U.S. WNT Tops South Africa In Olympic Prep

Hope Solo became the first goalkeeper in international history to earn 100 international shutouts as the U.S. Women’s National Team defeated South Africa, 1-0 in the first meeting between the two teams. With the win, the USWNT remains unbeaten after 14 games in 2016.

The crowd of 19,272 fans at Soldier Field in Chicago, Il., also saw Solo earn her 150^th career win and Crystal Dunn bag the game-winner in the 35^th minute. It was Dunn’s 13th career international goal.

The USA had far more possession on the day and numerous quality scoring chances, but the South Africans certainly distinguished themselves with some organized defense, hard running and a few dangerous attacks.

The USA finally broke through 10 minutes before halftime when 18-year-old Mallory Pugh set up Dunn for a close-range finish. Pugh dribbled with pace down the left side of the box and sent a bouncing ball across the face of the goal. Dunn was unmarked at the far post and sent a first-time shot past the goalkeeper for her ninth tally of the year. Pugh earned her team-leading seventh assist through 13 games in her debut year.

Solo had a fine performance, stopping both of South Africa’s shots on goal and dominating her penalty box to reach 100 shutouts in her 197^th cap. Her 150th career win extended her record for a goalkeeper.

Goal Scoring Rundown:
USA – Crystal Dunn (Mallory Pugh), 35th minute: Mallory Pugh carried the ball down the left flank and into the penalty area to the end line. Her left-footed cross bounced through traffic and across the face of the goal to a patient Dunn at the far post. Dunn finished with confidence from four yards out for her ninth goal of the year. Pugh’s assist marks her team-leading seventh in her debut year.USA 1, RSA 0

Next on the Schedule: The U.S. WNT returns to action for its final Olympic send-off game against Costa Rica on July 22 at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas (8 p.m. CT: ESPN).