Stanford grad Kelley O’Hara celebrated her first action of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, a start Friday, by helping create the first scoring opportunity for the U.S. women’s national soccer team. While that chance didn’t pan out, the Americans kept the pressure on and did finally convert a scoring chance.
The U.S. recorded its fourth consecutive shutout and defeated China, 1-0, in the quarterfinals of the World Cup.
The Americans reward is the opportunity to play against Germany in Tuesday’s semifinal, to be contested at Olympic Stadium in Montreal, Canada at 4 p.m. and televised by FOX.
In the fourth minute, O’Hara played a high ball into the box toward Santa Clara’s Julie Johnston, who was in the penalty area following a free kick.
The Chinese goalkeeper jumped to it, knocking it to Amy Rodriguez, who was free for a shot on the rebound. She fired it, but a defender was there and stepped in front of the shot, clearing it.
Carli Lloyd, starting as the team’s captain, earned her 200th cap and headed in the game-winning goal in the 53rd minute.
It all started from a Meghan Klingenberg free kick near midfield. She sent it to Johnston, who was waiting at the center circle.
Johnston turned and drilled a long cross into the box, where Lloyd outjumped her defender and directed a perfect header into the bottom right corner. Johnston netted her first career assist.
Stanford grad Christen Press replaced O’Hara in the 61st minute. Press created a couple of scoring opportunities, once hitting the crossbar.
O’Hara left the game because of a bloody nose, sustained during a collision on a header attempt.
The Americans extended their U.S. World Cup record scoreless streak to 423 minutes.
Hope Solo was credited with her 134th win, which moved her past Brianna Scurry and into first place on the USA’s all-time list.
The USA is the only country to reach the semifinals in all seven women’s World Cups.
Germany advanced with a 0-0 (5-4) win over France in penalty kicks. It sets up a fourth meeting with Germany in Women’s World Cup play. The Americans hold a 2-1-0 record against the Germans.
The U.S. extended its unbeaten streak against China to 25 games. The teams have met 54 times and the USA holds a 33-8-13 all-time record against the Steel Roses, outscoring them 94-35.
By Palo Alto Online Sports/USA soccer
By Palo Alto Online Sports/USA soccer
By Palo Alto Online Sports/USA soccer