Photo: Lewis Gettier/The Equalizer.
The US women’s national team had a lot of extra pride to their match Tuesday night against Nigeria. The US claimed victory over the Nigerians, but one of the biggest moments of the match came after the final whistle.
Together with representatives from the US men’s national team and US Soccer, including USSF President Cindy Parlow Cone, the US signed the history-making CBA that sees the long struggle for equal pay finally in effect. Parlow Cone joined the halftime show to talk about the deal, saying that, as a former player, there is a lot of pride in being the US Soccer president to get the deal done.
On the field, the United States picked up a second win over Nigeria in the September international window. At Audi Field, the US made three changes to their lineup, bringing in Casey Murphy in goal, and also giving Sam Coffey of the Portland Timbers her first senior national team debut.
The US got on the board in the 24th minute with an own goal from Oluwatosin Dimehin. However, it was Chicago Red Stars forward Mallory Pugh who made the play happen with a strong cross in the box.
After the teams broke for halftime, Nigeria got on the board to ruin the US’ perfect night. In fact, it was Uchenna Kanu — who plays as a striker for Liga MX Femenil club Tigres — and her goal that broke an 880-minute shutout streak.
The United States took the lead once again in the 66th minute. Just a minute after entering the pitch, Megan Rapinoe notched the assist, sending the ball inside the box, while Lavelle leapt up and got her head on it, sending it past Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and to the bottom corner.
Of note, Hailie Mace made her first appearance for the US since 2018, while Ashley Hatch was another substitution, coming in for Alex Morgan in the 80th minute in front of her home crowd in Washington DC.
The Goals
- United States — Oluwatosin Dimehin (OG), 24′
- Nigeria — Uchenna Kanu50′
- United States — Rose Lavelle (Megan Rapinoe), 66′
