USWNT starts 2018 with 5-1 win against Denmark

Mallory Pugh had two goals and an assist to lead the USWNT to a 5-1 win over Denmark on Sunday at SDCCU Stadium in San Diego.

by Debby von Winckelmann

The U.S. Women’s National Team came from behind to earn a 5-1 win against Denmark on Sunday night, kicking-off its 2018 campaign at SDCCU Stadium in San Diego.

Denmark struck first, with Nadia Nadim heading in a corner kick from the far post in the 14th minute.

The U.S. responded quickly, with Mallory Pugh stripping the ball from Danish defender Katrine Veje, then driving into the box and sending a cross to Alex Morgan, who touched it in for the equalizer.

Julie Ertz, 2017 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, put the U.S ahead, just two minutes later with a volley off of a header by Tierna Davidson. It was Davidson’s first cap for the USWNT.

The second half belonged to Pugh, who scored two goals to add to the U.S. tally and secure her first career brace. Pugh’s first goal came in the 47th minute when she intercepted a soft back-pass to Danish defender Janni Arnth, then drove at, and around Arnth, before sending her shot into the upper, right corner.

Another defensive mistake by Denmark, led to Pugh’s second goal, with goalkeeper Stina Lykke Peterson sending the ball right to Pugh, who again worked her way around Arnth and fired a shot near-post for the 4-1 U.S. lead in the 65th minute.

Crystal Dunn, who came off the bench, capped the scoring for the U.S. in the 81st minute, after collecting the rebound off a blocked shot by Christen Press, and sending it back into the net.

Prior to the match, former USA goalkeeper Hope Solo was honored for reaching 200 caps with the USWNT. Solo, who has 202 caps, is the only goalkeeper in U.S. and world history to reach 200 appearances for her country.

The U.S. will next be tested against three of the top teams as they host the SheBelieves Cup from March 1-7 in Columbus, Ohio, Harrison, New Jersey, and Orlando, Florida. Second-ranked Germany, third-ranked England, and sixth-ranked France will compete with the U.S. in the four-team tournament.