The United States Women’s National Team defeated host France 2-1 to advance to the semifinals of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup with a brace from Reign FC forward Megan Rapinoe.
Utah Royals FC’s trio of Americans all saw some form of action against their French foes on Friday. Kelley O’Hara and Becky Sauerbrunn were once again selected to start as part of Head Coach Jill Ellis’ backline at rightback and centerback, respectively.
Throughout the match O’Hara was tasked with stopping Eugenie Le Sommer who had previously netted two goals for France in the tournament. Meanwhile, Sauerbrunn paired with Abby Dahlkemper to absorb wave after wave of pressure from the French offense.
Royals FC forward Christen Press entered the match for the Stars and Stripes in the 87th minute for Rapinoe and played an important role in maintaining possession within the final minutes to secure the victory.
The United States took the lead in just the 5th minute of the match. Rapinoe stood over a freekick just outside the left side of the 18-yard-box and sent off a shot that went uncontested into the back of the net past French goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi.
Heading into the second half the United States maintained the 1-0 scoreline despite resilient pressure from France. In the 65th minute Portland Thorns FC forward Tobin Heath received the ball off a breakaway from Orlando Pride forward Alex Morgan. Heath dribbled the ball to the end line and sent a cross through the box to the feet of Rapinoe who buried it in goal for her second of the match and eventual game winner.
Nearing the final whistle France gained one back off the head of Wendie Renard, but the U.S. held on to advance.
With the victory over France, the United States will move onto the semifinals where they will face England on July 2 at 1:00 p.m. MT.
