Last year, the United States edged England for the 2018 SheBelieves Cup title. In 2019, it was the Lionesses’ turn.
On Tuesday in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium, England claimed the SheBelieves Cup trophy with a dominant 3-0 win over Japan. Japan and England entered the final day of the tournament tied with four points respectively, but the Lionesses made their statement early by scoring all three goals in just the first half of play.
This is the first time England has won the SheBelieves Cup tournament.
The U.S. women’s national team finished in second place in the tournament after defeating Brazil 1-0 on Tuesday night. Japan and Brazil finished in third and fourth place, respectively.
Portland Thorns FC midfielder Tobin Heath scored the U.S.’s only goal of the night in the 20th minute. It was her second goal of the tournament. Washington Spirit forward Mallory Pugh played in Heath down the right flank and Heath weaved her way into the final third where she slotted a through ball into Orlando Pride forward Alex Morgan. Morgan attempted a shot, but it was deflected away by Brazilian goalkeeper Aline. The ball bounced back into the path of Heath who was crashing to the top of the box. Heath finished it one time into the top of the near post.
Full speed ahead, @TobinHeath.#SheBelievesCup pic.twitter.com/xvAyOBSjbB
— NWSL (@NWSL) March 6, 2019
In the 75th minute, Orlando Pride goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris came up big with a huge reaction save. Orlando Pride forward Marta served a dangerous in-swinging ball into the box where several Brazilian players were crashing. Harris made a one-handed diving save to keep her team ahead.
BIG SAVE! Brazil are searching for a late equalizer, but Ashlyn Harris makes the stop to keep the USWNT goal clean. #SheBelieves pic.twitter.com/0FYB0B3rOE
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 6, 2019
The U.S. continued to press for another as the clock ran out, but the game concluded with Heath’s lone goal being the game-winner to clinch the second-place finish.
FT: They only needed one. The @USWNT claim second place at #SheBelievesCup after tonight's 1–0 win over Brazil. pic.twitter.com/rOAnqdBU1w
— NWSL (@NWSL) March 6, 2019
The U.S. will next face Australia on April 4 in Colorado as their preparation continues for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Reign FC forward Jodie Taylor started for England and chipped in two assists in the first half and Pride forward Chioma Ubogagu entered the game as a substitute in the 65th minute.
England’s first goal came in just the 12th minute of play thanks to Lucy Staniforth. Taylor earned her first assist of the day when she flicked on a through ball right down the center of the field into the path of Staniforth. Staniforth collected the pass and dribbled with pace to the top of the box and ripped one into the lower right post.
Lucy Staniforth gives the @Lionesses the lead over Japan!
☝️ The winner of this game clinches the #SheBelieves Cup, while only a draw would open the door for the USWNT in the late game vs Brazil. pic.twitter.com/63gcn2UYIo
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 5, 2019
Taylor got herself involved for the second goal too, lofting a one-time cross into the box where Karen Carney headed the ball home for the 2-0 lead.
Karen Carney makes it 2-0 for England! #SheBelieves pic.twitter.com/5lUfgK4aaX
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 5, 2019
Before halftime, Beth Mead put her team ahead 3-0 with an absolute stunner with her left foot. Mead ran onto a through ball down the right side of the pitch, dribbled with pace and then cut the ball onto her left and struck it into the far left corner.
IT'S THREE!
Beth Mead and the @Lionesses are closing in on the #SheBelieves Cup! ??????? And how about THAT pass by Keira Walsh. ? pic.twitter.com/ogfW7A8QGW
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 5, 2019
FT: ? England wins the 2019 #SheBelievesCup ?
??????? 3 – ?? 0 pic.twitter.com/HhyKn9rMrP
— NWSL (@NWSL) March 6, 2019
