USWNT blanks South Africa as post-World Cup rebuild begins
Lynn Williams scored twice in the final international game for midfielder Julie Ertz
A month after being bounced in the round of 16 at the Women’s World Cup, the United States defeated South Africa in a friendly played on Thursday at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.
Two goals from striker Lynn Williams and another from Trinity Rodman — all of them coming in the first half — in what was the final international game for midfielder Julie Ertz.
While Ertz threatened throughout the night on set pieces, Williams bagged a brace off two corner kicks and Rodman added one in transition for the win.
Following a few missed attempts. the USMNT took the lead in the 32nd minute. Off a corner kick, Lindsay Horan’s kick made it to Williams, who headed it just over the line for her 16th career U.S. goal.
The second goal came less than two minutes later. Horan sprung Alex Morgan down the left wing and she teed up Rodman with a low cross. Up 2-0, Ertz exited the game to loud cheers and a standing ovation in the 36th minute.
Another set piece goal further extended the USWNT’s lead just before halftime. This time midfielder Andi Sullivan took the corner and a Horan pass found Williams who deflected the ball into the net for the brace.
The USWNT could have scored more goals — they outshot South Africa 19-6 — but its defense was never really threatened. Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher made one save on the night.
The game was the first since the U.S. was eliminated on penalty kicks on Aug. 6 against Sweden during the Women’s World Cup. The United States will play South Africa again on Sunday at Chicago’s Soldier Field to mark Megan Rapinoe’s final USWNT match.