The U.S. Women’s National Team demonstrated their tenacity and determination as they battled to a hard-fought 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in their second group stage match at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Team captain Lindsey Horan’s second goal of the tournament secured a crucial point for the USA in a thrilling encounter against the team they faced in the 2019 Women’s World Cup Final.

The result leaves the USWNT sitting at the top of Group E with four points, level with the Netherlands but ahead on goal differential (USA +3, NED +1). The race for the Round of 16 berths from Group E will be decided in the final round of matches, with the USA facing Portugal on August 1 at Eden Park in Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau. Portugal sits in third after their 2-0 win over Vietnam and will have a spot in the knockout stage to contend for in their match with the USA. 

(Photo Courtesy of: USWNT)

Despite a slow start in the first half, the USA controlled the match, outshooting the Netherlands 18-4 and earning 11 corner kicks compared to the Dutch’s one. The American defense was solid, limiting the Netherlands to just one shot on target, which unfortunately found the back of the net.

Midfielders Savannah DeMelo and Lindsey Horan orchestrated the attack, while forwards Sophia Smith, Alex Morgan, and Trinity Rodman created dangerous opportunities with their speed and skill.

The Netherlands opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a well-executed play that ended with midfielder Jill Roord burying the ball into the lower left corner. The USA responded quickly, and just one minute later, Trinity Rodman’s long-range effort forced an impressive save from Dutch goalkeeper Daphne Van Domselaar.

In the second half, the USA showed their determination, with Rose Lavelle’s entrance for DeMelo providing a creative spark. A corner kick in the 62nd minute led to the equalizer as Lindsey Horan’s header found the net, deflecting off Esmee Brugts.

The Americans continued to press for a winning goal, with Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith coming close in the dying minutes, but the Netherlands defense held firm.

The draw extended the USA’s unbeaten record in group stage matches to eight and marked only the second time in their World Cup history that they have come back to win or tie after trailing at halftime. The previous occasion was their memorable comeback against Germany in the 1999 Women’s World Cup quarterfinal.

The USA’s performance showcased their resilience and determination to compete at the highest level of women’s soccer. With one more group stage match to go, they will aim to secure their spot in the Round of 16 as they face Portugal in their final group game.

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(Photo Courtesy of: USWNT)