Scandinavian Success

If last week’s Norway game proved the U.S. WNT could win big against a high quality opponent, yesterday’s 1-0 away win against Sweden showed that this select group of American athletes isn’t prone to folding under pressure. The difference-maker in the game turned out to be midfielder Carli Lloyd, a former four-time All-American in college. In the 39th minute, the pride of New Jersey soccer dribbled past three defenders off of a short corner before she took a successful left-footed attempt at goal. After that, it was a combination of solid defending, steady goalkeeping by Hope and Nicole Barhnhart, and a healthy dose of good fortune. Hey, when you’ve got Pia on your side and you’re playing in Sweden, good things tend to happen.

Brazil’s up next for the U.S WNT, and frankly, if the Samba girls bring their best, we’re going to have to take our game to the next level. Two games against a dangerous team may not be the most conservative way to prepare for Beijing, but it might very well yield the greatest payoff. Who knows what we’ll see. Two U.S. wins? Abby’s 100th goal? Find out July 13th in Denver (2 p.m. MT on ESPN) and July 16th in San Diego (7 p.m. PT).