Thorns FC players played a big role in helping the U.S. defeat Canada 2-0 last night in the CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Championship at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston.
Lindsey Horan put the Americans on the board first with a header in the 53rd minute off an assist from Becky Sauerbrunn. Midfielder Tobin Heath added another with a laser from distance in the 61st minute.
Defender Meghan Klingenberg got the start for the U.S. and played the full 90 while fellow defender Emily Sonnett made an appearance in the 90th minute to help close out the shutout.
"I’m very impressed with our performance," said Klingenberg after the game. "I think at the beginning, they came with a lot of pressure. Once we figured out how to handle that pressure, we did a good job getting forward and getting on the flanks.
"[Canada is] definitely the most quality side we’ve played in a while and it was a good test for us going into March but I think that we still have even more in us."
For Canada, Christine Sinclair came on in the 61st minute--right after Heath's goal--but was unable to get her team on the board.
By making the final, both teams have already qualified for the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics. Eight American players made the tournament Best XI with Heath and Horan both among the honorees.
