soccer

"FARO, Portugal (March 13, 2013) – The U.S. Women’s National Team won the Algarve Cup for the ninth time after Alex Morgan’s two goals earned a 2-0 victory against Germany this afternoon in Faro, Portugal. The U.S. forward scored twice in the first half and head coach Tom Sermanni’s team put in a comprehensive performance to defeat the second-ranked team in the world.

The USA made six changes to the lineup that faced Sweden two days earlier, with Sermanni forced to withdraw Megan Rapinoe at the last moment. The U.S. midfielder, who would later be named Player of the Tournament, sustained an injury at the last moment and was replaced by Tobin Heath. 

Looking to earn its first trophy under Sermanni, who took the reins of the team in late 2012, the U.S. dictated the pace against Germany from the opening whistle.

Morgan started the scoring in the 13^th minute after some hard work on the right wing from strike partner Sydney Leroux. Leroux got to the byline before whipping in a dangerous cross that Germany’s center defender Josephine Henning tried to head clear. But the ball fell to Morgan just inside the area and the U.S. forward was lethal: taking one touch before firing into the top corner with her left foot.

The Europeans were a constant threat for an equalizer but the U.S. defense was strong as a unit. A nice move in the 22^nd minute freed up Anja Mittag in the area, but right back Ali Krieger made a superb tackle to prevent a shot and snuff out the danger.

Twelve minutes later the U.S. doubled its lead, with Morgan again doing the damage. Germany should have dealt with a routine ball over the top from Tobin Heath but a mix up between goalkeeper Almuth Schult and her defense let Morgan steal the ball. She had the easiest of finishes and stayed composed, rolling the ball home into the empty net from the edge of the box for her second on the day.

Nicole Barnhart was at her best throughout the match but particularly in the second half. She was called into action in the 69^th minute after a Germany free kick was headed toward the goal by substitute Alexandra Popp. Barnhart sprung to her right to claw out the initial effort, before reacting brilliantly to keep out Celia Okoyino da Mbabi on the rebound. She also made a huge save in the final minute to secure the shutout when she dove to her left to deny Mbabi.

The U.S. Women will return to Europe in about two weeks for matches against Germany in Offenbech on April 5 and against the Netherlands in The Hague on April 9."

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