The U.S. Women’s National Team kicked off its 2017 with a win over one of the world’s top-ranked sides in Philadelphia.
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Jill Ellis’ side gathered a 1-0 win over world number two Germany at Talen Energy Stadium on Wednesday evening.
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It took nearly an hour for the U.S. to get on the board, but a brilliant forward run from Christen Press helped set up the opener for Ellis’ side.
Press dispossessed a German defender in the 56th minute, before cutting in on her left foot and blasting a shot off the crossbar. Lynn Williams was in the right place at the right time to gather the ball in the center of the box, and put it away to give the Americans a 1-0 advantage.
The goal for Williams was her third since earning her first call up with the USWNT in 2016.
Williams nearly doubled the lead for the USWNT 12 minutes later, after gathering the ball in the Germany half, spinning off of a defender and running in on goal. However, the North Carolina Courage forward couldn’t find a quality final product and blasted her effort well over the net.
Germany struggled to break down the American backline for much of the night, however, the visitors outshot the U.S. four to two with efforts on target.
The SheBelieves Cup consists of four teams — the USWNT, Germany, France and England. The USWNT will be back in action on Saturday when they host England at Red Bull Arena.
France won its opening match against England on Wednesday, 2-1, which was also played at Chester’s Talen Energy Stadium.
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