Abby Erceg And New Zealand Take On China
Published on June 15, 2015 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) News Release
CHICAGO (June 15, 2015) - Abby Erceg and New Zealand take on China PR today at 7:30 p.m. ET at Winnipeg Stadium in Winnipeg, knowing that nothing less than a win will do in the final group stage match for both teams.
The Chicago Red Stars defender and the Football Ferns captain ground out a scoreless draw with hosts Canada on Thursday to stay in contention for one of the 16 places in the knockout stages of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.
Erceg, who played in two of the three shutouts for the Red Stars in the NWSL this season, has been an anchor at the heart of the defense for New Zealand, who have allowed just one goal in 180 minutes against the No. 12- (Netherlands) and No. 8-ranked (Canada) teams in the world.
The Football Ferns will face another tough test in their final match in the group stage when they go up against 16th-ranked China PR, who will come into the contest buoyed by their 1-0 victory over the Netherlands on Thursday as Lisi Wang scored in second-half stoppage time to secure all three points.
If New Zealand are to win in order to give themselves the opportunity to reach the last 16, coach Tony Readings' side will need to improve on the offensive end after behind held without a goal for the first two games of the tournament - which includes a penalty miss by forward Amber Hearn.
The Kiwis have qualified for the World Cup on three previous occasions and did not make it out of the group stage in any of those tournaments. And if they are to make history for themselves, New Zealand will need to overcome their recent run of form that has seen them win just one of their last 13 games dating back to November 2014.
National Women's Soccer League Stories from June 15, 2015
- Flash Sign Nigerian International Halimatu Ayinde - Western New York Flash
- Abby Erceg And New Zealand Take On China - NWSL
- Erin McLeod and Canada Play the Netherlands - NWSL
- Sky Blue FC Announces June 28th Match as Pride Night - Sky Blue FC
- Nadine Angerer and Germany Face off against Thailand Today - NWSL
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