Banyana Banyana and the USWNT clashed in a friendly match on Friday morning. This was the first match for both teams after the FIFA Women's World Cup.
FINAL IN CINCY 🥳 pic.twitter.com/2jRfkfb1vg
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 22, 2023
On one hand, the United States women's team had a lackluster campaign, crashing out in the round of 16 at the hands of Sweden. Likewise, while Banyana Banyana made it through to the knockout stages of the FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time in history, they exited in the round of 16 after a 2-0 loss to the Netherlands.
It's important to point out that this would be Julie Ertz's last match for the USWNT, as the 31 year old midfielder announced her retirement. Ertz would captain the team in her farewell game, and would play for 35 minutes.
Floodgates open in the first half
It's worth mentioning that this is the third friendly match between these teams since 2016. Banyana Banyana and the USWNT squared off against each other twice in the last seven years, and the Americans won both meetings without conceding any goals. Despite their best efforts, things didn't turn out too well for Desiree Ellis‘s side; as they conceded three times in the first half alone.
Interestingly, Banyana Banyana held their own for a while, and didn't concede in the first 30 minutes. However, Lynn Williams opened the scoring for the USWNT shortly after the thirty-minute mark. Just two minutes later, Trinity Rodman doubled the lead for the Americans, while Lynn Williams bagged her second goal of the match just a few minutes before half-time.
Saucy in Cincy. pic.twitter.com/czBiK6Qbpn
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 22, 2023
Both teams blank in second half
Although the USWNT dominated most of the second half, they were unable to find the back of the net. The Americans registered a total of 17 shots in Friday's game, with seven of those going on target. In contrast, Banyana Banyana managed five total shots, and only one of those went on target. Interestingly, while the USWNT found the net three times in this match, all three goals came in the space of nine minutes.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
