USWNT: SheBelieves Cup first round goes United States’ way
By Daniel Garza
As it was in 2017, the United States Women’s National Team defeated Germany to open the SheBelieves Cup, starting off the competition right.
The USWNT had to kick off the SheBelieves Cup against Germany, but it proved to be nothing that the red, white and blue couldn’t handle, as Megan Repinoe’s 17th-minute goal proved to be the difference in an exciting 1-0 affair.
Alyssa Naeher got the shutout in net for her 13th career international clean sheet.
Head Coach Jill Ellis went with a similar starting XI that faced Denmark in January. Carli Lloyd was the only addition as she returned for her first start of 2018.
Here’s what happened in the other fixtures:
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England Gets Past France
In the first match of the tournament, England put four goals past France en route to a 4-1 win. Three first-half goals put the French in trouble early and they were never able to make up the deficit.
Toni Duggan made it 1-0 in the ninth minute. She curled home a fantastic goal which you can watch below.
Jill Scott doubled the lead in the 28th minute with a low driven shot that was well-placed into the bottom corner of the net.
Jodie Taylor continued the dream start in the 39th minute as Nikita Parris placed a perfect pass to get Taylor in behind the defense.
The start of the second half effectively put the game away with England scoring in the 46th minute. Fran Kirby ran into the box unmarked and dispatched a cross into the box with ease.
France did get one back later in the second half as Gaëtane Thiney’s deflected shot beat the outstretched arms of the goalkeeper.
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Standings
After matchday one, England are top of the table on goal differential and goals scored.
- England 3 pts. (+3 GD)
- USWNT 3 pts. (+1 GD)
- Germany 0 pts. (-1 GD)
- France 0 pts. (-3 GD)
Next Round of Matches
Sunday will be the next set of fixtures in the tournament. The USWNT will be the first match of the day as they play France at 12:00 p.m. (EST) and England faces Germany at 3:00 p.m. (EST). Both matches will be played in Harrison, New Jersey at Red Bull Arena.