New Zealand – In a rematch of the 2019 Final, the United States Women’s National Team played their second contest in Group E of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup against The Netherlands on Wednesday at the Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand, earning a 1-1 draw.

The U.S. now have four points after two matches and can punch their ticket to the knockout stage with at least a draw in their group stage finale versus Portugal.

The Netherlands started the scoring in the 17’ from the boots of MF Jill Roord after a great collective play. Roord received the ball in the box and, with a strong low shot, she beat U.S. GK Alyssa Naeher to the left side of net.

The USWNT looked to respond quickly, and FWs Alex Morgan and Sophia Smith came close, as well as MF Julie Ertz, who in the 35’ almost pulled one back with a header from a corner kick, sending the ball to the side of the post.

Still, it was 1-0 to the Dutch at the halftime whistle, making it the first time that the USWNT had been behind at intermission in a Women’s World Cup match since their 2011 quarterfinal against Brazil.

The U.S. momentum continued into the second half and the long-sought equalizer finally arrived in the 62’ when captain and MF Lindsey Horan sent in a header at the near post off a corner kick.

Not settling for just a point, the U.S. wanted the full three and came close when Trinity Rodman had the winning goal on her boot in the 82’ on a pass from Smith, but the ball went wide of the post.

The next and final group stage game for the current World Champions will be on Tuesday against debutants Portugal at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.