The U.S. women won their second straight match at the 2012 Algrave Cup in Portugal, once again over a European foe as they beat Norway 2-1 earlier today.
After a scoreless first half, superstar striker Abby Wambach made it 1-0 in the 51st minute with her 133rd career goal for the U.S. Her shot from 15 yards out went off the post and in (something which I swear happens every game for the U.S. women). The lovely Heather Mitts (a former teammate of Wambach's at the University of Florida) had the assist.
While we take Wambach's incredible talents for granted, 21-year-old Sydney Leroux is quickly establishing herself at the international level. She scored what turned out to be the game-winner in the 81st minute. Amy Rodriguez crossed it to Leroux and the former Stanford star headed it in.
Norway ruined Hope Solo's shutout as they scored in the 93rd minute. It was so late in the game that the U.S. didn't even have a chance to kick off following the goal before the match ended.
Up next, the U.S. meets Japan for the first time since the 2011 World Cup final last summer. Japan beat Denmark 2-0 today as well but the U.S. has a better goal differential (+6) so all they have to do is beat or tie Japan (+3) to win the group and advance to the championship game.
No doubt Pia Sundhage's squad will be looking for some measure of revenge after they lost in such heartbreaking fashion (disastrous penalty kicks) to Japan last time around.
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