Soccer Tie Gives U.S. Women Top Spot in Group

Posted on Aug. 18, 2004

On Tuesday, the U.S. women tied with the Australian women, 1-1, which was good enough to give the U.S. the first place spot in their group. The U.S. record is 2-0-1.

In Tuesday’s game, at Kaftanzoglio Stadium in Thessaloniki, Cindy Parlow ’00 replaced Abby Wambach, who had to sit out due to a one game suspension. Associated Press reports said that Parlow did not play as powerfully as Wambach.

“I couldn’t hit the broad side of the barn today,” Parlow told The Associated Press.

The Americans dominated the first half of the game, perhaps because Australia initially played with only one forward.

Kristine Lilly ’93 made a goal in the 19th minute. The goal came when Julie Foudy chipped a cross from the right wing, beyond the penalty zone. Lilly, running from the left, beat Danielle Small to the ball. Aussie goalkeeper Cassandra Kell, deflected the ball with her left hand, knocking it high and just under the crossbar.

This was Lilly’s 96th career goal in international play, a fifth all-time among women, according to NBCOlympics.com.

A second Australian forward was put in on the 62nd minute, making the game tougher for the U.S.

U.S. Coach April Heinrichs ’86 told The Associated Press that she was dissatisfied that her team lost control of the second half of the game.

Heinrichs pulled Mia Hamm ’94 from the game in the 67th minute to give her some rest.

Aussie Joanne Peters’ made the tying goal in the 82nd minute, which broke a 15-game Australian losing streak to the U.S. dating to the teams’ first meeting in 1987, according to The Associated Press.

The U.S. will play Japan on Friday in a quarterfinal match. Australia also advanced and will play Sweden on Friday.

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