USWNT shuts out South Africa in Megan Rapinoe's send off
25/09/2023 02:06
The U.S. women’s national team closed its September schedule with a second-consecutive shutout victory as Megan Rapinoe’s international career came to a close.
Trinity Rodman and Emily Sonnett both scored for Twila Kilgore’s squad in a 2-0 victory over South Africa in Chicago. Rapinoe started and played 54 minutes at Soldier Field in her final appearance for the USWNT.
Rodman propelled the USWNT in front after 18 minutes as the young forward finished off Alex Morgan’s assist in the box. It marked the second-straight match that Rodman found the back of the net for the USWNT.
Sonnett doubled the USWNT’s lead in the 49th minute after heading home in the box from a corner kick. Rapinoe’s corner kick was punched away by South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, but Sonnett rose highest to flick the ball into the back of the net.
Rapinoe was substituted off in the 54th minute, receiving a standing ovation from the Chicago faithful as Midge Purce replaced her.
Rodman rattled the crossbar later in the second half while Purce’s rebound attempt was saved by Dlamini.
South Africa offered little in the final third over the 90 minutes as USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher didn’t need to make a single save in the shutout victory.
The USWNT will return to action in October with a pair of home friendlies against Colombia.
