USA U23

After a training camp in New Jersey from July 23-28, wher the U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Team downed the W-League’s New Jersey Sky Blue by a 5-1 score, the team headed to England where it dropped matches to the Everton Ladies (1-0) and the Arsenal Ladies (3-1).

Against the Sky Blue on July 26, the USA got an early goal from Alex Morgan, who also added one with 15 minutes left in the game, plus individual scores from Gina DiMartino, Amanda DaCosta and Kiersten Dallstream for the final margin. The U.S. team then headed to Europe and faced Everton on July 30 almost right off the plane.

Everton’s lone goal came in the 80th minute, but the Americans hit the post twice after beating the ‘keeper during the game. Two days later against Arsenal, one of the top women’s clubs in the world, the USA played well but fell behind, 3-0, as superstar Kelly Smith scored against the run of play, the USA gave up a penalty and then a goal off a corner kick. Alex Morgan pulled a late goal back with three minutes left.