Heather O'Reilly tapped in the winner from Natasha Kai as the United States women's soccer team continued its finest year ever with a 1-0 victory against South Korea on Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium before 4,263 fans on the Achieve Your Gold Tour.
"For me, it was a matter of being in the right place at the right time," O'Reilly said. "And it was a great service from (Kai)."
This was the sixth stop on the tour, a series of friendly matches (exhibitions) played around the country designed to showcase the gold-medal winning American squad.
The Americans swept three matches against Ireland in September before defeating, then most recently, tying South Korea this month. They wrap up the tour with a pair of matches against China in December.
"We played these guys Wednesday to a 0-0 draw and obviously were a bit frustrated not to be able to notch one," O'Reilly said. "But (Saturday) we just fought all the way."
The win improved the United States to 5-0-1 since Beijing and 31-1-2 in 2008, the most victories in team history. The Americans have won all five tournaments they have entered this year.
But with all the major tournaments out of the way, the Achieve Your Gold Tour provided the team a chance to take a breath. The U.S. players remained on the field for about 30 minutes and signed autographs for a crowd of mostly young female soccer players.
"First and foremost, I think (the tour) is to celebrate what we did in Beijing and thank the fans," O'Reilly said. "Mentally and physically, I think you can only withstand (a high level) of intense play for so long."
After several good chances that didn't find the back of the net, the United States capitalized in the 72nd minute. Kacey White began it with a midfield run down the left flank before playing a ball to Kai, who then dribbled to the end line before crossing it through a crowd to O'Reilly.
"We knew this was a big field, and we've been practicing that play a lot," Kai said. "I didn't know who it was, but I saw a white jersey. It got through three people and found her foot."
In the first half, the United States had opportunities despite fairly equal possession.
And the Americans came out of the break quickly, sparked by a long Carli Lloyd run that began in the Americans' defensive third. She slotted a ball to Aly Wagner at the top of the 18-yard box then played it deep in the right corner to Angela Hucles — who became the 24th woman in team history to record 100 caps. Hucles' cross hit O'Reilly in stride, but her header banged off the crossbar. O'Reilly headed the rebound toward the goal, but again it found the crossbar.
South Korea nearly secured the equalizer as time wound down. With five minutes to play, Jeon Ga Eul slipped a ball between a pair of defenders and deep in the box.
But goalie Nicole Barnhart reached the ball just as Han Song I arrived, smothering it to preserve the shutout.
"(Barnhart) came up big a couple of times," coach Pia Sundhage said. "I think she read the game very well."
News
