U.S. WNT shows dominant performance against Sweden

CHICAGO – Chicago Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher saved both of Sweden’s two shots on goal to help the United States defeat Sweden 2-0 on Thursday.  Naeher has kept three consecutive clean sheets in her first three World Cup starts for the U.S. Women’s National Team.

The first goal of the game for the U.S. WNT came early on when in the fourth minute Megan Rapinoe rifled in a low hit corner kick which found Lindsey Horan who buried it to put the U.S.A up 1-0. Sixteen minutes later Sweden had arguably their best chance to score after working the ball into the United State’s box but Kosovare Asllani shot the ball right at a perfectly-positioned Naeher who made the save.

Then in the second half, Tobin Heath displayed some excellent individual skills to get past her defender and fire in a shot at close range. The shot ricocheted off the defender and looped into the back of the net sealing the United State’s 2-0 victory.

Naeher has been a crucial piece to the United States keeping a clean sheet in seven of their last eight World Cup match. It has been 594 minutes since the last goal conceded by the reigning champions.

With their two goals against Sweden, the United States set a group stage record by scoring 18 goals on their way to winning Group F in impressive style. They join Germany as the only two nations in Women’s World Cup history to win all three of their group stage matches at four separate World Cups.

Next up for the U.S. is the knockout rounds where they’ll face Spain at 11:00 A.M. C.T. on Monday. Spain finished second in Group B.