USWNT takes home another World Cup victory
The U.S. Women’s National Team completed another remarkable run in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with a 2-0 shutout over the Netherlands.
The win was their second consecutive World Cup victory and further puts the United States of America on the soccer map in a game that keeps growing nationwide. These ladies inspired America with hard work, perseverance, and showing the world why their program is the best women’s soccer program in the world.
In the end, it is not men’s or women’s that should be a label, but soccer as a whole. In D.C., there are two great professional clubs to showcase the game in the capital of the entire country. D.C. United has a strong team making a push towards the top of the Eastern Conference. The Washington Spirit are also making their own climb to the top of the National Women’s Soccer standings and trail the Seattle Reign by just two points for the top spot.
A scoreless first half had fans across the country tense, but the USA got on the board, thanks to Megan Rapinoe in the 61st minute. Then, the Spirit’s own Rose Lavelle put the exclamation point on an exciting match in the 69th minute.
The USWNT locked it down for the final 21 minutes, plus stoppage time in a close game. Possession was close, with the U.S. holding a slight edge 54%-46% and passing accuracy 68%-63%. Even so, the U.S. dominated the shot department, outshooting the Netherlands 17-5 and 10-1 on target.
The USA women won the heart of America and inspired a generation of young soccer players across the nation. They hope to use this momentum for next year’s Summer Olympic Games. In the meantime, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia soccer fans are encouraged to support the professional soccer teams in Washington. For the Spirit, in particular, expect Lavelle to get a hero’s welcome in their home match against the Houston Dash July 20, at the Maryland Soccerplex.
Photo credit: Francois Mori/AP