Saturday, April 4, 2015 the United States Women’s National Team faced New Zealand in an International Friendly match. The game was one of a kind, held at Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. The 3 P.M. kickoff was what some soccer lovers would call perfect. The weather was sunny, 59 degrees and the stadium was full of fans. The game was a record-setting attendance for the USWNT with 35,817 viewers in the stands all decked out on their red, white and blue.
This game was all about the GOALS. Goals mainly from defenders! The USWNT held NZL 4-0 with goals coming from Meghan Klingenberg (defender) in the 14th minute, Lori Chalupny (defender and STL native) in the 76th minute, goal three was brought to us by Julie Johnston (defender) in the 78th minute, and the fourth goal brought to us finally by a middy, Morgan Brian in the 81st minute.
Hope Solo was rarely tested in the goal as the USWNT held NZL to ZERO shots on goal and only two shots the entire game. Unfortunately for New Zealand keeper Erin Nayler, the U.S. shoved 18 shots, 11 of those being on goal, in her zone.
Lori Chalupny, the hometown girl told reporters that it was good to be home. She not only scored her first goal in five years for the national team, but she also scored it with her family in the audience, and was awarded the Budweiser Woman of the Match. Her remarks on playing at home in front of 35,817 fans who traveled endless miles to watch the game sounded like this, “It was incredible. It kind of felt like a dream. The atmosphere was awesome. We looked around as a team and just felt so grateful to play in front of crowds like these.”
. Coach Ellis said she was pleased with how the game went, a lot of positives and many players coming off the bench who helped out on the field to keep the clean sheet against a team with good pressure. New Zealand is considered a good contender for this summer’s World Cup and was a great test to the USWNT in the final matches preparing them for Canada.
In St. Louis Megan Rapinoe gained her 100th cap and Hope Solo debuted the new bright red goalkeeper kit for the 2015 season.
Being at the game, seeing Busch Stadium filled with 35k soccer fanatics, especially for the women’s team is something I will never forget. Being involved in the sport growing up, I have got to witness the love, excitement, and respect our women’s team has gained and is continuing to gain. In a country that is finally giving soccer some shine, a few years behind the rest of the world, it brings a smile to my face seeing this many people come together to support our team and prepare to have continued support this summer in Canada.
On a side note, after the game I got to meet my hero, Hope Solo for the fourth time and I FINALLY got my picture with her after trying for six years. It was a day that I will always remember. I’m proud of our girls and can’t wait for Canada!
Life of Slav 