Lavelle’s goal gives the US women 2-1 victory over Nigeria

WASHINGTON: Rose Lavelle scored the go-ahead goal and the US women’s national team won their 13th straight match with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the international soccer friendly on Tuesday night.

The US also benefitted from an own goal to extend the team’s unbeaten streak on American soil to 71 games.

The teams first met on Saturday in Kansas City, Kansas, and the US came away with a 4-0 victory. Nigeria were missing six starters because of injuries and visa issues.

The own goal gave the US an early lead in the 24th minute, but Nigeria equalized on Uchenna Kanu’s score after the break.

It was the first goal that the US have given up this year. The goal also snapped a nine-game shutout streak for the Americans.

The US pulled back in front with Lavelle’s header off a cross from Megan Rapinoe in the 66th minute. It was Lavelle’s fourth goal of the year.

Rapinoe came in as a second-half substitute and was on the field for just 73 seconds before her key assist.

“I will start first with with Pinoe’s first touch and cross. I thought that was world class. But I still don’t know how Rose managed to get her head on the ball. It was absolutely incredible,” coach Vlatko Andonovski said.

Both teams are preparing for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The US qualified for the World Cup at the CONCACAF W Championship in July. The team won the tournament title to also secure a berth in the 2024 Olympics.

The US have won the last two World Cups and has four titles overall.

Nigeria, one of the most successful women’s teams in Africa, qualified for the 2023 World Cup by advancing to the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations in July. The Super Falcons finished fourth in the tournament.

Nig