NFL
“I believe that we will win!” Believe it: behind two more Carli Lloyd goals, the US defeated Chile 3-0 Sunday afternoon to clinch an appearance in the 16 team knockout playoffs. Goalie Christiane Endler beautifully defended the Chilean goal in the second half while shutting out the Americans, even forcing Lloyd to miss a penalty kick somehow. But the US thoroughly dominated time of possession, giving the South Americans no scoring chances. Although not the most satisfying win, there’s little reason to doubt the US’s favorite status.
Carli Lloyd Delivers Twice
Lloyd began the seemingly inevitable win with a wicked shot in the 11th minute.
Death, Taxes and Carli Lloyd scoring goals
112 international goals ⚽️pic.twitter.com/KwLamIdGQu
— Yahoo Soccer (@FCYahoo) June 16, 2019
Fourteen minutes later, fortune favored the US. The ball passed over the penalty box line before Julie Ertz headed it into the net.
.@julieertz, back at it with the near post header goal.
Our set piece 👸 we stan. pic.twitter.com/j09xVgfvmG
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 16, 2019
Earlier, Chile was not as fortunate as a tying goal was disallowed for offsides (although the call was correct). Carli Lloyd concluded the scoring in the 35th minute with a header.
I mean that’s her 10th #FIFAWWC career goal.
Lolz. How is @CarliLloyd even real.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/wCUnRAamsC
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 16, 2019
Final Preparation for Lloyd, US
The US’s last group stage game is Thursday at 3 ET against Sweden. Revenge will certainly be on American women’s minds. After losing to the Swedes in a quarterfinal Olympic stunner in 2016, the US has more motivation than usual. A tie or win clinches the group to give the US a favorable first-round match. Also, it makes possible an appetizing quarterfinal showdown against France. And with a beyond-capacity crowd of 45,594 cheering almost entirely for the North Americans Sunday, optimism is reasonably warranted for Thursday’s knockout dress rehearsal.
