Carson, Los Angeles was the site of the last match in the calendar year for the United States of America as they faced Romania for the second time in four days. The result was the same, a resounding win for the USWNT but this time, the Romanians were able to keep the score down to just five goals when the final whistle blew.
The first half sees only two goals
After a goal fest in the first half of the first match, this time around the Romanians seemed more organized and more determined to limit the amount fo chances and goals that they would concede to the USWNT. It took 21 minutes for the home side to break the deadlock after wasting chances earlier on in the half. Crystal Dunn, probably the best player on the night, drove towards the byline before placing a her delivery across the goal line for a teammate to tap in. The ball was turned into the goal but it was done so off of defender Teodora Meluta deflected the ball into her own net. The US were not done and continued to pepper shots on goal at Roxana Oprea but were unable to add to their tally.
Dunn was on hand right at the end of the first half to double the US' lead and get the goal that her first half display deserved. Christen Press received the ball in some space and the striker turned before completing a no-look pass that sent Dunn through on goal. The Washington Spirit forward sent her effort towards goal which then slipped under Oprea to put the US 2-0 going into half time.
The second half continues where the first left off
It was more of the same in the second half as even with substitutions, Alyssa Naeher, in goal for the US this time around, was hardly troubled by any Romanian attacks. The ball remained in the final third of the Romanian half of the field as the US continued to probe for more goals. It was not long before they added to their score line. In the 55th minute, Tobin Heath broke through on goal and instead of shooting, cut the ball back unselfishly to an unmarked Press who finished past the diving Oprea. Heath herself almost got onto the score sheet a few minutes later but could only watch as her shot hit the post before being cleared away by the Romanian defense.
A late flurry of goals ended the game as in the 88th minute, Morgan Brian stepped up to convert a penalty and push the lead to four goals and the last goal of the game came when a short corner found substitute Kelley O'Hara who sent in a great cross for another substitute, Samantha Mewis, to head home.