The USWNT Concludes 2016 Calendar Year Unbeaten
The USWNT concludes 2016 unbeaten following a 5-0 win over the Romanian Women’s National Team on Sunday in Carson, CA. The victory marks the third time the team has gone unbeaten in regulation during a calendar year.
Soccer News: The U.S. Women’s National Team closed out 2016 with a 5-0 win versus Romania on Sunday in front of 20,336 fans at StubHub Center in Carson, CA.
The WNT finishes 2016 with a 22-0-3 record, marking the third time the team has gone unbeaten in regulation during a calendar year in which 10 or more matches were played. The USA went 18-0-4 in 2006 and 13-0-3 in 2013.
The Americans dominated possession during the match, but it was Romania who put the ball into the back of its own net via own-goal from Teodora Meluta in the 20th minute. Crystal Dunn got on the scoresheet in the final moments of the first half with a finish between the goalkeeper’s legs from 10 yards out.
Christen Press scored in her fourth consecutive match after finishing a slotted ball from Tobin Heath. Press’ goal marks her 41st career tally in her 80th cap with the national team.
Morgan Brian converted a penalty kick in the 88th minute, while Samantha Mewis concluded the scoring with a header from the top of the six-yard box during second half stoppage time.
The win marked the USWNT’s second win this week versus the Romania National Team. Jessica McDonald made her senior team debut on Thursday in the Americans’ 8-1 win, and Mewis recorded her fourth goal of the year in Sunday’s victory.
McDonald earned her first cap with the senior team on Thursday in San Jose, when she replaced fellow WNY Flash forward Lynn Williams. The 2016 WNY Flash Most Valuable Player registered a couple of offensive opportunities in the first friendly against Romania, but did not suit up for the team’s second friendly.
Photo Credit: U.S. Soccer
