Lindsey Horan ignited the U.S. women’s national team with a crucial equalizer in a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands during the World Cup group stage.
The USWNT captain was floored by a tough tackle from Danielle van de Donk, mirroring the shock of her team as they trailed the Netherlands after the first half. Horan quickly made her presence felt, engaging in a heated exchange with van de Donk before scoring a header off a corner kick in the 62nd minute to level the score.
The Netherlands took an early lead in the 17th minute when Jill Roord fired a shot past the USWNT’s defense and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. This marked the first time the USWNT had trailed in a World Cup match since 2011.
Both teams had won their opening games, with the USWNT defeating Vietnam 3-0 and the Netherlands securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Portugal. Heading into the final group-stage matches, the USWNT holds a historical edge, having defeated the Netherlands 2-0 in the 2019 World Cup and winning 3-2 on penalties in the 2021 Olympic quarterfinals.
The top spot in Group E will be decided in the final group-stage games. The USWNT will play Portugal at 3 a.m. ET on Tuesday, while the Netherlands will face Vietnam at the same time.
FINAL: USWNT 1, Netherlands 1
The USWNT, trailing in a World Cup match for the first time since 2011, was saved by Horan’s header.
Just Women’s Sports writer Claire Watkins questioned the limited use of substitutes by USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski. The team also struggled to counter the Netherlands’ 3-5-2 formation, particularly the dense midfield.
Offside Call Nullifies USWNT Goal Trinity Rodman’s assist to Alex Morgan, who scored, was disallowed due to an offside call.
Horan Equalizes for USWNT After being knocked down by van de Donk, Horan responded by scoring the equalizer with a header off a corner kick.
Lavelle Receives Yellow Card Rose Lavelle, in just her second game back from injury, received a yellow card for a tackle on Jackie Groenen shortly after entering the match.
Lavelle Replaces DeMelo Lavelle, returning from a knee injury, was subbed in for Savannah DeMelo, providing a potential boost to the midfield.
HALF-TIME: Netherlands 1, USWNT 0 Despite early pressure from the USWNT, the Netherlands dominated the midfield after taking the lead.
The USWNT held a 9-2 advantage in shots but struggled to convert opportunities. Analyst Carli Lloyd criticized the team’s first-half performance and urged for more urgency.
USWNT Misses Out on Corners The USWNT failed to capitalize on consecutive corner kicks in the 35th and 36th minutes.
Netherlands Close to Extending Lead Dominique Janssen’s shot just missed the crossbar, highlighting the Netherlands’ control over possession since their goal.
Netherlands Takes 1-0 Lead Jill Roord’s shot from the edge of the box beat the USWNT defense and goalkeeper Naeher, ending a 17-match streak where the USWNT had not trailed in a World Cup.
Early USWNT Pressure Crystal Dunn and Sophia Smith generated early chances for the USWNT, with Alex Morgan narrowly missing a scoring opportunity.
Starting XI: USWNT Stays Consistent
- United States: Alyssa Naeher (GK), Emily Fox, Julie Ertz, Naomi Girma, Crystal Dunn; Andi Sullivan, Lindsey Horan, Savannah DeMelo; Sophia Smith, Alex Morgan, Trinity Rodman
- Netherlands: Daphne van Domselaar (GK), Stefanie van der Gragt, Dominique Janssen; Jill Roord, Sherida Spitse, Danielle van de Donk, Jackie Groenen, Victoria Pelova; Katja Snoeijs, Lieke Martens, Esmee Brugts
The USWNT used the same lineup for consecutive group-stage matches for the first time since 1999. Four players also started in the 2019 World Cup final.
What to Know about the Netherlands The Netherlands is under new management with Andries Jonker, following the exits of Sarina Wiegman and Mark Parsons. Star striker Vivianne Miedema is missing due to an ACL injury.
What to Know about the USWNT Carli Lloyd highlighted the team’s ongoing issue with finishing chances. Sophia Smith scored twice in the opening win against Vietnam.
When and How to Watch
- Wednesday, July 26 — 9 p.m. ET (Fox, Peacock, Telemundo)
- USWNT vs. Netherlands (Wellington Regional)
The USWNT’s match against the Netherlands can be watched on Fox and Telemundo, or streamed on the Fox Sports app and Peacock.
Lindsey Horan’s Header Saves USWNT in 1-1 Draw Against Netherlands
This heading highlights Lindsey Horan’s crucial role in salvaging a draw for the USWNT against the Netherlands. It emphasizes that her header was the key moment that preserved the tie, ensuring that the USWNT did not suffer a defeat. The focus is on Horan’s individual contribution to the team’s performance.
USWNT Draws 1-1 with Netherlands as Horan’s Late Goal Rescues Team
This headline underscores the outcome of the match and the timing of Horan’s goal. It notes that the match ended in a 1-1 draw and emphasizes that Horan’s goal came late in the game, playing a pivotal role in rescuing the USWNT from a potential loss. The phrase “rescues team” conveys the importance of Horan’s contribution in securing a valuable point.
Horan’s Heroic Header Levels Score in USWNT’s Stalemate with Netherlands
This heading focuses on the dramatic and impactful nature of Horan’s header. The term “heroic” suggests that her goal was a decisive and dramatic moment in the game. “Levels score” indicates that her goal brought the game to a draw, and “stalemate” reflects the final scoreline of 1-1, highlighting the evenly matched nature of the contest.
USWNT Captain Lindsey Horan Equalizes in 1-1 World Cup Tie with Netherlands
This headline identifies Lindsey Horan as the USWNT captain and emphasizes her role in equalizing the match. The term “equalizes” specifies that her goal brought the score level, and “1-1 World Cup tie” indicates the final result of the game. This heading highlights Horan’s leadership and crucial contribution in a World Cup context.
USWNT Fights Back: Horan’s Goal Earns Draw with Netherlands
This heading emphasizes the USWNT’s resilience in the match. The phrase “fights back” suggests that the team had to overcome adversity, while “Horan’s goal earns draw” credits Horan’s goal with securing the draw. This heading captures the sense of struggle and determination displayed by the USWNT in achieving a tie.
Frequently Asked Question
What was the final score of the USWNT vs. Netherlands match?
The final score was 1-1. Lindsey Horan scored the equalizer for the USWNT, leveling the game after the Netherlands had taken an early lead.
When did Lindsey Horan score her goal?
Lindsey Horan scored her goal in the 62nd minute of the match with a header off a corner kick. This goal was crucial in securing the draw for the USWNT.
Who scored the Netherlands’ goal?
Jill Roord scored the Netherlands’ goal in the 17th minute of the match. She managed to get a shot past the USWNT defense and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.
How did the USWNT perform in their previous match?
In their previous match, the USWNT defeated Vietnam 3-0. This victory set a positive tone going into their game against the Netherlands.
What was the impact of Horan’s goal on the USWNT’s standing in the group?
Horan’s goal was crucial in maintaining the USWNT’s position in the group. The 1-1 draw means that the USWNT will need to perform well in their final group-stage match to secure a top spot and advance further in the tournament.
Were there any controversial moments in the match?
Yes, there was a controversial moment when a goal by Alex Morgan was disallowed for being offside. This decision prevented the USWNT from taking the lead earlier in the match.
What are the next steps for the USWNT in the World Cup?
The USWNT will face Portugal in their final group-stage match. The outcome of this game will determine their advancement to the knockout stages. The Netherlands will play against Vietnam in their final group match, also aiming to secure a strong finish.
Conclusion
In the gripping World Cup encounter between the USWNT and the Netherlands, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Lindsey Horan emerging as the hero for the USWNT. Horan’s header in the 62nd minute was pivotal, equalizing the score after Jill Roord had put the Netherlands ahead early in the game. The draw was a crucial result for the USWNT, coming after a solid 3-0 victory over Vietnam in their opener. It keeps the USWNT’s hopes alive for advancing to the knockout stages, though their final group-stage match against Portugal will be decisive. The Netherlands, too, will be looking to secure a strong finish in their last game against Vietnam to advance.