Carli Lloyd’s clever back heel has Heather O’ Reilly doing what she does best -haring down the left flank and with a sliver of space curls in a cross which Lauren Cheney arriving near post turns into into goal. Perfect finish.
The USA got off to an early start for the second time in a row. And a good thing it is because so far it has been France waging war against Hope Solo. The US goalie has been on top so far making a great save off Gaetane Thiney and then riding her luck as Sonia Bompastor’s shot off a set piece clanged off the crossbar. Louisa Necib has been sensational in recycling the French attack.
The next 45 minutes should see France press even harder which of course means the USA can sneak in another goal with a counterattack. But Les Bleus are known for their second half goals. An intriguing finish awaits.