USWNST overcomes adversity late in second period to get a draw with Netherlands 1-1

The U.S. Women's national soccer team's quest for a third consecutive World Cup started on Wednesday against the Netherlands. All they needed to do was win and they would be in the driver seat for the knockout round. At the start of the game the pace of the game was very fast paced, which was in favor of Team USA. Team USA had two on the goal shots but couldn't get the ball in the net.

The Dutch drew first blood in the 17th minute as Jill Roord hit an inside goal to take their first lead of the game. After the goal, it seemed like the confidence level of the U.S. decreased and they were playing a little uptight as they continued to force the issue instead of letting the game come to them. Team USA walked into half down 1-0.

The theme for the second period for Team USA was to get back to their identity and not rush their shots. Team USA did a much better job with getting into their offensive play calling and breaking the second wave of the Netherlands' defense, but the Netherlands' defense was very impressive. Each time you thought the U.S. would break away and score a goal, the Netherlands would stop a breakaway goal or take away their lanes from scoring.

Team USA finally scored their first goal off a corner kick to tie the game up at the 64-minute mark. That goal was what Team US needed. It seemed like their confidence grew and they started becoming the aggressor. Team USA had their chances with corner set ups late in the match, but again could not get the ball inside the net.

With the tie, the U.S. will have to get a victory next Tuesday against Portugal to advance to the knockout round.