The U.S. Women’s National Team and Utah Royals FC’s trio of Kelley O’Hara, Christen Press and Becky Sauerbrunn secured their position in the Round of 16 for the FIFA Women’s World Cup after defeating Chile 3-0 in the second of three Group Stage matches on Sunday.
Head Coach Jill Ellis made a multitude of changes to the starting lineup from that of the one that defeated Thailand 13-0 last week, including the inclusion of Press and Sauerbrunn.
Press started the match for the Red, White and Blue on the wing alongside Sky Blue FC forward Carli Lloyd and Washington Spirit forward Mallory Pugh, while Sauerbrunn resumed her position as Ellis’ choice of one of the starting centerbacks next to North Carolina Courage defender Abby Dahlkemper.
The United States jumped out to an early lead when Lloyd capitalized off a poor clearance from Child at the top of the box, catapulting the ball into the back of the net.
The second goal of the night came from the head of Chicago Red Stars midfielder Julie Ertz, connecting on a corner kick from fellow club teammate Tierna Davisdon.
Lloyd once again leapt her way onto the score sheet, connecting with a corner from Davidson to secure a brace and the final goal of the night in the 35th minute.
Despite only netting three goals, the United States were relentless on the attack taking a total of 25 shots, nine of which were on frame. Three of those shots on goal came from Press, but thanks to a superb performance from Chile goalkeeper Christiane Endler, the URFC forward was robbed of her shot at a World Cup goal.
With the win, the United States jumped up to the top of Group F and secured a spot in the Round of 16, however, their final standings will come down to Thursday’s match against Sweden in which the winner will take the top spot in the group.
