The fans who made it to this match had to deal with some bad weather and the game being rescheduled from Wednesday to Thursday. Once they got inside the Georgia Dome though they were warm and entertained as a strong American side destroyed Russia 8-0 behind seven second half goals. Perhaps the US women watched the US men’s hockey team put up six in the second period against Slovakia in a 7-1 win and though, we can do better.
The US put out a strong lineup…
Hope Solo
Ali Krieger, Whitney Engen, Rachel Van Hollebeke, Kelly O’Hara
Heather O’Reilly, Morgan Brian, Carli Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe
Amy Rodgriguez, Abby Wambach
and used six subs in the game: Jill Loyden, Becky Sauerbrunn, Kristie Mewis, Lauren Holiday, Sydney Leroux, and Christen Press.
The US dominated the first half but only scored one goal (A Russian own goal in the 11th minute). The second half was another story as the US added three goal in four minutes (an own goal, Amy Rodriguez, and Abby Wambach) to go up 4-0 in the 54th minute. They added goals by Megan Rapinoe (65th minute), Lauren Holliday (81st minute PK), Heather O’Reilly (83rd minute), and Christen Press (86th minute). The US got assists from Heather O’Reilly, Megan Rapinoe (2), Morgan Brian, and Christen Press.
Here’s some reaction from the US after the game.
The US is now unbeaten in 80 straight home games and hasn’t lost at all in nearly two years. After getting these three wins in friendlies over the last two weeks they will next participate in the Algarve Cup, an international tournament with 12 teams in Portugal. The US has won eight of the last 11 Algarve Cups including last year when they went 3-0-1. They will play Japan (3rd in the world), Sweden (6th in the world), and Denmark (13th in the world) in the group stage. It will be a great chance to get some good competition in as the US continues to gear up for the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada.
Thanks to @USARugby women for coming to our game tonight. Great to meet you all! Good luck in your training and competition!
— Rachel Van Hollebeke (@Rachel_BVH) February 14, 2014
Great game tonight against Russia!Thanks to all the amazing fans who made it despite bad weather and rescheduling. You guys are awesome!
— Rachel Van Hollebeke (@Rachel_BVH) February 14, 2014
“@JanelBersabal: @CarliLloyd thank you so so much!!! You were and are awesome!! #USAvRUS #USWNT pic.twitter.com/EkLRlWlhAE” best fans ever!!
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) February 14, 2014
“@uswnthope: I believe I can fly @CarliLloyd pic.twitter.com/NIo8mgRtYh”My back is already feeling the effects.
— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) February 14, 2014
