The world’s top two soccer teams faced off at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, November 30, in front of a roaring crowd. Number one-ranked USA fought hard against number two-ranked England, but the Brits held them off, ending the match in a 0-0 tie.
Despite coming out as equal competitors, the USWNT dominated the field on possession and shots but couldn’t keep them on frame. Only three of their shots landed on target. The lionesses fared even worse, with only one shot between the posts.
The match may be keeper Alyssa Naeher’s final against England after the gold medalist and World Cup champion announced her retirement from the national team last week. The game against England marked Naeher’s 69th international clean sheet – an impressive accomplishment for any goalkeeper.
Some new blood also appeared on the field despite the close matchup. Ally Sentnor made her first appearance on the senior team when she was subbed late in the second half. At 20 years old, she is the eighth player under 21 to appear on the field for the USWNT this year. This year has seen the youngest players for the national team since 2002.
The USWNT closed out their Eurotrip with a hard-fought victory against the Netherlands. Despite the Dutch outshooting the US 14-one in the first half, the number one team in the world rallied hard for the final 45 minutes, turning their action around. Down by one at half, the US secured an equalizing goal when Buurman scored a header in the 44th minute, turning the game on its head. In the 71st minute, Lynn Williams put away a sneaky goal in the penalty area, securing a victory and ensuring the US wouldn’t go home with their heads down.
