USWNT vs. Netherlands score: Lindsey Horan nets equalizer as USA settle for draw in second World Cup match

Once again the Americans weren't sharp in front of goal and took just a point in this 2019 World Cup final rematch

By Sandra Herrera

& Pardeep Cattry

Jul 27, 2023 • 1 min read

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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FT: USA 1-1 NED

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.

USWNT show glimpse in attack

The USWNT got their nicest look at goal in the second half when Morgan earned the ball on the left wing and sent in a cross towards Rodman in the box, but the Netherlands ended the chance with a routine clearance. Still no shots in the second half from either team, 60 minutes in.

Few improvements so far

The USWNT has yet to take a shot 10 minutes into the second half, and are showing many of the same problems from the first 45 minutes. The Dutch continue to stymie the USWNT attack, but the reigning champions are still too patient with the ball when they carve out a little bit of space.

One sub each

Lavelle comes on for DeMelo, while Nouwen comes on for van der Gragt in the Dutch back line. Second half underway

USWNT subs incoming?

No surprise, it seems like Andonovski may switch on Lavelle for the second half.

HT: USA 0-1 NED

The USWNT are down at the break after another sloppy performance from an attacking standpoint. The Dutch kept the Americans jammed in midfield, but the USWNT's offensive talent seemed to take too many touches as they approached goal, ending hopes of an equalizer. The reigning champs have only conceded two shots so far, but one proved costly so far.

USWNT earn corners

The reigning champions have been trying to get forward and got as close as they have since the early parts of the match, when Rodman tried to score and Morgan tried to follow up on a deflected ball. Ertz and Horan got a touch on the ball on consecutive corners, but the chances don't result in much.

USWNT streak snapped

Roord's goal means the reigning champions trail for the first time at a World Cup since the 2011 quarterfinal against Brazil. (The USWNT eventually won that match on penalties, after Megan Rapinoe's iconic assist to Abby Wambach in extra time.)

Rodman nearly equalizes

Rodman attempted a quick response right after the USWNT conceded, but her long range shot was saved by van Domselaar.

USA 0-1 NED

The Dutch strike first! The Netherlands make their way into the box through strong midfield play and then after a back-and-forth in the penalty area, Jill Roord scores in the 17th minute. This was the first shot the USWNT conceded all tournament so far.

DeMelo shoots wide

Horan sent the ball towards Smith, who sent it to DeMelo in the center of the box. DeMelo took a shot that flew just wide of the goal nine minutes in.

USWNT fullbacks finding space

No quality chances to speak of yet six minutes in, but both Crystal Dunn and Emily Fox have been able to whip in a few crosses so far. One of Dunn's crosses just missed goal after two Dutch players and one of Dunn's own teammates missed the ball in the box.

USA 0-0 (1H)

We're underway!

Teams are on the pitch

As the game nears kickoff, I will also take a stab at predicting today's result!

The USWNT has a habit of rising to the occasion, especially since they boast one of the best squads in the tournament. The pressure to improve may produce a performance that will make a statement as they eye a three-peat, but don't expect the Netherlands to go down without a fight. Pick: USWNT 2, Netherlands 0

USWNT vs. Netherlands prediction

We're about ten minutes from kick-off so let's have some fun with a little prediction:

This will be the game that may determine the group and the knockout round path. The USWNT will want to take care of business, so that will mean on both sides of the ball with an opportunity for the defenders to be the stars. Pick: USWNT 2, Netherlands 0.

Jonker with parting shots ahead of USA match

Netherlands head coach Andries Jonker told ESPN his thoughts on the rise and evolution of national team programs reaching new heights. Some of his comments weren't without a bit of rare spice from the Dutch manager.

"I'm from Amsterdam, so I'm familiar with a confident attitude," Jonkers added. "If you perform at such a high level for a long time, you are allowed to have a great amount of confidence. But on the other side, pride comes before a fall, so it's on us to be the first to show their time to fall has come."

Make sure to read up on more of his comments ahead of the big game.

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