1. CONTACT
Drew A. Bowman
(704) 223-7347
dabowman@ncsu.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 5, 2015
Early Heroics Lead United States to World Cup Title
The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) opened the 2015 Women’s World
Cup Title match, against Japan, with an historic onslaught of scoring. Motivated USWNT
players were quicker to the ball from the opening whistle scoring four goals in the
opening sixteen minutes. The United States took control of the title match in Vancouver,
Canada on Sunday afternoon and never looked back. The 5-2 victory over Japan ended a
16-year FIFA Women’s World Cup drought for the United States. This also avenged a
loss to Japan in the 2011 World Cup final in astonishing fashion. As many Americans
were celebrating Independence Day weekend, the USWNT saved the best fireworks for
last.
It’s nearly unimaginable that a first-half hat-trick would lift the Stars and Stripes to their
third women’s international title, most in women’s FIFA history. The United States had
been commended for great defensive play not surrendering a goal in the last 539 minutes,
six seconds from a FIFA record. However, had faced criticism for lackluster offensive
performance most of the tournament. Carli Lloyd and the United States offense exploded
to shock the world. 2:35 into the first half, a Megan Rapinoe pass found Carli Lloyd who
scored her first of three goals from near the penalty spot. The dominate United States
crowd celebrated, incredibly it was about to get even better for the Stars and Stripes. 4:30
into the game, a low free-kick from Lauren Holiday found its way to Lloyd who applied
the finishing touch from close range. Suddenly, the USA was up 2-0 inside of five
minutes and Lloyd had scored the two fastest goals in Women’s World Cup Final history.
When Japan’s central defender Azusa Iwashimizu failed to deal with a Tobin Heath
delivery, Holiday latched onto the loose ball to volley home a third goal 13:40 into the
game making the score 3-0. Less than fourteen minutes had elapsed but USA already had
one hand on the trophy and Japan looked devastated. At 15:03, the contest was
effectively ended as Lloyd completed her hat-trick with a goal that looked to be from the
latest edition of EA Sport’s FIFA World Cup video game. Collecting the ball inside her
own half, Lloyd advanced before unleashing a high shot from the halfway line over the
head of Ayumi Kaihori. This 50-plus yard goal may be the most incredible of all-time.
The half ended with the score 4-0 much to the delight of United States fans
internationally. The United States eventually cruised to a comfortable 5-2 victory. This
victory is one of the most incredible in United States soccer history and will be replayed
by millions of females worldwide who have come to see these women as heroes. It’s
moments like this that truly bring out the greatness of sports and show just how gifted
these athletes really are. For the USWNT, it was an opportunity to represent their country
in grand fashion. USWNT head coach Jill Ellis (former NC State assistant) quotes, “After
15 minutes, I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. We wanted to put
them under pressure right from the start, and everything fell into place perfectly. To be
honest, I couldn’t really have imagined things turning out better. However, I did know
that my players were capable of doing something exceptional. That’s what they were

2. CONTACT
Drew A. Bowman
(704) 223-7347
dabowman@ncsu.edu
born to do. The greater the pressure on their shoulders, the more they perform at a higher
level. My backroom staff also did a fantastic job. We have a lot of respect for Japan, but
tonight we were completely focused and were able to adapt our style of play perfectly.”
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