United States and Japan Meet in the Final of the FIFA Women's World Cup CANADA 2015 on Sunday
July 4, 2015 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) News Release
CHICAGO (July 4, 2015) - The United States and Japan meet in the final of a major tournament for a third-consecutive time when the two countries take the field Sunday at 7 p.m. ET for the final of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The U.S. and its contingent of 22 NWSL players booked their place in the final with a 2-0 victory over Germany at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta.
Houston Dash midfielder Carli Lloyd scored for the third-straight game when she converted from the penalty spot in the 69th minute and assisted on Sky Blue FC defender Kelley O'Hara's insurance tally in the 84th minute as the U.S. improved to 4-3 in semifinals at the World Cup.
Seattle Reign FC goalkeeper Hope Solo needed to make just one save to post her fifth shutout at the tournament - but was fortunate to see Germany forward Celia Sasic's penalty flash wide of the post in the 63rd minute.
The miss means that Solo and her backline of FC Kansas City defender Becky Sauerbrunn , Chicago Red Stars defender Julie Johnston, Washington Spirit defender Ali Krieger and Houston Dash defender Meghan Klingenberg will carry a streak of 513-consecutive minutes without allowing a goal into the World Cup Final against Japan.
"This team has embraced the accountability of defending in every line," U.S. coach Jill Ellis said. "We have gritty players at the back, and sophisticated players at the back and our defensive record is a credit to the team."
FC Kansas City midfielder and 2013 NWSL MVP Lauren Holiday as well as Seattle Reign FC midfielder Megan Rapinoe both returned from serving one-game suspensions for yellow-card accumulation to start against Germany.
Holiday paired well with the Houston Dash's Morgan Brian in central midfielder and provided an anchor that allowed Lloyd to play in a more advanced attacking position underneath Portland Thorns FC forward Alex Morgan.
The U.S. will be seeking its record-setting third World Cup on Sunday and its first title since the 1999 squad lifted the trophy on home soil following Brandi Chastain's decisive spot kick in a penalty shootout at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
In addition to breaking a tie with Germany for the most Women's World Cup titles and their first world championship in 16 years, the United States will be seeking to avenge their loss to Japan in a penalty shootout at the 2011 World Cup Final.
Eleven of the 13 United States players who featured in the 2011 final are on the current U.S. World Cup roster - including Morgan and Abby Wambach, whose NWSL rights are held by Seattle Reign FC, both of whom scored in the match against Japan.
The U.S. gained a measure of revenge when they beat Japan 2-1 in the Gold Medal match at the 2012 London Olympics, with Lloyd scoring both goals for the United States. But Lloyd and company will be looking to secure the accolade that has escaped all the players on the U.S. squad except Sky Blue FC defender Christie Rampone.
Despite falling short against Japan in the 2011 final, the United States has enjoyed a great deal of success against their opponents Sunday - with the U.S. posting a 20-1-6 all-time record against Japan, according to FIFA.
Japan comes into the contest on the heels of 2-1 victory against England in the semifinals - with the game-winning goal coming in the 92nd minute via an own goal by England defender Laura Bassett. The goal was set up by a dangerous cross from former Seattle Reign FC player Nahomi Kawasumi, who was a member of the 2014 NWSL Best XI.
"We didn't play as well [against England] as I'd hoped, but when you qualify, it means you've achieved your objective. As for the own goal ... for me, it's more a goal made by Nahomi Kawasumi and Ogimi than an own goal. In the dressing room, [injured forward] Kozue Ando told the players over the phone that she would be at the Final in Vancouver to support them. I think that provided them with the motivation to qualify."
The match Sunday will be broadcast live on FOX starting at 7 p.m. ET.
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National Women's Soccer League Stories from July 4, 2015
- United States and Japan Meet in the Final of the FIFA Women's World Cup CANADA 2015 on Sunday - NWSL
- WWC 3rd Place Game, Final Preview: Four Red Stars Seek Glory - Chicago Red Stars
- Thorns FC Earn 2-1 Come-From-Behind Victory against Sky Blue FC - Portland Thorns FC
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