USWNT set the standards high for the new season with a 5-1 defeat against Denmark
Tonight, the U.S. Women’s National Team met Denmark on the field tonight at SDCCU Stadium in San Diego for the first match of the season. Denmark quickly brought intimidation with their first goal, but the U.S. took charge to dominate the match.
Denmark putting in an early goal
In front of the 17,526 spectators, Denmark put pressure and forward Nadia Nadim scored the first goal in the 14th minute after she received the ball from a corner kick on the U.S. side and successfully headed the ball in to give Denmark the 1-0 lead early in the first half.
Some essential players that were missing due to injury were U.S. midfielder Tobin Heath, Morgan Brian, and defender Becky Sauerbrunn. The backline was lead by Julie Ertz , who defended well to limit Denmark's play.
Pugh with the comeback
In the 17th minute, Mallory Pugh crossed the ball to Alex Morgan, who was able to score the equalizer several minutes after the first goal. Then two minutes later in the 19th minute, the ball was in play in the box and Ertz was able to get a winning touch on the ball to bring the score up to 2-1 and scored her first goal of 2018 as she marked her 58th cap.
With two minutes of stoppage time added to the first half, there was still opportunities for more. Denmark made the mistake of passing the ball back to Pugh instead of the backline, but Pugh went for the take and headed down the field. She was one on one with the defender and then quickly cut the ball and took the shot near the top of the box and scored the third goal.
In the 65th minute, Pugh saw the opportunity and took the same shot against goalkeeper Stina Lykke Petersen to gain a 4-1 lead.
Crystal Dunn concluded the 5-1 score as she took the rebound off of Christen Press’ shot that was blocked by the goalie, but then saw the back of the net in the 81st minute.
Defender Tierna Davidson made her first appearance tonight as well as recording her first assist with Ertz’s 15th career goal. Forward Savannah McCaskill also earned her first cap after being drafted by the Boston Breakers on Thursday at the 2018 NWSL College Draft.
The U.S. now look to prepare for their third annual She Believes Cup, which will occur from March 1-7th with the first game taking place in Columbus, Ohio.
