WINNIPEG, Manitoba — A trio of offensive-minded substitutions weren’t enough to get the United States women’s national soccer team the goal it needed to secure a spot in the knockout round of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
With the U.S. offense looking for some momentum, coach Jillian Ellis inserted forwards Amy Rodriguez (58th minute), Abby Wambach (68th minute) and Alex Morgan (78th minute), but the three were unable to provide much of an extra push.
So the U.S. had to settle for a 0-0 draw with Sweden Friday night at Winnipeg Stadium, leaving a looming match with Nigeria to determine its future in the tournament.
The U.S. back line was certainly much stronger than it was in the opener, when goalkeeper Hope Solo was needed to make several big stops against Australia in what became a 3-1 win for the Americans.
Sweden only got one shot on goal, and it took it three quarters of the game to make it happen — but it was nearly a backbreaker.
In the 76th minute, Ellen Rubensson sent a corner kick in that looked headed for an open net until U.S. defender Meghan Klingenberg managed to get just enough of a head on it to send the ball into the crossbar.
The Americans outshot their opponents 12-8, including 3-1 in shots on goal, taking slight advantages in corner kicks (9-8) and possession (51 percent) as well.
With four points after two games, the United States only needs to draw with Nigeria on Tuesday to secure a spot in the 16-team knockout stage, while a win in that game secures them the top seed in the group. Sweden, with two points, needs a win over Australia to move on.
NOTES: Sweden coach Pia Sundhage coached the U.S. team from 2008-12, leading them to Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012 and the 2011 FIFA World Cup Final. … U.S. F Abby Wambach, who has 182 goals in 243 appearances with the national team, came off the bench after starting in the tournament opener vs. Australia. MF Morgan Brian got the start in her place, with Christian Press moving up from midfield to forward.
Australia 2, Nigeria 0
Kyah Simon scored two goals to lead Australia to a 2-0 victory over Nigeria in a Women’s World Cup group stage game on Friday in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Simon opened the scoring in the 29th minute on an assist from Lisa De Vanna and added an insurance goal in the 68th minute after she took a cross from Samantha Kerr in front of the goal.
Australia finished with five shots on goal to Nigeria’s three. Australian goalkeeper Lydia Williams stopped all three of Nigeria’s shots in the shutout.
The Australians, ranked 10th in the world, rebounded from a 3-1 loss to the second-seeded United States in their opening game in Group D. Nigeria had opened with a 3-3 tie against Sweden.
Switzerland 10, Ecuador 1
In a Group C match, Switzerland rolled to a 10-1 victory over Ecuador in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The Swiss opened a 2-0 lead at halftime on an own goal by Angie Ponce in the 25th minute and Eseosa Aigbogun’s score in first-half stoppage time.
In the second half, the rout was on as Fabienne Humm produced a hat trick in just seven minutes. She scored two minutes in and again two minutes later on a header. Her final goal came in the 51st minute on a cross from Aigbogun.
Switzerland finishes group play against Cameroon. Ecuador closes with defending champion Japan.