USWNT: Rematch with Germany Ends With a Draw

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East Hartford, CT (October 23, 2012)-Pouring rain greeted the top two teams in the world as the U.S. Women's National Team took to the pitch against Germany in a rematch after the 1-1 draw Saturday night in Chicago. The reigning gold medalists were playing their fifth game of the fan tribute tour in front of a crowd of 18,870 at Rentschler Field. This game would also not produce a winner with the game ending with a final score of 2-2.

Despite the wet conditions both teams came out motivated and with something to prove as they wrapped up their two game set. With Germany eyeing the European championships next summer, this U.S. team is one of the best squads they will face in preparation for that tournament.

The U.S. had an early opportunity only ten minutes into the game when midfielder Shannon Boxx just missed a shot wide left on a corner kick placed perfectly by fellow midfielder Megan Rapinoe. It would prove to be one of the few opportunities for the Americans during the first several minutes of the game.

The U.S. defense was challenged early and often with Captain Christie Rampone joined on the back line by Amy LePeilbet, Kelley O'Hara and Becky Sauerbrunn. The defense, which has had some rocky moments over the past year, was pushed throughout the first half with Sauerbrunn earning her time with some key defensive stops against a very tactical German team.

A free kick by Rapinoe in the 28th minute sailed several feet over the goal though it did seem to spark the Americans as forward Abby Wambach had a shot only a few minutes later. Goalkeeper Nadine Angerer however easily handled it. 

It appeared as if the game would head into the half without a goal on either side. However Wambach put her team on the board with a brilliant header off of a deflected pass from Alex Morgan. It was Wambach's 148th international goal putting her only ten behind all-time leader Mia Hamm. 

The equalizer goal from the Germans came quickly in the second half. Dzsenifer Marozsan who came in as a substitute to start the half showed why she is quickly becoming one of the best on this young German team. Beating out Rampone who lost her footing on the slick field, the 20 year old easily scored as goalkeeper Hope Solo was forced to come off her line and challenge the shot.

A corner kick in the 54th minute nearly gave the U.S. the go-ahead goal when Wambach dove for another header and it missed wide right. She also leveled the German goalie Angerer who needed a good minute to stand up after drawing contact with Wambach.

However in the 67th minute Tobin Heath who had only subbed in minutes earlier was able to find the back of the net for the 2-1 lead off of another assist from Morgan. Heath normally better known for creating opportunities, had a beautiful shot to the ride side of the goal and now has seven international goals.

Solo was kept scurrying throughout the final 45 minutes and despite some incredible saves Germany was able to level the game. In the 85th minute Marozsan proved once again why she is the talk of the German team with a goal from 20 yards out that despite Solo's best efforts she could not get a hand on it. For Marozsan it was her fifth international goal in only nine appearances. This goal came only minutes after Sydney Leroux subbed in for an injured Heather Mitts. It proved to be a costly substitution as the game ended minutes later with another draw.  

The physicality of the top two teams in the world put to light the word "friendly" in this matchup. Both teams played as if something more was at the end of this game. The next few years will hopefully bring a few more matches between the two squads before they perhaps meet again in the World Cup in 2015.

Also of note was an interview that the president of U.S. Soccer Sunil Gulati gave during halftime. He shared that he hoped to have a new coach in place for the U.S. women by the end of October. He also alluded to more concrete details regarding the new professional league being revealed within the next ten days as well. 

The U.S. team has nearly a month off before they face Ireland for two games on November 28 and December 1. The last three games of the fan tribute tour have yet to be announced though there are some strong rumors that China will be squaring off against the U.S. in the middle of December.

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