US Women’s Soccer Escapes With Group Stage Draw Against Netherlands

The United States women’s soccer team salvaged a 1-1 tie against the Netherlands in the World Cup Wednesday, ending a 16-game winning streak dating back to February. The U.S. trailed 1-0 following an early Dutch goal but Lindsey Horan responded in the 62nd minute to secure the draw.

Though American players did not appear as sharp as they did in a commanding 2-0 victory over Vietnam to kick off World Cup proceedings last week, the team did well enough to maintain control of the group.

With one win and one draw through two games, the U.S. still shares first place with the Netherlands, good enough to advance to the knockout stage without further setbacks. The Americans will play Portugal in the final group-stage game next Tuesday, August 1.

Though the United States still maintains a 19-game unbeaten streak in World Cup games, the draw is their first since 2015. When Dutch player Jill Roord scored in the 17th minute and the Americans failed to respond after 45 minutes, it was the first time that the team had trailed at halftime since 2011.

The U.S. finally began to challenge the Netherlands in the second half, though the team still failed to capitalize on several opportunities. Shortly before Horan scored the equalizer off a corner kick, she appeared to be fouled by her French club teammate and Dutch opponent, Danielle Van de Donk. Horan delivered a fiery celebration afterward.

In the immediate aftermath of the United States’ draw, many are already considering whether or not the world is finally ready to challenge the Stars and Stripes in women’s soccer. Dutch coach Andries Jonker told reporters before the game that he was eager to test the waters.

“I think the whole women’s football world is very interested in getting an answer on the question: Are we getting close?” Jonker said. “And the feeling is yes because of the improvement all over the world. But tomorrow is the first time we can check.”

Even as Americans reach the end of another dynasty and the rest of the world looks to capitalize, the United States remains the front-runner to win the World Cup, as they did in 2015 and 2019. In such a competitive format, however, it often only takes a single loss.

Article by Patrick Moquin