Megan Rapinoe of the United States holds off New Zealand's Sarah Gregorius during their Olympic Women's Football quarterfinal match on August 3, 2012 in Newcastle, England. (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images)
CHICAGO – The United States Soccer Federation announced Friday that its women’s national team will face New Zealand in two friendly matches on October 27 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco and October 30 at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
The sides will meet for the first time since goals from Abby Wambach and Sydney Leroux lifted the U.S. to a 2-0 win in an Olympic Football Tournament quarterfinal match-up in Newcastle, England.
“New Zealand is a much-improved side over the past few years,” said U.S. head coach Tom Sermanni. “Qualifying for World Cups and Olympics have helped them significantly, and now they are a very composed and competitive team that plays with a great deal of confidence.”
The match at Candlestick Park will mark the first game for the U.S. women in San Francisco during the team’s 28-year history.
Next up for the Americans, though, is a match against Australia in San Antonio, Texas, on Sunday, October 20.
NOTES: Since losing 1-0 to New Zealand in their first-ever match on December 15, 1987, the U.S. has won nine consecutive games meetings.
