The USA's Morgan Brian (right) battles Wan Chen of China during their international friendly on April 6, 2014, in Commerce City, Colorado. (Photo: Brad Smith/isiphotos.com)
COMMERCE CITY, Colorado – The United States women’s national team extended its home unbeaten streak to 81 games with a 2-0 win over China in an international friendly on Sunday in front of 14,903 fans at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
It was the second straight victory for the Americans after going winless in their previous three outings.
Commotion in and around China’s penalty box resulted in Lauren Holiday giving the host a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute. Under pressure from Sydney Leroux, goalkeeper Zhang Yue scrambled to clear the ball from the six-yard box. The Chinese defense then thwarted a pair of shots, before Lauren Holiday ran onto a blocked cross and drilled home from 19-yards out.
Megan Rapinoe struck for an insurance goal with 12 minutes left in normal time. Her free kick from the left side of the penalty area bounced on the edge of the six-yard box and somehow found the far netting.
The U.S. outshot China 25-1 as goalkeepers Hope Solo and Jill Loyden combined for the shutout.
The sides will meet again on Thursday at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California.
