At one point it was the premier international rivalry in women’s international soccer. On Friday, it was more of a friendly affair between a strong-as-ever world power and another in a transitional phase.
The United States women’s soccer team defeated Norway 2-1 on Friday in its second game of the 2012 Algarve Cup. Abby Wambach and Sydney Leroux made the difference for the U.S.
Wambach put the United States ahead in the 51st minute when she settled a cross from second half substitute Heather Mitts. Wambach proceeded to fire her shot off the far post and into the back of the net for her 133rd career international goal.
Leroux doubled the U.S. lead in the 81st minute on a strong, powerful header, but Norway made things interesting with a last-second goal from Elise Thorsnes. U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo won’t be happy that she gave up that goal at the near post. Here are the highlights:
One interesting note from the highlights that may go unnoticed to the naked eye: Solo’s right upper leg is wrapped and she is seen drop-kicking with her left foot, which is her weak foot. Solo aggravated her right quad during Olympic qualifying in January.
OTHER SCORES:
Group A: Germany 1-0 China | Sweden 4-1 Finland
Group B: Japan 2-0 Denmark
Group C: Portugal 4-0 Hungary | Wales 0-0 Ireland
ELSEWHERE:
The U.S. U-20 women opened their campaign in the CONCACAF U-20 Women’s Championship on Friday, dismantling Guatemala 6-0. Lindsey Horan led the way with a hat trick. Check out more here. Panama beat Cuba 2-1 in the evening’s other game.
Soccer America has the U-20 women by the numbers.
The WPSL Elite League’s New England Mutiny named Tony Horta as head coach on Friday. Horta returns after guiding the team from 2007-2009. The Boston Breakers also made three big signing announcements on Thursday: U.S. U-23 midfielder Bianca D’Agostino and Australians Tameka butt and Kyah Simon.
Also be sure to check out Jun Stinson’s film, “The 90th Minute,” a documentary on FC Gold Pride’s demise. It’s a finalist for the best film at the Albany (CA) Film Festival
