Media attention was focused on Abby Wambach in the U.S. women’s exhibition match-up with Brazil in Commerce City, Colo., on Sunday as she strived to score her 100th international goal. But despite a number of early chances, Wambach instead turned provider to set up the game’s only goal for second half substitute Amy Rodriguez, who struck the game winner against Brazil for the second time this year.
“I wasn’t really expecting that ball to pop through,” Rodriguez said. “Fortunately, the defender took a bad touch and it was able to sneak by to me. Every win counts, and with every game, we want to get better. It’s great for our confidence and it’s just great getting us ready for the Olympics.” The U.S. is 20-0-1 this year, and hasn’t given up a goal against Brazil since the 4-0 World Cup semifinal shellacking in China last year.
Coach Pia Sundhage gave goalkeepers Hope Solo and Nicole Barnhart one half each and made six field substitutions. “If you look at the starting lineup, we had it for the third game in a row,” Sundhage said. “We could still do some changes, of course. I think it’s good to have some sort of continuity . . . but the people coming off the bench change the game. You could see that [Sunday].”