Going Dutch: Horan’s header gives the USWNT a draw against Netherlands
The U.S. remain atop Group E on goal differential and favored to advance
Lindsay Horan’s second-half goal helped the United States salvage a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands on Thursday at the Women’s World Cup in Wellington, New Zealand.
Horan’s goal off a corner kick by Rose Lavelle in the 62nd minute at Sky Stadium ensured that the USWNT remained unbeaten in 19 straight World Cup matches.
The Group E game — the second of the group stage for both nations — was a rematch of the 2019 final won by the United States.
The Americans played a poor first half and went down 1-0 after 17 minutes when Jill Rood’s attempt found the back of the net.
The U.S. regrouped after the break and created several chances throughout the second half. The Americans outshot the Dutch 18-4, creating chances on the wings while using the speed and skill of strikers Sophia Smith, Alex Morgan and Trinity Rodman to get shots.
The draw means neither team has earned a spot to the knockout phase. Instead, the USWNT and the Netherlands are tied for first place with four points, but the Americans have scored the most goals, which is the first tie-breaker to determine which two teams advance.
The Americans opened the tournament with a 3-0 win this past Saturday against Vietnam, a game where Horan also scored.
The U.S. closes out the group in Auckland on Tuesday against Portugal. The Dutch play Vietnam at the same time in Dunedin.