U.S. Women Pick Up Where The U.S. Men Left Off Last Night Vs. Scotland With 4-1 Win Over China

There was a time, not that long ago, that China was the U.S. women's biggest rival and threat on a global level. I'm not sure what has happened to China, I mean they're not that bad now but they've definitely taken a few giant steps back while the U.S. continues to rebuild (but still win) under a solid young core (Hope Solo, Alex Morgan, Lauren Cheney, Carli Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe, etc.).

The U.S. beat China 4-1 in a friendly tonight at PPL Park in Chester, Pa. The game wasn't on TV so I didn't catch it although it was streamed on ussoccer.com.

Morgan scored twice, China had an own goal and Abby Wambach closed it out. This was the second-to-last match in the United States (June 30 vs. Canada in Sandy, Utah) before the squad departs for the 2012 Olympics in London this summer.

China actually opened the scoring with a goal in the 22nd minute against the run of play. Morgan scored 12 minutes later with a left-footed shot. Wambach's pressure two minutes later following her header forced the own goal by a Chinese defender.

Morgan got her second of the game and 14th of the year (to lead the team) in the 50th minute after a long ball from Christie Rampone and another lethal blast off her impressive left foot. Wambach scored in the 83rd minute after a throw-in by Morgan and a nice spin move by Abby around her defender followed by a wicked shot.

From ussoccer.com
Additional Match Notes:

The USA’s own goal was its first since July 10, 2011, against Brazil in the quarterfinal of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The USA upped its record to 11-1-1 on the year and will return to action next on June 16 against Sweden in Halmstad, Sweden. The USA also faces Japan on June 18 at the same venue.

Abby Wambach’s goal was the 135th of her international career. She sits only behind Mia Hamm (158) on the USA all-time scoring list.
Alex Morgan upped her career goal total to 24 in just 39 caps.

China had just one shot on goal during the match, and scored on it.

Sydney Leroux picked up the first yellow card of her career for a harsh tackle in the first minute of stoppage time.

Get used to seeing both the U.S. men's and women's team often this summer since they'll basically be on TV every time you turn it on. I know this makes me very happy and if you're reading this, you most likely feel the same way.

PS. That jersey looks a little better on Morgan. I'm still not a fan of it but seeing her in it is a much easier way to win me over with that lame combination of stripes.

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