USWNT edges South Africa in pre-Olympic friendly on Dunn goal
The red, white and blue didn't show their usual scoring touch but were still victorious
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1 min read
The scoring boots weren't on, but it was still another win for the U.S. women's national team. On Saturday in Chicago in a friendly, the reigning World Cup champs beat South Africa 1-0 on a goal from talented forward Crystal Dunn in the second to last match before the Olympics.
35 minutes in, a fine cross from Mallory Pugh found the striker at the back post, and she made no mistake.
This 👌 Pugh/Dunn combo in the 35th min gave the #USWNT a 1-0 lead in Chicago. Watch the second half up next on @FS1!https://t.co/vOtaNQjyCo
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) July 9, 2016
The team had averaged four goals per match over its previous five friendlies, so the production in attack wasn't the same, but it is still a victory and a chance for the team to see what needs to be worked on ahead of the tournament. In friendlies, the result means little, as importance is played on building chemistry and no injuries, which both went fairly well for the U.S. Oh, and Hope Solo earned her 100th shutout. 100th. Unbelievable.
FT: #USWNT 1, South Africa 0. Dunn goal in first half lifts USA to victory. Solo earns 100th shutout. pic.twitter.com/w4YaXyTKNK
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) July 9, 2016
The star goalkeeper has recorded seven shutouts in her last nine matches with the national team and was tested little on Saturday.
The U.S. returns to action on July 22 in a friendly against Costa Rica in Kansas City, Kansas. The team will open up Olympic play on Aug. 3 against New Zealand.
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