Two first-half goals were enough for host England to end the United States women’s national team’s 13-game winning streak with a 2-1 victory in a friendly at London on Friday.
England received goals from Lauren Hemp in the 10th minute and Georgia Stanway on a penalty kick in the 33rd that countered Sophia Smith’s score in the 28th for the U.S. before a sellout crowd of more than 90,00 at Wembley Stadium.
The U.S. had outscored its opposition 52-2 during the 13-game winning streak, yet found itself conceding twice barely 30 minutes into the match.
The first goal was a build-up that led Beth Mead from the right flank to send a cross to the goal box that U.S. defender Alana Cook mishandled. Hemp pounced and used her left foot to slot the ball past goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
England was guilty of sloppy passing in front of its own net that led to the equalizer. Lindsey Horan forced a turnover by Stanway and quickly passed ahead to Smith, who calmly delivered her 10th goal of 2022.
Stanway made up for her mistake with the penalty that came as a result of Hailie Mace kicking Mead in the face while trying a clearance. The foul was called after a video review and Mace received a yellow card.
Another review went against the U.S. in the 37th minute when a goal by Trinity Rodman was taken off the board because Smith was ruled offside.
England, which has won 15 straight games, led in shots 11-10 and in shots on target 4-2.
The U.S. was not at full strength with goal-scoring star Alex Morgan sidelined with a knee injury and Mallory Pugh out due to a family commitment. Meanwhile, England captain Leah Williamson was unavailable due to injury.
Next for the Americans is a game against Spain at Pamplona on Tuesday.
–Field Level Media
