The U.S. Women’s National Team will come out of the Avaya Stadium tunnel for the second time in less than two years for Thursday’s highly anticipated friendly against Romania.
The first time these players graced the Avaya Stadium pitch was Mother’s Day 2015 when the United States defeated the Republic of Ireland 3-0 in the first of three Send-off Series matches ahead of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Prior to the match, the players were accompanied by their mothers in a memorable Mother’s Day tribute. Right before they took the field for kickoff, all of the players and mothers congregated for a group photo in celebration of the big day.
The heavily favored United States proved dominant in the first half and took the lead through forward Abby Wambach in the 42nd minute. Rapinoe’s corner kick, the United States 10th of the first half, fell to Christen Press at the back post before finding Wambach in the six-yard box for the finish. It would only take Wambach three minutes to notch her 180th national team goal and second of the match after heading home a cross from Carli Lloyd in the 45th minute.
In the second half, the United States extended their lead in the 54th minute through former Santa Clara Bronco standout Julie Johnston. Johnston, who separated herself from the defender at the near post, tucked away a Lauren Holiday corner kick to extend the United States’ lead.
The national team would outshoot the Republic of Ireland 26-0 en route to their first commanding victory of the Send-Off Series. A couple months later, the United States would win the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in a thrilling 5-2 victory against Japan.
The stakes won’t be as high for this week’s match, but expect yet another memorable performance by the Women’s National Team Thursday night at Avaya Stadium.
