The U.S. women's national team came from behind to rescue a point against the Netherlands, finishing in a 1-1 draw in their second group stage match at the Women's World Cup on Wednesday night. The USWNT looked bright early but were down a goal by the 17th minute when Jill Roord scored on the first shot the reigning champions have conceded all tournament. The Americans managed nine shots in the first half but were stymied by a tough Netherlands defense and then lacked offensive sharpness as they neared goal.
Rose Lavelle came on for Savannah DeMelo at halftime, but the USWNT's attacking fate did not change much until the 62nd minute when Lindsey Horan notched the equalizer. Lavelle swung the ball into the box from the corner, and Horan perfectly scored off a header at the near post. The USA's attack then found some rhythm and continued to pose a danger on set pieces, but the Dutch did enough defensively to keep the score level.
The reigning champions are now tied on four points in Group E with the Netherlands but stay top of the group on goal difference. The USWNT face Portugal in their group stage finale on Tuesday, while the Netherlands take on Vietnam.
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The USWNT rescued a point in their first major test of the World Cup, and showed off an improved attacking performance in the second half while boasting a solid defensive effort. There's still plenty of improvement, especially going foward.
Play stopped as the medical staff checked on van de Donk for a possible concussion, but she returned to the pitch to finish out the match.
Morgan's header lands at Smith's feet, who seamlessly plays a pass to a running Rodman. Rodman has a perfect shot, but van Domselaar skillfully gets a hand on it to steer the ball away.
The Dutch end up in front of the USWNT's goal for the first time all half, and Brungts nearly scored the team's second in the 78th minute before Ertz blocked the shot. The Netherlands earn a corner but do little with it.
Smith receives a slick pass and makes her way into the box for what appears to be a promising chance in the 73rd minute, but she takes too many touches and the Dutch defense arrives to end the play.
The USWNT levels the score! Lavelle took the corner and the ball perfectly found Horan's head, who scored a header in the 62nd minute. This is Horan's second goal of the World Cup so far.
