U.S. U-23 Women’s National Team defeats England 2-1 to win Four Nations Tournament in La Manga, Spain
The U.S. Under-23 Women’s National Team swept the competition at the Four Nations Tournament in La Manga, Spain, finishing off a highly successful competition with a 2-1 victory against England that sealed the tournament title.
The USA had previously defeated Norway, 3-1, and Sweden 6-0, and got a winning goal against England from forward Stephanie Ochs in the 71st minute. Ochs, who had two assist against Sweden and a goal and an assist against Norway, was named tournament MVP. She was the first pick in the NWSL Supplemental Draft by the Washington Spirit.
“Throughout the week, over all three games, we got better and better,” said U.S. heads coach Randy Waldrum. “Our game plan against England today worked very well and defensively as we minimized their opportunities. I am proud of the team and proud of how quickly they came together for this tournament and got three great results.”
The game-winner against the English came after University of Illinois midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo won a ball in the midfield and played it wide to Camille Levin, who played a one-touch pass to Ochs down the right wing. Ochs beat her defender down the line, cut back towards goal and nutmegged the goalkeeper to give the USA the victory.
The USA had opened the scoring in the 28th minute through Santa Clara University’s Julie Johnston, who got her second goal of the tournament. This one came off a corner kick from DiBernardo, who found Johnston on a cross and she re-directed it into the net from closer range.
England had tied the match through a goal from Kerys Harrop just before halftime.
Texas goalkeeper Abby Smith went the distance in goal for the USA for the second straight match.
The U.S. roster featured eight players from the U.S. team that won the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Japan, including Johnston, who captained the side and won the Bronze Ball as the third-best player in the.
Five players on the roster are currently on preliminary rosters for NWSL clubs and will seen be heading to pre-season training camps.
Match Report
Match: U.S. U-23 Women’s National Team vs. England U-23 Women’s National Team
Date: March 4, 2013
Competition: Four Nations Tournament
Venue: La Manga Club, Spain
Weather: 55 degrees, cloudy, rainy, windy
Scoring Summary: 1 2 F
USA 1 1 2
ENG 1 0 1
USA – Julie Johnston (Vanessa DiBernardo) 38th minute
ENG – Kerys Harrop 42
USA – Stephanie Ochs (Camille Levin) 71
Lineups:
USA: 18-Abby Smith; 3-Camille Levin (capt.), 8-Julie Johnston, 5-Toni Pressley, 4-Kassey Kallman, 13-Vanessa DiBernardo, 14-Morgan Brian, 16-Sarah Killion, 10-Morgan Marlborough (15-Samantha Mewis, 77), 11-Zakiya Bywaters (17-Tiffany McCarty, 64), 12-Stephanie Ochs
Subs Not Used: 1-Jami Kranich, 2-Natasha Anasi, 7-Havana Solaun, 9-Colleen Williams, 19-Jenna Richmond
Head Coach: Randy Waldrum
ENG: 1-Ashley Baker; 3-Chelsea Weston, 8-Gemma Bonner (capt.), 2-Kerys Harrop, 6-Alex Greenwood, 14-Remi Allen, 10-Lucy Staniforth (11-Kasia Lipka, 75), 12-Michelle Hinnigan, 9-Lucy Bronze, 16-Isobel Christiansen (5-Jemma Rose, 75), 15-Danielle Carter
Subs Not Used: 4-Jasmine Matthews, 7-Naomi Cole, 13-Mary Earps, 17-Bethany Donoghue, 18-Millie Bright
Head Coach: Brent Hills
Stats Summary: USA / ENG
Shots: 11 / 6
Shots on Goal: 7 / 3
Saves: 3 / 4
Corner Kicks: 5 / 3
Fouls: 10 / 3
Offside: 2 / 1
Misconduct Summary:
USA – Sarah Killion (caution) 74th minute
Officials:
Referee: Sandra Fogelberg (SWE)
Assistant Referee: Alicia Westman (SWE)
Assistant Referee: Annica Johansson (SWE)
Fourth Official: Birgitta Solverg (NOR)
