissa Tancredi found herself on a breakaway just two minutes later and she buried her shot past U.S. goalkeeper Nicole Barnhart to tie the game at 1-1.
The U.S. would eventually find the winner in the 70th minute when Cheney returned the favor to Tarpley. Cheney played the ball into the path of the on-rushing Tarpley, who struck it inside the near post to beat Canada goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc and lift the U.S. to a 2-1 win.
U.S. Head Coach Pia Sundhage made seven changes to the starting line-up from the one that lined up against Sweden in a 2-1 loss Friday. Nicole Barnhart started in goal, with Brittany Taylor, Becky Sauerbrunn, Christie Rampone and Stephanie Cox in defense. Kelley O’Hara, Lori Lindsey, Carli Lloyd and Meghan Rapinoe held down the midfield while Alex Morgan started up top with Amy Rodriguez. The game marked the first time starting a game for the U.S. for Taylor, O’Hara and Morgan.
Elsewhere, China topped Sweden 2-1, leaving all four teams with three points entering the final match day.
