Goals: USWNT—O’Reilly 4’, 59’ - Press 29’, 45, 68’ - Johnston 36’ - Klingenberg 56’ - Engen 63’
Recap: An embarrassing display saw the U.S. women’s national team undress Costa Rica 8-0 on Sunday.
It took all of four minutes for the world champions to flex their proverbial muscle. Heather O’Reilly opened the affair with a right-footed shot from the right side of the box. The flood gates opened from there. Christen Press provided the magic of a hat-trick.
Second-half goals from Meghan Klingenberg and Whitney Engen sealed the 8-0 victory.
WATCH: Christen Press seals her hat trick vs Costa Rica. #USWNT #VictoryTour https://t.co/7sZcVewEIz
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 16, 2015
Key Moment: There are zero key moments in an 8-0 victory, but Press’ strike in the 68th minute was sheer quality and worthy of Goal of the Week.
Women of the Match: Press’ hat-trick aside, O’Reilly’s work-rate on the right proved to be the difference on Sunday. The 30-year-old finished with two goals, one assist and four take-ons, more than any other USWNT player.
WATCH: Another corner, another USA goal as Whitney Engen heads it in. #USWNT #VictoryTour https://t.co/nCCy2W314l
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 16, 2015
Lesson Learned: What can be learned from a money grab? Sunday’s friendly served as nothing more than an unwatchable display of two uneven opponents. Costa Rica did manage to qualify for the 2015 Women’s World Cup, but are eons away from the quality the United States possess.
Rather than schedule friendlies against opponents who have no business sharing a pitch with them, Jill Ellis and company are better served picking on someone their own size.
WATCH: O'Reilly bags brace after Press hits the crossbar. #USWNT #VictoryTour https://t.co/ftLKwfLdiZ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 16, 2015
Up Next: Both teams regrettably return to the pitch on Aug. 19 for a second fixture.
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WATCH: Pittsburgh native Klingenberg celebrates her goal appropriately. #USWNT #VictoryTour https://t.co/j6Q8RVBtql
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 16, 2015
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