The U.S. Women's National Team defeated Colombia 3-0 on Sunday night, bringing its record in 2016 to an astounding 11-0-0. All three U.S. goals were assisted by Thorns FC players.
In the 26th minute, Thorns midfielder Lindsey Horan made a beautiful turn and touch to execute a perfect looping cross to U.S. striker Christen Press. Press made no mistake with her finish, lifting it over the onrushing Colombian goalkeeper to put the U.S. up 1-0.
Then in the 42nd and again in the 79th minute, Thorns midfielder Tobin Heath put two free kicks into the path of defender Julie Johnston. Johnston volleyed the first, a bending 20 yard-free kick, and headed the second, a low cross taken some five yards from the right side of the end line.
Heath's performance came from an unusual position, fullback.
After the match, this is what Jill Ellis had to say about Heath's performance in the new role.
"Way back when, Tobin played at the Under-20 level as a left back, but Tobin has a good mind, good feet, versatility, athleticism and she's playing with so much confidence, so I think that's huge, especially when you go into a tournament where it's six games, small roster, to be able to have that flexibility is great," Ellis said.
Heath, meanwhile, also had another first, having donned the captain's armband when midfielder Carli Lloyd came off for Ali Krieger in the 73rd minute.
"That was a special thing," Heath said of captaining the team. "Taking on more responsibility is important. It's something that I'm looking forward to. With the younger players...just be able to be a good role model for them.
"Also, when Carli gave me that arm band, I was looking around wondering, 'There has to be someone else on this field that gets this before me,' but there wasn't so that was a pretty special feeling too."
Heath, Horan and Thorns defender Meghan Klingenberg all earned starts for the U.S. Horan, though, exited in the 61st minute in favor of fellow Thorns midfielder Allie Long.
Meanwhile, Thorns FC forward Christine Sinclair helped lead Canada to a 2-1 friendly victory over the Netherlands, scoring the opening goal of the match in the 34th minute.
@sincy12 goal today against Netherlands. pic.twitter.com/v4oGDG7XpS
— Womens Football Comp (@Jigsawwill) April 11, 2016
The goal was Sinclair's 162nd career international goal. She is now only 22 goals behind Abby Wambach's all-time record of 184 international goals.
