Dunn & Press Score In 2-0 US Win Over China
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GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Crystal Dunn and Christen Press both scored and the Women's World Cup-winning U.S. national team beat China 2-0 in an exhibition Sunday at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
The United States was coming off a 6-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in Texas on Thursday, part of the team's victory tour following the World Cup in Canada this past summer.
The Americans, led by Carli Lloyd with three goals, beat Japan 5-2 in the World Cup final. China advanced to the quarterfinals but fell to the United States 1-0.
China coach Hao Wei stepped down after the tournament and was replaced by Bruno Bini of France in September.
National team newcomer Dunn scored in the 39th minute, blasting the ball through traffic in the box and past goalkeeper Zhao Lina. Two minutes later, Alex Morgan appeared to score but was ruled offside.
Press, who scored three goals as a sub against Trinidad and Tobago, scored about a minute after entering the match in the 79th minute. It was her 10th goal of the year.
The victory tour concludes Wednesday with a rematch against China in New Orleans. The match will be emotional because it will be Abby Wambach's last with the team. The veteran forward, who has scored more international goals than any other player, announced this fall that she is retiring.
Wambach joins several national team players who have retired following the World Cup, including Lauren Holiday, Laurie Chalupny and Shannon Boxx.
Wambach came into Sunday's match in the 79th minute to the roar of the crowd of 19,066 — a record for the women's team in Arizona.
The victory tour not only celebrates the World Cup title, but it serves as preparation for the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament next February in Texas.
As a result, U.S. coach Jill Ellis is looking at some new faces. On Sunday she started starting Alyssa Naeher in goal rather than Hope Solo.
Naeher came up with a big save in the final seconds. She was making her fourth appearance with the national team.
China's bid to make the field for Rio 2016 comes at the AFC qualifying tournament in March.
The United States is now 20-1-4 in 2015, with the lone loss coming against France in February in the run-up to the World Cup. The team is 10-0-2 in the United States.
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