It’s a good thing the defense never rests for the U.S. women’s soccer team.
While the offense struggled for 2 1/2 matches, scoring just three times, the back line of veterans Kate Markgraf, Cat Whitehill and Christie Rampone plus newcomer Stephanie Lopez kept every opponent from scoring the goal that might have sent the U.S. into scrambling mode. And goalie Hope Solo has recovered from a shaky World Cup debut against North Korea to play better in each ensuing match.
That is why Team USA has advanced to Thursday’s semifinals of the Women’s World Cup in China. Three goals in 12 minutes of the second half gave the U.S. a 3-0 victory over England in the quarterfinals Saturday. But the defense gave the team the confidence to feel that one goal would have been enough.
“I encouraged my players to go after the first goal, which is always crucial,” U.S. coach Greg Ryan said. “Once we got it, we were in control. I thought everyone played well.”
Not since the 62nd minute of the opening match, a 2-2 tie with North Korea, has an opponent scored. That is a span of 298 minutes.
In fact, the only goals against the U.S. came when the team was playing a woman short while Abby Wambach left the field to get 10 stitches in her head.
“They’re tough, tenacious, they’re going in for slide tackles, they’re going after headers, they’re getting banged up, but they’re still out there for 90 minutes,” Solo said of the defense. “I’m surprised they’re not putting their feet up after the games with ice bags all over their legs.”
Saturday, they completely shut down English star Kelly Smith, who had played in the U.S. women’s pro league. Smith came into the match with four goals but did not even get a decent shot until the outcome was no longer in doubt.
Wambach got that first goal, giving her four for the tournament and 81 in her 100 matches for the U.S. Just as important, Kristine Lilly got the third, her first of a tournament in which she has struggled offensively. Lilly has scored in four of the five World Cups she has played.
“We played some good soccer, and now we want to go on and win this tournament,” Lilly said. “We’re confident we can do it.”
The next opponent is the winner of Sunday’s Brazil-Australia quarterfinal. After that – and beating Brazil would require another sterling defensive effort – would likely come defending champion Germany, which beat North Korea 3-0 in its quarterfinal Saturday.
The Germans have not allowed a goal in the tournament.
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phersh@tribune.com
