Previous 2014 Algarve Cup Coverage

After a disappointing group stage where the US faced three of the better teams in the world and emerged with no wins they finally got an easier opponent and took advantage beating North Korea 3-0 to end their play at the Algarve Cup with a seventh place finish.

The US got a first half goal from Abby Wambach as well as a second by Wambach 13 minutes into the second half and one by Heather O’Riley to close things out. Jill Loyden started in goal and pitched the shutout without having to stop a shot as the US dominated possession.

USSoccer.com has a full recap of the game. The US will now have a bit of time off before they play China twice on April 6th and 10th. This disappointing tournament one year before the World Cup is probably not a bad thing. The team will get a bit of a wake-up call that they will be challenged next year at the World Cup in Canada and while the US might be favorites, it won’t come easy.