CHICAGO — The United States Women’s National Team advanced to the quarterfinals following a very competitive 2-1 victory over Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday.

Next Stop: Quarterfinals#FIFAWWC #OneNationOneTeam pic.twitter.com/QExu45eapn

— Chicago Red Stars (@chicagoredstars) June 24, 2019

Chicago Red Stars Julie Ertz and Alyssa Naeher got the start, both playing the full 90 minutes of the match and helped the U.S. WNT reach their eighth-consecutive quarterfinal. 

Megan Rapinoe was the hero on the day for the reigning champions, converting two clutch penalty kicks that were awarded to the U.S. WNT. The first came in the seventh minute after Tobin Heath was taken down in the box. Rapinoe sent the Spanish goalkeeper the wrong way, calmly slotting the ball into the bottom left corner of the net. 

After a defensive error allowed the Spaniards to equalize before halftime, it was Rapinoe again who regained the lead for the U.S. in the 76th minute. This time it was Rose Lavelle who was taken down in the box and no antics would affect the ice-cold Rapinoe who’s shot beat the goalkeeper’s save attempt to score the game-winner. 

After Monday’s win, the U.S. WNT now has a highly anticipated matchup against hosts France in the Quarterfinals at Paris. Kickoff is scheduled for Friday, June 28 at 2 pm C.T.