Hope Solo earns 100th career shutout as USWNT tops South Africa 1-0

CHICAGO (Via U.S. Soccer) – Hope Solo became the first goalkeeper in international history to earn 100 international shutouts as the U.S. Women’s National Team defeated South Africa, 1-0 in the first meeting between the two teams.

The crowd of 19,272 fans at Soldier Field also saw Solo earn her 150^th career win and Crystal Dunn bag the game-winner in the 35^thminute.

The USA had far more possession on the day and numerous quality scoring chances, but the South Africans certainly distinguished themselves with some organized defense, hard running and a few dangerous attacks.

The USA finally broke through 10 minutes before halftime when 18-year-old Mallory Pugh set up Dunn for a close-range finish. Pugh dribbled with pace down the left side of the box and sent a bouncing ball across the face of the goal. Dunn was unmarked at the far post and sent a first-time shot past the goalkeeper for her ninth tally of the year. Pugh earned her team-leading seventh assist through 13 games in her debut year.

Solo had a fine performance, stopping both of South Africa’s shots on goal and dominating her penalty box to reach 100 shutouts in her 197^th cap. Her 150th career win extended her record for a goalkeeper.

Goal Scoring Rundown:
USA – Crystal Dunn (Mallory Pugh), 35th minute: Mallory Pugh carried the ball down the left flank and into the penalty area to the end line. Her left-footed cross bounced through traffic and across the face of the goal to a patient Dunn at the far post. Dunn finished with confidence from four yards out for her ninth goal of the year. Pugh’s assist marks her team-leading seventh in her debut year. USA 1, RSA 0 (SEE GOAL). FINAL

Key Saves and Defensive Stops:
RSA – Nothando Vilakazi, 48th minute: Kelley O’Hara got forward down the right wing and sent a terrific cross to Allie Long in the middle of the box. Long sent a headed attempt on goal and past goalkeeper Roxanne Barker, but Nothando Vilakazi was in prime position to clear the ball off the goal line with her chest.

Next on the Schedule: The U.S. WNT returns to action for its final Olympic send-off game against Costa Rica on July 22 at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas (8 p.m. CT: ESPN).

Additional Notes:

• The USA improved to 13-0-1 on the year, including 12 shutouts while allowing just four goals.
• Today’s game marked the first meeting between the U.S. WNT and South Africa in the history of the programs at any level of women’s soccer.
• Carli Lloyd came on for Lindsey Horan at halftime, marking her first appearance since April 10 after suffering a sprained MCL with the NWSL’s Houston Dash on April 23.
• Ali Krieger subbed in for Alex Morgan in the 68th minute, Whitney Engen replaced Julie Johnston in the 81st minute, Heather O’Reilly came in for Kelley O’Hara in the 83rd minute and Samantha Mewis subbed in for Mallory Pugh in the 87th minute.
• Morgan Brian, Megan Rapinoe, Tobin Heath, Gina Lewandowski and Ashlyn Harris did not suit up for the match.
• Dunn’s ninth goal of 2016 trails only Alex Morgan (11) for the team lead.
• Heather O’Reilly earned her 230th cap for the USA. Lloyd earned her 223rd.
• Ali Krieger earned her 90th cap.

– U.S. Women’s National Team Match Report –

Match: U.S. Women’s National Team vs. South Africa
Date: July 9, 2016
Competition: International Friendly
Venue: Soldier Field; Chicago, Illinois
Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. CT
Attendance: 19,272
Weather: 75 degrees, sunny

Scoring Summary:   1          2          F
USA                            1          0          1
RSA                            0          0          0

USA – Crystal Dunn (Mallory Pugh)  35th minute

Lineups:
USA: 1-Hope Solo; 5-Kelley O’Hara (9-Heather O’Reilly, 83), 8-Julie Johnston (6-Whitney Engen, 81), 4-Becky Sauerbrunn (capt.), 7-Meghan Klingenberg; 23-Allie Long, 12-Christen Press, 20-Lindsey Horan (10-Carli Lloyd, 46); 16-Crystal Dunn, 13-Alex Morgan (11-Ali Krieger, 68), 2-Mallory Pugh (3-Samantha Mewis, 87)
Subs not used: 21-Alyssa Naeher, 22-Emily Sonnett
Head Coach: Jill Ellis

RSA: 1-Roxanne Barker; 15-Refiloe Jane, 4-Noko Matlou, 5-Janine Van Wyk (capt.), 3-Nothando Vilakazi (19-Bambanani Mbane, 87); 20-Stephanie Malherbe, 21-Robyn Moodaly (18-Nompumelelo Nyandeni, 46), 2- Lebohang Ramalepe (17-Leandra Smeda, 56), 12-Jermaine Seoposenwe (11-Chrestinah Kgatlana, 80); 8-Linda Mothlalo (9-Amanda Dlamini, 61), 13-Octovia Nogwanya (14-Sanah Mollo, 24)
Subs not used: 16-Andile Dlamini, 23-Kaylin Swart, 6-Mamello Makhabane, 7-Nomathemba Ntsibande, 10-Silindile Ngubane, 22-Lebogang Mabatle
Head Coach: Vera Pauw 

Stats Summary: USA / RSA
Shots: 18 / 4
Shots on Goal: 6 / 2
Saves: 2 / 4
Corner Kicks: 10 / 2
Fouls: 11 / 10
Offside: 2 / 2

Misconduct Summary:
USA – Meghan Klingenberg (caution)           84th minute
RSA – Nompumelelo Nyandeni (caution)      90+2

Officials:
Referee: Maria Serpas (SLV)
Assistant Referee 1: Elizabeth Aguilar (SLV)
Assistant Referee 2: Emperatriz Ayala (SLV)
4th Official: Sandra Arteaga (SLV) 

Woman of the Match: Hope Solo