Tobin Heath’s heroics propel United States to series sweep over China with a 2-1 victory.
Finishing its preparations for the 2018 Tournament of Nations, The United States Women’s National Team returned to action at First Energy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, five days after defeating China 1-0 on June 7th in Sandy, UT. The Lady Yanks looked to build momentum heading into their second competitive tournament of the season.
The United States began the match on the front foot, establishing control of possession early on. Forward Christen Press and defender Sofia Huerta lead the United States attack as the Lady Yanks pressed high on the right side of the pitch. China withstood the American attack and mounted a counter of its own.
Huerta, not known for her physicality, stopped the Chinese attack by committing two “professional fouls” in sequential plays. Her teammate Julie Ertz was all over the pitch at First Energy Stadium, running sideline to sideline looking to neutralize any opposing attack.
Ertz also didn’t shy away from the U.S. attack and contributed when called upon. Her best chance came in the 22nd minute when an initial opportunity by forward Alex Morgan found its way back to Ertz. Stepping up to take the opportunity, she put the shot high of the crossbar and the attacking opportunity passed.
In the 35th minute, the high press paid off for the U.S., Press crossed in a beautiful ball to Megan Rapinoe in the center of the box. The midfielder met the cross with her head to beat the Chinese goalkeeper Peng Shimeng as the ball found the bottom right corner.
Falling behind in the first half, China began the second half looking for an immediate equalizer. Three consecutive Chinese attacks were whistled dead because of offside. Persistence paid off for the People’s Republic, as forward Li Ying found the score sheet.
She capitalized on a lapse in communication as United States defenders Tierna Davidson and Becky Sauerbrunn mistimed a long ball and allowed Ying to sneak behind the defense. Taking a touch, the attacker beat goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris to her right and brought China level with the U.S.
The Chinese advantage lasted just three minutes with Tobin Heath scoring the game-winner in the 75th minute. The midfielder capitalized of some chaotic moments in the box and put her best finesse shot past the Chinese goalkeeper. The goal was especially bittersweet for Heath because the midfielder hadn’t seen the field for the Stars & Stripes since September of 2017.
The U.S. defense held firm preserving the 2-1 advantage and completing the exhibition series sweep of China.
