On Saturday, the USWNT faced South Africa for the first time in an international friendly at Solider field in Chicago, Illinois. With both teams on their way to the Olympics in Rio, it gave each team a what to expect in this upcoming tournament.
The USA lined up in a 4-3-3 while the South Africans opted for a more conservative 4-4-1-1, getting ready to defend.
Defend they would have to, almost from the off. Playing in front of her hometown crowd, midfielder Christen Press had an early chance for the United States, striking the woodwork just 38 seconds into the game.
South African defense challenges US forwards
South Africa came out with a strong defense that challenged the US as they took shots. In the 35th minute, Mallory Pugh, an 18-year-old forward who is the team's leader in assists, found Crystal Dunn, who took a shot on the right side of the goal leading the US 1-0.
Two minutes later, US defender Kelly O'Hara took a free kick and had a clear shot on the goal, but just missed. South Africa was impressive as they maintained an organized play throughout the game.
Similar pattern in second half
In the second half, the US continued to have chances, notably through a cross from O'Hara on the right to midfielder Allie Long, who forced a save from South African goalkeeper Roxanne Barker.
Both sides found it difficult to create chances over the remainder of the second half, and the biggest positive from the United States point of view was the return of midfielder Carli Lloyd a knee injury. She looked rusty, but is beginning to find her feet again.
An overall look of the match
Although the US won 1-0, given the fact that they outshot South Africa 17-3, they'll feel the victory should have been more convincing. With South Africa not having any experience playing against the US, they definitely kept up and challenged the US forwards as their defense was stable. Barker played an amazing game as she only allowed one goal from the 17 shots which were taken.
This game was a significant milestone for US goalkeeper Hope Solo as it marked her 100th shoutout. She made history as she is the first player to achieve this accomplishment.
With this game, both teams have a taste of the competition level that is to be played at as they begin this Olympic tournament in less than a month in Brazil.