Defender Julie Johnston Scores Twice Off Set Pieces; Christen Press Tallies 33rd Career Goal; Alyssa Naeher Records Fourth Career Shutout
Julie Johnston scored her first career brace to lead the U.S. Women’s National Team to a 3-0 victory against Colombia in front of a sold-out crowd of 17,275 on a chilly afternoon at Talen Energy Stadium.
Christen Press began the scoring after she lifted a bouncing ball over Colombia goalkeeper Catalina Perez in the 26th minute off a cross from Lindsey Horan. It was the 33rd international goal for Press in 66 games.
Johnston notched her sixth career goal when she lunged to volley Tobin Heath’s free kick over the ‘keeper and into the right corner just before halftime. Heath found Johnston again on a set piece in the 79th minute, hitting a low cross from the right and Johnston dove to flick a header just inside the left post. All seven of Johnston’s WNT goals have come off set plays.
Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher recorded her fourth career win and shutout in her second appearance of the year.
The match was the second between the teams in four days with the USA winning 7-0 in East Hartford, Conn., on April 6.
All of the U.S. players besides 17-year-old Mallory Pugh will now return to their NWSL clubs for the beginning of the historic fourth season. The USA will come together again in June as it continues the Road to Rio with a friendly match against Japan on Thursday, June 2 in Commerce City, Colo. (7 p.m. MT, FS1).
