D Equals W

Since Friday the WNT have had two shutout victories. And it’s no small feat that they had already clinched a spot in the Algarve Cup Final with the first of the two.

With a jaw-dropping goal in the 90th, the US shocked the Icelandic side and guaranteed the women a spot in the Championship game. Settling a long ball from the left back with a chest trap, our striker tipped the ball over a confused Icelandic defender and finished with a precise left-footed half-volley.

Though Monday’s 1-0 victory against Norway was inconsequential, the physical play characteristic of the US vs. Norway match-ups was no less present. Let’s be honest, how are you going to tell the WNT not to go all out on 50-50 headers? It’s that kind of intensity that has resulted in the US being the only team not to allow a goal this tournament.

On Wednesday, the WNT will defend their title against the Swedes, marking the seventh straight Algarve Cup Final appearance for the US. But the WNT doesn’t stand alone with stats on their side – the Swedes have never lost an Algarve Championship in three appearances.