Sandy, Utah (Sports Network) - Amy Rodriguez helped send the United States
women's national team off to the Olympics in style as she scored five minutes
from time to see the Americans claim a 2-1 win over Canada in a friendly match
at Rio Tinto Stadium on Saturday.
An own goal from Carmelina Moscato gifted the U.S. the lead after just 15
minutes, but Melissa Tancredi struck in the 57th minute to draw the Canadians
level.
The Americans pushed in search of the game-winner but were made to wait until
the 85th minute when Rodriguez netted her 25th international goal.
The result extends the USA's unbeaten streak against Canada to 26 games while
helping the Americans improve to a 14-1-1 record in 2012.
Head coach Pia Sundhage deployed a total of 17 players in the final
preparation match before the U.S. travels to the London Olympics on July 10.
The U.S. dictated play from the opening whistle and found a goal for its
constant pressure in the early going.
Megan Rapinoe played a dangerous cross into the box and Moscato failed to
clear the delivery, redirecting the ball past the on-rushing Erin McLeod and
into the back of the net.
The United States continued to create scoring opportunities through its
dominant play, but it was left to rue its missed chances when Canada grabbed
an equalizer 12 minutes after halftime.
Christine Sinclair slipped a brilliant through ball past the American defense
to find substitute Tancredi and the tall striker made no mistake with the
finish, striking her shot high but on target. Goalkeeper Hope Solo was able to
get a hand to the effort but was unable to keep it out.
The U.S. applied even more pressure in the final 15 minutes by switching to a
3-4-3 formation. The telling goal finally came five minutes from time after a
scramble in the box.
Rapinoe provided another deadly cross that the Canadians failed to clear. The
loose ball fell to Abby Wambach, whose failed back-heel effort bounced to
Rodriguez. She tucked in the easy chance from close range to hand the United
States the win in its last match before its Olympic opener against France on
July 25.
The Sports Network