It was another 2-2 draw for the USWNT in the SheBelieves Cup when they faced England on Saturday. Here are three things we learned.
In perhaps the biggest match-up of the entire SheBelives Cup competition, the United States Women’s National Team came up with another 2-2 draw. This time their opponents were England, who are favored to go far in the upcoming World Cup.
Unlike Wednesday’s opening fixture, the USWNT had to come from behind to grab a point. Megan Rapinoe put the Americans up 1-0 but England would go on to storm back and take a 2-1 lead. Tobin Heath would tie the match in the 67th minute to keep the U.S. alive in the hunt for the tournament title.
https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1102001689119252482
Here are three things we learned from the entertaining 2-2 draw.
3. Rapinoe’s goal-scoring form continues
The goal of the tournament was scored by Megan Rapinoe in the 33rd minute. Her volley was perfectly placed and left the goalkeeper stunned. If there’s one player the USWNT can count on right now it’s the veteran playmaker.
Megan Rapinoe always has the *green light* to shoot.
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 2, 2019
What a volley from @mpinoe to give the USWNT the lead. #SheBelieves pic.twitter.com/VroccZez7g
What was so brilliant about the strike was her anticipation prior to the lofted, crossfield ball being headed clear. You see her take a step back, clearly reading where the ball might fall, before then chesting it down and looping a beautiful volley into the top corner.
Special players creating special moments is how you win international tournaments. It is not about being consistent over a long period of time. It is about turning up when it matters most. In Rapinoe, the USWNT have one of the best improvisers in the world.