The U.S. women’s national team has wrapped up their European trip with a 2-0 victory over France on Tuesday in a rematch of the 2019 World Cup quarterfinal, which the Americans won on their way to to claiming the title.
Megan Rapinoe scored from the penalty spot early and Alex Morgan added a goal later in the first half for the United States.
France did have some notable absences — including defender Wendie Renard and midfielder Amandine Henry, due to COVID-19 concerns around their club, Olympique Lyonnais — which called for other players to step on the pitch.
Pinoe from the penalty spot. You've seen it before. #USWNT leads France, 1-0 early.pic.twitter.com/uPfXFuA9Ab
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) April 13, 2021
The United States took advantage, taking the lead early in the 5th minute. Morgan drew a foul in the penalty area, which was given up by defender Aïssatou Tounkara. It was Rapinoe who stepped up to the penalty spot to take on goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin. Rapinoe slipped the penalty into the right corner of the net.
Morgan doubled the lead not too far after Rapinoe’s goal. In the 19th minute, Morgan slipped between two French defenders and found herself open to a pass from Christen Press. Morgan, at an angle, put the ball into the far corner, giving the U.S. a 2-0 lead.
.@alexmorgan13 with the ace finish. Assist from @ChristenPress. 2-0 #USWNT pic.twitter.com/6p8IomRmh4
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) April 13, 2021
The French went into the half down two goals. In the second half, both teams mustered up chances on the attack, but the score remained 2-0 in favor of the U.S.
France had defeated England, 3-1 on Friday, while the United States had drawn Sweden, 1-1 on Saturday.
The U.S. last lost a match since Jan. 19, 2019, a 3-1 loss to France in Le Havre — where Tuesday’s match was played. The U.S. remains unbeaten under Andonovski, with 17 wins and one draw.
