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USA vs. Haiti Women’s Soccer

By Carolanne Boughton, Staff writer

After their 6-0 win over Haiti, the United States Women’s National Team only needs one more win to advance to the Women’s World Cup. The American team secured all nine possible points, allowing them to book a place in the semifinals against Guatemala in Philadelphia. The team is confident about the semifinal, seeing that they have not lost a game on home turf in almost a decade. The Americans seem to only be improving in their journey to the World Cup. Carli Lloyd, Meghan Klingenberg, Christen Press, and Morgan Brian all scored while Abby Wambach bagged a pair.

The American team struck early with offensive plays. Haiti remained deep, trying to block the Americans offensive measures. The Americans were able to penetrate the Haitians defensive wall and score. The Haitians never had any true offensive push, having their whole game focused on stopping the Americans offensive strikes.

Near the hour mark, the Haitians defensive wall began to crumble. The Americans put all their energy in advancing the ball and the game was cracked open. The Haitians seemed to have lost all defensive coordination, allowing Press a chance to pounce on a loose ball that rolled to her freely. Press drove the ball home with a well-placed shot.

The Haitian coach, Shek Borkowski, argued that the game was not evenly matched, “It was a very difficult match for us because obviously we’re amateur part-timers competing against full-time pros.You could really discern the difference in fitness levels and the understanding of how to play together. They’re the number one team in the world for a reason.” Borkowski concluded that, “It was just too difficult for us.”

On the other hand, the USA manager Jill Ellis was content with the progression in form from the first two games. “Gradually, we wore them down,” she said. “In the second half I thought we played very well and moved the ball very well. We got some great combinations and some really good finishes from different people, so I was really pleased.”

The Americans powered through three games in just six days. They delivered what was expected of them and now have a 11-0 scoring record. With their great record, the Americans only have one game between them and this year’s World Cup.

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