U.S. Women’s National Team Begin Year with 4-1 win against Scotland

The U.S. Women’s National Team, with new Head Coach Tom Sermanni, opened its 2013 campaign with a 4-1 win against Scotland at Everbank Field, Jacksonville.

In front of 18,656 fans, the largest crowd ever to watch the U.S. Women in a stand-alone friendly match in Florida, the U.S Team went about their business in a highly efficient manner.

Debutant Christen Press got the USA off to a flying start as she scored two first half goals to put a smile on the face of Sermanni and the large crowd. Press got the Americans on the scoreboard in the 13th minute, taking advantage of a poor clearance by Scotland and firing home a slightly deflected shot past Scottish keeper Gemma Fay. Press’ second score came on the 32-minute mark and was a superb headed finish from a Tobin Heath cross.

The U.S. then made it 3-0 early in the second half when Shannon Boxx received a pass from Press and placed her shot over the desperate outstretched arms of Fay.

Scotland salvaged some pride in the 54th minute as Kim Little fired home a loose ball past U.S. goalie Nicole Barnhart, who had replaced Jill Loyden at half time.

Sydney Leroux rounded off the game as she made the most of a loose ball to complete the scoring in the 89th minute to stretch the U.S. unbeaten streak to 24 games (21-0-3) dating back to the 2012 season.

It was only the second game between the United States and Scotland. Previously, the U.S. women won 8-2 in the first meeting in 2002, powered by Abby Wambach’s first career hat trick and the last three-goal performance by Mia Hamm.

The countries now play again on Wednesday in Nashville at the home of the Tennessee Titans. Sermanni (pictured above) will be hoping for a repeat performance!

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