The USWNT brought in 20,500 fans for the grand opening of Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, and defeated Nigeria 2-0 in the final game of the Summer Series. Christen Press will go down in history as the first player to score a goal in Q2 Stadium history.
First Goal In Q2 Stadium History
In stoppage time of the first half Carli Lloyd found Press with a quick-thinking pass which the American winger curled in for her 61st international goal.
On the mark
With that goal, @ChristenPress pushes her career total to 61, breaking a tie with Shannon MacMillan to take sole possession of 9th on the #USWNT all-time scoring charts pic.twitter.com/0UjYhvZsHH— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) June 17, 2021
Q2 Stadium responded appropriately.
It got LOUD! pic.twitter.com/EftZt2V0Kj
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 17, 2021
The goal was a special moment for the city of Austin and the USWNT. The fans in the stadium were given a second opportunity to cheer in stoppage time of the second half when Lynn Williams, who came on as a substitute in the 88th minute, utilized her fresh legs to round Nigeria’s goalkeeper and seal the victory.
Where there's a Will(iams) there's a way @lynnraenie with the exclamation point in second half stoppage time! pic.twitter.com/r18vH03XK0
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) June 17, 2021
The victory wasn’t the most impressive performance from the USWNT, but no one can complain about the result. Here are some takeaways from the USWNT’s victory against Nigeria.
Takeaways From USWNT’s Victory Against Nigeria
The Final Third Still Needs Some Fine-Tuning
William’s goal at the end of the game made the score line look a little more comfortable than the game truly was. Much like the USWNT’s 1-0 victory against Portugal, the Americans’ patience was tested with some rather sloppy play in the final third. Press was arguably the best player for the USWNT going forward and has been in incredible form.
A good amount of credit can be given to the Nigerian defense and goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi. This three-game span has been a great test for the USWNT for how to breakdown these solid defenses who are comfortable playing most of the game in their own half.
Q2 Stadium Is One Helluva Stadium
Austin FC fans have a magnificent place to call home. Q2 Stadium is easily one of the best soccer-specific stadiums the U.S. has to offer. If an increased interest in soccer pairs with the rapid growth of Austin, then Q2 Stadium might just become one of the fortresses of American soccer.
Light it up, Austin! pic.twitter.com/pV4XxsB8Ma
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 17, 2021
Now this is a beauty.
ATX represent. pic.twitter.com/RinsTuPsYV— Q2 Stadium (@Q2Stadium) June 17, 2021
I’m Sorry, But The New Jerseys Suck
The USWNT’s hype video for the jerseys might have given me false hope that the new kits aren’t that bad. They are. It especially didn’t help that the U.S. played Nigeria who has some of the greatest kits to ever grace the field.
On Wednesdays we wear & pic.twitter.com/KVGTq3m8Ld
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) June 17, 2021
If I have to hear “our stars in stripes” one more time, then I will buy one of these where’s Waldo on acid looking tops just to burn it. The fact that the stripes continued to the socks as well made it hurt even more.
Did Kristie Mewis Stomp Nigeria’s Goalkeeper?
Not really a takeaway, but something I felt was worth bringing up. From what I saw on social media the soccer crowd was rather split on Mewis’ yellow card in the first half.
Field players running into goalkeepers is a big no. And this is why. Looks like Kristie Mewis is literally stepping on the goalkeeper on another replay. #USAvNGA | 0-0 pic.twitter.com/1IfW2B9kM7
— Rachael Kriger (@RachaelKriger) June 17, 2021
Nigeria goalkeeper Oluehi cried out in pain after it appeared she had been stepped on during the kerfuffle for the ball. The game was stopped for several minutes as Oluehi received treatment.
There isn’t a definitive angle that shows whether there was any malicious intent in Mewis’ actions. Some fans argue they’ve seen enough and Mewis engaged in some foul play. Stomp or no stomp?
The USWNT will go on a short hiatus before playing two friendlies against Mexico in July as final preparation for the Olympics. The Americans will take on Mexico in Hartford, Connecticut, on July 1 and 5.
