Super Falcons end Summer Series with defeat to USA

THE United States defeated Nigeria 2-0 in the final match of the 2021 Women’s National Teams Summer Series friendly tournament in the early hours of Thursday Nigerian time.

Christen Press and Lynn Williams scored late goals in each half to open the Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas with a win and stretch their record against the Super Falcons to seven straight victories.

In a physical game in which the African champions displayed attacking intent, the USA had the better opportunities, but the Super Falcons were not intimidated.

Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe had early chances against the Super Falcons, but the US attackers had a collision with Nigeria goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi as they tried to finish off an opportunity inside the six-yard box.

Rapinoe then had a goal disallowed for offside and Lloyd handled the ball while clean through on goal.

The world champions finally got their breakthrough in first-half stoppage time when the ball fell to an unmarked Press who hit a curling first-time shot to the far post for the opening goal.

The USA continued to have the better chances after the break and they failed to convert one late in the game.

Press nearly netted her second goal of the night in the 85th minute when she hit a Rapinoe cross with a first-time shot that forced a superb save from Oluehi.

Substitute Williams then doubled the USA advantage with virtually the last kick of the engaging clash.

Press found Williams on the run down the right flank and the forward got in behind the Super Falcons defence before rounding Oluehi for a simple finish in the fourth minute of added time.

The world champions won all their three games at the Summer Series as they prepare for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics coming up in July and August.

The Super Falcons, who did not qualify for the Olympics, drew against Portugal but lost to Jamaica and the US at the Summer Series.

The win over Nigeria took America’s unbeaten streak at home to 56 games, 51 of them victories.