US U23 1, England U23 3

The U.S. Under-23 Women’s National Team fell to the England U-23 Women’s National Team by a 3-1 score at the La Manga Tournament in La Manga, Spain.

The English sat back defensively and looked for the counter attack, tactics that worked exceptionally well as the English scored once in the first half and then twice in the last 11 minutes to get the win. The first goal came on a header from Rebecca Angus that looped over U.S. goalkeeper Kelsey Davis in the 38th minute. England made it 2-0 in the 79th minute on a goal from Michelle Evans after the Americans had been dispossessed in the midfield.

The USA pulled a goal back with 10 minutes to play on an 18-yard shot by Kiki Bosio that was misplayed by England goalkeeper Marie Hourihan, but instead of the Americans getting an equalizer, it was the English that got a clincher. Two minutes from the end of the game, the U.S. team lost the ball in the back and Rachel Williams was able to chip over the head of Val Henderson for the final margin.