The U.S. Women’s National Team, in a key test to open the 2015 campaign and prepare for the FIFA Women’s World Cup later this year, was shutout 2-0 by #3 world-ranked France in front of a sold-out crowd of 15,663 at Stade du Moustoir. Coupled with a 0-0 draw with Brazil last December, it marked the first time in 13 years that the U.S. WNT has suffered back-to-back shutouts.
Eugenie Le Sommer and Jessica Houara scored back-to-back goals early in the second half as France earned its first victory against the United States in 17 chances all-time. The #2 ranked USA is now 14-1-2 against France.
All-time goal scoring leader Abby Wambach had a golden opportunity to change the momentum with the USA trailing by two goals after drawing a second-half penalty kick in the 66th minute, but the kick was poorly taken and France goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi came up with the save.
While the U.S. created scoring opportunities, sparked by the return of Alex Morgan, the attack was not supported by the midfield, where France was dominant. The USA was without several key players for this match, including defender Christie Rampone (back), midfielder Megan Rapinoe (knee), forward Sydney Leroux (ankle) and goalkeeper Hope Solo (suspended).
Goal Scoring Rundown:
FRA – Eugenie Le Sommer (Elodie Thomis), 50th minute: France broke the deadlock when Thomis got past Lori Chalupny and crossed from the right side of the box to Le Sommer, who had inside position against Meghan Klingenberg and headed the ball into the left side of the goal. USA 0, FRA 1
FRA – Eugenie Le Sommer (Elodie Thomis), 50th minute: France broke the deadlock when Thomis got past Lori Chalupny and crossed from the right side of the box to Le Sommer, who had inside position against Meghan Klingenberg and headed the ball into the left side of the goal. USA 0, FRA 1
FRA – Jessica Houara (Amandine Henry), 51st minute: France once again attacked down the right side as Henry slotted the ball to Houara. Houara was clearly looking to cross the ball in, but the ball looped over USA goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris, hit the inside of the left post and crossed the goal line to push France’s lead to two goals. USA 0, FRA 2 (FINAL)
Next on the Schedule:
The U.S. WNT heads north to England for a 3 p.m. ET match on Friday, Feb. 13.
Broadcast information: FOX Sports 1, Univision Deportes
Social: Twitter (@ussoccer_wnt; @ussoccer_esp); Facebook; Instagram
The U.S. WNT heads north to England for a 3 p.m. ET match on Friday, Feb. 13.
Broadcast information: FOX Sports 1, Univision Deportes
Social: Twitter (@ussoccer_wnt; @ussoccer_esp); Facebook; Instagram
Additional Notes:
- Head coach Jill Ellis’ starting lineup featured a 4-4-2 formation.
- Ashlyn Harris earned her fifth-career cap in goal. She had two appearances in 2014.
- The back line featured Lori Chalupny at left back, Meghan Klingenberg on the right side and the center back duo of Becky Sauerbrunn and Whitney Engen.
- The USA midfield included captain Carli Lloyd on the left, Tobin Heath on the right and Morgan Brian and Lauren Holiday playing centrally.
- Alex Morgan and Christen Press were paired up front. It marked Morgan’s first start and appearance since she injured her ankle against Guatemala at the 2014 CONCACAF Championship on Oct. 17.
- In the 55th minute, Ali Krieger entered for Chalupny. Krieger moved to the right side and Klingenberg switched to the left.
- Abby Wambach earned her 233rd-career cap when she replaced Brian in the 63rd minute.
- Amy Rodriguez entered the match for Heath in the 77th minute.
– U.S. Women’s National Team Match Report –
Match: U.S. Women’s National Team vs. France
Date: Feb. 8, 2015
Competition: International Friendly
Venue: Stade du Moustoir; Lorient, France
Kickoff: 12 p.m. ET
Attendance: 15,663
Weather: 46 degrees; Clear
Date: Feb. 8, 2015
Competition: International Friendly
Venue: Stade du Moustoir; Lorient, France
Kickoff: 12 p.m. ET
Attendance: 15,663
Weather: 46 degrees; Clear
Scoring Summary: 1 2 F
USA 0 0 0
FRA 0 2 2
USA 0 0 0
FRA 0 2 2
FRA – Eugénie Le Sommer (Elodie Thomis) 50th minute
FRA – Jessica Houara (Amandine Henry) 51
FRA – Jessica Houara (Amandine Henry) 51
Lineups:
USA: 24-Ashlyn Harris; 25-Meghan Klingenberg, 6-Whitney Engen, 4-Becky Sauerbrunn, 16-Lori Chalupny (11-Ali Krieger, 55); 17-Tobin Heath (8-Amy Rodriguez, 77), 15-Morgan Brian (20-Abby Wambach, 63), 12-Lauren Holiday, 10-Carli Lloyd (capt.); 23-Christen Press, 13-Alex Morgan
Subs Not Used: 5-Kelley O’Hara, 7-Shannon Boxx, 9-Heather O’Reilly, 14-Julie Johnston, 18-Nicole Barnhart, 19-Rachel Van Hollebeke, 21-Alyssa Naeher, 22-Crystal Dunn, 26-Tori Huster
Head coach: Jill Ellis
USA: 24-Ashlyn Harris; 25-Meghan Klingenberg, 6-Whitney Engen, 4-Becky Sauerbrunn, 16-Lori Chalupny (11-Ali Krieger, 55); 17-Tobin Heath (8-Amy Rodriguez, 77), 15-Morgan Brian (20-Abby Wambach, 63), 12-Lauren Holiday, 10-Carli Lloyd (capt.); 23-Christen Press, 13-Alex Morgan
Subs Not Used: 5-Kelley O’Hara, 7-Shannon Boxx, 9-Heather O’Reilly, 14-Julie Johnston, 18-Nicole Barnhart, 19-Rachel Van Hollebeke, 21-Alyssa Naeher, 22-Crystal Dunn, 26-Tori Huster
Head coach: Jill Ellis
FRA: 1-Sarah Bouhaddi; 8-Jessica Houara, 4-Laura Georges, 2-Wendie Renard, 22-Amel Majri; 12-Elodie Thomis (11-Claire Lavogez, 74), 10-Camille Abily (23-Kheira Hamaroui, 82), 6-Amandine Henry, 14-Louisa Necib (7-Kenza Dali, 40); 17-Gaëtane Thiney (18-Marie Laure Delie, 87), 9-Eugénie Le Sommer (15-Elise Bussaglia, 74)
Subs Not Used: 1-Céline Deville, 3-Laure Boulleau, 5-Sabrina Delannoy, 13-Kadiatou Diani, 19-Gridge Mbock Bathy, 20-Anaig Butel, 21-Meline Gerard
Head coach: Philippe Bergeroo
Subs Not Used: 1-Céline Deville, 3-Laure Boulleau, 5-Sabrina Delannoy, 13-Kadiatou Diani, 19-Gridge Mbock Bathy, 20-Anaig Butel, 21-Meline Gerard
Head coach: Philippe Bergeroo
Stats Summary: USA / FRA
Shots: 15 / 11
Shots on Goal: 7 / 4
Saves: 3 / 6
Corner Kicks: 3 / 2
Fouls: 5 / 7
Offside: 0 / 1
Shots: 15 / 11
Shots on Goal: 7 / 4
Saves: 3 / 6
Corner Kicks: 3 / 2
Fouls: 5 / 7
Offside: 0 / 1
Misconduct Summary:
USA – Tobin Heath (caution) 26th minute
USA – Tobin Heath (caution) 26th minute
Officials:
Referee: Pernilla Larsson (Sweden)
Assistant Referee 1: Anna Nystrom (Sweden)
Assistant Referee 2: Sabrina Keinersdorfer (Switzerland)
Fourth Official: Elodie Coppola (France)
Referee: Pernilla Larsson (Sweden)
Assistant Referee 1: Anna Nystrom (Sweden)
Assistant Referee 2: Sabrina Keinersdorfer (Switzerland)
Fourth Official: Elodie Coppola (France)