USL News Release

Thursday, March 4, 2010

TAMPA, FL – Wednesday proved to be a big day on the women’s side of the international slate as the United States won its seventh Algarve Cup championship in Portugal and Canada re-claimed the title at the Cyprus Cup. The US defeated Germany 3-2 and Canada edged New Zealand 1-0 with former W-League players scoring all four goals in the wins.

Facing the vaunted Germans, the US Women took the early lead through former New Jersey Wildcat Carli Lloyd, who picked up a clearance at the top of the box, beat a defender and sent a shot off another defender into the back of the net for the advantage 18 minutes in. It was Lloyd’s 20th international tally.

The lead was doubled four minutes later when Heather O’Reilly, another former Wildcat, received a quick free quick on the wing and delivered a perfect cross to the far post, where Abby Wambach finished a strong header from seven yards for her 104th career goal. The 15th goal in the Algarve Cup for Wambach tied her for the all-time 17-year tournament lead.

Germany struck back via Inka Grings in the 40th, but the US restored the two-goal advantage in the 69th minute on a rare error from goalkeeper Nadine Angerer. A chip from former Washington Freedom Futures player Lori Lindsey was misjudged by Angerer, popping up for Pali Blues striker Lauren Cheney to tap in for what proved to be the winner in the eighth consecutive appearance in the Final for the US.

In Cyprus, the Canadian squad comprised of 22 W-League players faced a determined New Zealand squad that was highlighted by four players from the 2009 W-League campaign, including the duo of Hayley Moorwood and Amber Hearn, who played for the Ottawa Fury. Also representing the Ferns were the pair of Kirsty Yallop and Ali Riley of the 2009 champion Pali Blues.

A former longtime Fury player, however, proved the difference as Canada took the title with a 1-0 decision. Diana Matheson, playing in her 99th career match, struck in the 70th minute on a brilliant strike from outside the penalty area that found the upper corner. It was the sixth career goal for Matheson, who is one match away from being the sixth Canadian to reach the 100-cap milestone.

Canada finished the tournament as runners-up a year ago to England after winning the title in 2008. England, featuring six W-League players, finished fifth at the Cyprus Cup this year.

Related:

US Report [+]    Canada Report [+]    England Report [+]    NZ Report [+]

USL Alums Prep for International Play [+]