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2019 Women's World Cup

Day 21: USWNT heading to fifth-ever World Cup final, secure victory over England

England 1, United States 2

Alex Morgan celebrated her 30th birthday in style. Not many 30-year-old’s can say they celebrated their milestone birthday with a goal at the FIFA Women’s World Cup semifinal. However, Morgan can say that. Her goal was the game-winner for the United States in a 2-1 victory over England. Morgan is the first player to ever scored a World Cup goal on her birthday.

That World Cup goal meant more to Morgan and the team though. That goal sent the United States to their fifth-ever World Cup final. Also, the United States has made the final in the last three World Cup tournaments. Now, they have the chance to defend their title against the winner of the Netherlands and Sweden match tomorrow.

Opening up the scoring, though, was Christen Press.

Press entered the match as a starter, which gave the USWNT fans a shock. She started in place of Megan Rapinoe. It was later confirmed by Rob Stone during the Fox Sports broadcast that Rapinoe is dealing with a hamstring injury. Press took advantage of her opportunity and blasted a header past Carly Telford, who started in goal over the injured Karen Bardsley.

For the Lionesses of England, Ellen White added to her goal-scoring tally with a strike in the 19th minute, shrinking the United States’ lead just nine minutes after Press scored. White almost found the back of the net again in the 67th minute, but was ruled offside after a check from VAR. Jill Scott would have been credited with the assist.

England also had another opportunity to equalize the match, as Becky Sauerbrunn was called for a foul inside the box against White. On replay, Sauerbrunn was seen clipping the heel of White and the referee whistled for the penalty. Steph Houghton lined up the penalty, but Alyssa Naeher made her save of the tournament, keeping the United States in the lead. A few more chances were created in stoppage time by the English players, but the United States was able to keep them contained. Chances got slim when Millie Bright was given a second yellow card, which turned into a red card, in the 87th minute for a foul on Morgan.

Now, England goes to the third place match, waiting for their opponent. Also, the USWNT waits for their opponent as the Netherlands and Sweden will face off for the other final spot tomorrow. If the Swedes win, it will be the second time they face the USA in the World Cup. They formerly faced off in the group stage when the USWNT claimed a 2-0 victory.

Goal Summary

  • United States (Christen Press, 10′)
  • England (Ellen White, 19′)
  • United States (Alex Morgan, 31′)

Caution Summary

  • England (Millie Bright, 40′)
  • United States (Lindsey Horan, 47′)
  • United States (Becky Sauerbrunn, 83′)
  • England (Millie Bright, 86′)
  • England (Nikita Parris, 90’+5′)

—  Rachael McKriger 

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