U.S. women beat China 1-0 to reach semifinals - STLtoday.com
OTTAWA, ONTARIO • Carli Lloyd finally was able to express her creativity on field. Aided by tweaks in the lineup, the 32-year-old midfielder was able to roam more Friday night, scoring for the United States in a 1-0 victory over China that sent the Americans to the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup against Germany. Hope Solo had her fourth straight shutout for the second-ranked United States, which has reached the final four of all seven Women’s World Cups but has not won since beating China on penalty kicks for the 1999 title at the Rose Bowl. Seeking their third world championship, the Americans have not allowed a goal in 423 minutes since this year’s tournament opener against Australia. Despite missing midfielders Megan Rapinoe and Lauren Holiday, who were suspended for yellow card accumulation, the U. S. managed a more attacking attitude and extended its unbeaten streak against China to 25 matches dating to 2003. “I think it was... Morgan Brian replaced Holiday in the middle with Lloyd, with Tobin Heath and Kelley O’Hara — making her first start since March — the flanks. Amy Rodriguez started up top with Alex Morgan, injecting more pace, while 35-year-old Abby Wambach, the record-holder for goals in women’s international soccer, did not enter until the 86th minute. The moves allowed Lloyd to move up, giving her more room to. Source: www.stltoday.com
