July 13, 2008
Rodriguez scores to lift U.S. women over
Brazil
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. -- Amy Rodriguez scored in the 71st
minute to give the U.S. women's soccer team a 1-0 win over
Brazil in an exhibition match Sunday.
The U.S., which has posted shutouts in its last six games, is now
20-0-1 in 2008. The two teams meet again Wednesday in San Diego in their
last match before the Olympics start next month in Beijing. The U.S. faces
Norway on Aug. 6 in its first Olympic match.
Abby Wambach sent a pass through the box to Rodriguez, and Brazil
defender Tania initially blocked the ball. However, the ball squirted
between her legs and Rodriguez let go with a blast high that Brazil goalie
Andrea could only get her fingertips on for the game's only goal.
The U.S. had several good chances in the first half, putting seven
shots on net. The women had a flurry early in the game, and in the 36th
minute Natasha Kai tried to center a ball in front of a wide-open net, but
Brazil defender Andreia Rosa blocked the pass out of bounds.
Wambach nearly scored her 100th career goal during the two-minute
injury time of the first half, but Andrea made a diving stop to keep the
game scoreless at halftime.
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