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The US Women's National Team continued the victory tour commemorating their World Cup gold medal performance Thursday night, as they took on Trinidad and Tobago.
The Alamodome in San Antonio was packed to see the Americans play, and Carli Lloyd and crew did not disappoint. Before the match, Lloyd was honored for her 200th cap, an extraordinary achievement from June 26 in the World Cup. Lloyd is just the tenth American woman to reach this landmark.
Before today's match, @CarliLloyd was honored for earning her 200th cap back on June 26 during the WWC. pic.twitter.com/lrWoKvCtQx
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) December 11, 2015
At the 22nd minute, Forward Alex Morgan and Trinidad's Forbes had a gruesome collision, as both players were going after the ball. The referee immediately called for a penalty, as both players were eventually able to continue playing in the game. Lloyd was chosen to take the PK, and sank the goal, giving the US a 1-0 lead. This conversion was Lloyd's 79th of her illustrious career.
Morgan & Trinidad's Forbes collide in the air. Morgan ran to sideline, Forbes getting up. Both players getting checked by medical teams.
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) December 11, 2015
And Lloyd converts! Well taken PK into upper corner. That's Carli's 18th goal of the year and 79th of her career. USA 1, TRI 0. 22nd min.
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) December 11, 2015
Today's captain puts the USA up 1-0. #USAvTRI #VictoryTour pic.twitter.com/QyxySPRXpC
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) December 11, 2015
This 1-0 score would carry into halftime, as both teams seemed to be evenly matched through the first 45 minutes. However, the USWNT would prove their superiority over Trinidad during the 2nd half; Morgan would get her revenge on Forbes, giving the Americans a 2-0. Then, some unlikely contributors added to the fun, as Christen Press subbed in and made an immediate impact, recording her first career hat trick, while Lindsey Horan added in her first international goal, to bring give the Americans a 6-0 lead.
PRESS. HAT TRICK. #CP23 #USAvTRI 5-0.
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) December 11, 2015
Congrats, @Lindseyhoran11! First goal with the #USWNT and two assists in tonight's game. pic.twitter.com/N06ekKU267
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) December 11, 2015
One of the predominant storylines during this victory tour has been the retirement of Abby Wambach, possibly the most decorated US Women's soccer player ever. With only three matches remaining in her career, Wambach subbed in to the match in the 76 minute. As she has continuously insisted on doing, Lloyd gave Wambach the captain's band during the remaining minutes in the match, a great sign of respect for a player that has taught Lloyd and their entire team so much.
USA sub 76': Wambach, playing in her final 3 matches for the #USWNT, comes in for Lloyd who passes on the captain's armband to her. #USAvTRI
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) December 11, 2015
The USWNT will continue their victory tour with a tough match on Sunday against China.