In the first of 10 games leading up to the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the U.S. Women’s National Team opened 2015 with a tough test on Sunday, facing off against the third-ranked team in the world, France.
Thorns FC forward Alex Morgan made her return to the pitch, after missing time due to an injury suffered during the CONCACAF Women’s Championship in October, playing the full 90 minutes, while Tobin Heath played 77 minutes. Morgan’s 2015 debut did not feature a goal, but she brought some impressive moves to the table early in the first half.
Scoreless after the first half, France broke the deadlock with consecutive goals in the 50th and 51st minutes. The United States had a chance to cut the deficit in the half when Abby Wambach earned a penalty in the 66th minute, but French goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi dove to her right to make the save on Wambach’s attempt, preserving the clean sheet.
The U.S. Women’s National Team heads to England for a match with the Three Lionesses on Friday, Feb. 13, at 12 p.m. (Pacific) on Fox Sports 1.
