The U.S. women’s national team continued its tuneup to the Women’s World Cup by shutting out three opponents — including World Cup-bound Canada — en route to a tournament title in France.
The U.S. opened the Tournoi International Feminin with a 3-0 win over Italy April 11, then followed with a 5-0 spanking of Canada the next day. Mia Hamm was the star in the latter match, getting a hat trick with goals in the 21st, 43rd and 78th minutes. Canada only managed to record two shots on goal, while the U.S. had 21.
Coach Tony DiCicco’s squad had more of a game in the final against France. The tourney host had its share of chances and forced U.S. goalkeeper Briana Scurry to make five saves (she had none against Canada) before the U.S. triumphed 3-0.
Carin Gabarra struck in the third minute to give the U.S. the early lead. Michelle Akers set up Kristine Lilly 55 minutes later for her only goal of the tournament, and Gabarra assisted Hamm in the 65th minute to make the final score 3-0.
In what had to be a disappointing performance for CONCACAF’s second-best team, Canada — which had earlier lost to France 1-0 — lost to Italy 1-0 to finish fourth in the four-team tournament.
April 11 in Poissy
U.S. 3, Italy 0. Goals: Akers (10), Venturini (20), Gabarra (36).
U.S. — Scurry, Overbeck, Fawcett, Hamilton, Lilly, Venturini (Cromwell, 77), Foudy, Roberts, Akers (Milbrett, 72), Gabarra (Manthei, 72), Hamm.
Italy — Antoni, Deiana, Pittalias, Iozzelli, Cordononos, Carta, Tasse, Correra, Morace, Baldelli, Florini (Guarino, 34).