US Women’s National Team Defeats Germany 3-2 to Win Algarve Cup
Photo Credit: Leslie Benedict | ISI Photos
Independence Players Shine at International Tournament
The US Women’s National Team posted a 3-2 victory over Germany in the championship match earlier today to win the 2010 Algarve Cup. After defeating Iceland, Sweden, and Norway in the opening rounds, the US took on the Germans in a physical battle for the title at the Stadium Algarve in Faro, Portugal.
Carli Lloyd scored the first goal for the US in the 18th minute, and just four minutes later forward Abby Wambach buried another to give the US an early two-goal lead. The Germans scored just before halftime to make it 2-1, but Lauren Cheney finished a ball from Casey Nogueira in the 69th minute to put the US ahead by two again. Although the Germans scored in the 74th minute to make it 3-2, they were unable to put another goal away before the final whistle. After losing to Sweden in a penalty kick shootout in the 2009 championship match, the US reclaims the Algarve Cup title this year for the seventh time, which is more than any other country.
Three Independence players represented the US at the Algarve tournament and were major contributors to the team’s success. Heather Mitts, Amy Rodriguez, and Lori Lindsey all played significant minutes in the four US matches, and Lori Lindsey posted three assists in the first three games. Mitts, Rodriguez, and Lindsey faced fellow Independence teammates Sara Larsson and Caroline Seger in the match against Sweden, as well as Independence international Holmfridur Magnusdottir in the Iceland challenge. Magnusdottir was cited as the most dangerous player on Iceland during the match and will be a strong addition to the Independence offense.
The Independence will welcome each of the players representing their respective countries at the Algarve into preseason early next week. Congratulations to Heather, Amy, and Lori on a hard-earned victory over Germany and to all the Independence players on a fantastic showing at the tournament!
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