Highlights: Megan Rapinoe Scores Brace; Carli Lloyd Scores in her 299th Cap; Kristie Mewis, Alex Morgan and Christen Press add to the goal tally; Rose Lavelle – Tournament MVP
photo credit: U.S. WNT
ORLANDO, Fla. (Feb. 24, 2021) — The U.S. Women’s National Team won their fourth She Believes Cup championship with a definitive 6-0 victory against Argentina. Megan Rapinoe netted three goals, Carli Lloyd and Kristie Mewis each added one, and two late goals came courtesy of Alex Morgan and Christen Press. They are no the first back-to-back champions of the tournament. Rose Lavelle won the SheBelieves Cup MVP award netting in 31.7% of the total vote from a combination of committee and fan votes. Christen Press came in a close second with 30.9% of the vote.
After two hard-fought victories against Canada and Brazil to open the tournament, an offensive outburst fueled the USWNT to a dominant showing vs. La Albiceleste. The USA piled up a 27-1 margin in shots and kept the ball in Argentina’s defensive half for most of the night.
Rapinoe started her scoring spree in the 16th minute when Rose Lavelle chipped a ball over the La Albiceleste defense. Lloyd set up Rapinoe’s second goal of the brace 10 minutes afterwards. Rapinoe’s brace was her 57th international goal, and brought her into the the top 10 in scoring all-time for the USWNT.
An assist from Mewis allowed Lloyd to score her own goal in the 35th minute. Mewis, making her first start for the national team since March 2014, netted her goal in the final minutes of the first half.
Morgan, in her first goal since becoming a new mom, and Press added to the USWNT tally in the 84th and 88th minutes. Press’ goal was her 11th in her last 13 games.
The two youngsters of the USWNT, 21-year-old Jaelin Howell and 20-year-old Sophia Smith, made their second and third full international appearances. USWNT goalkeeper Jane Campbell, walked away with her second career shutout for the US. The U.S. defense did not allow Argentina a single shot on target. They are now 4-0-0 all-time against Argentina, and they extend their unbeaten streak to 37 matches.
Scoring Summary:
USA – Megan Rapinoe (Rose Lavelle) 16th minute
USA – Megan Rapinoe (Carli Lloyd) 26
USA – Carli Lloyd (Kristie Mewis) 35
USA – Kristie Mewis (Casey Krueger) 41
USA – Alex Morgan (Sophia Smith) 84
USA – Christen Press (Lindsey Horan) 88
