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SheBelieves Cup: USA women reclaim title as Karen Bardsley's own goal sinks England

Thursday, 8 March 2018, 14:30 Last update: about 7 years ago
United States midfielder Carli Lloyd, center, hoists the championship trophy with teammates after defeating England, 1-0, to win the SheBelieves Cup women's soccer tournament Wednesday, March 7, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
United States midfielder Carli Lloyd, center, hoists the championship trophy with teammates after defeating England, 1-0, to win the SheBelieves Cup women's soccer tournament Wednesday, March 7, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

The U.S. women's national team beat England 1-0 on Wednesday night to win the SheBelieves Cup tournament.

In the earlier game at Orlando City Stadium, sixth-ranked France topped No. 2 Germany 3-0.

England forward Fran Kirby (10) and United States midfielder Allie Long (20) battle for the ball during the second half of a SheBelieves Cup women's soccer match Wednesday, March 7, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. The United States won 1-0. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

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The United States finished atop the table at 2-0-1 while England was second at 1-1-1, ahead of defending champion France (1-1-1) on goal differential. Germany finished last at 0-2-1.

The top-ranked U.S. team beat third-ranked England on an own goal that came off of a cross from Megan Rapinoe in the 60th minute.

England's Millie Bright (6), Toni Duggan (11) and Ellen White (18) and United States midfielder Morgan Brian (6), right, react after England missed a shot on goal during the second half of a SheBelieves Cup women's soccer match Wednesday, March 7, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. The United States won 1-0. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

 

Before the match at Orlando City Stadium, there was a moving moment of silence for the 17 victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. The team invited the family of victim Alyssa Alhadeff, as well as her club and school teams. The guests all received special jerseys with Alhadeff's name and number on them.

Carli Lloyd started the game for her 250th appearance for the national team, moving her up to sixth on the career list.

England midfielder Izzy Christiansen (16) attempts a shot as United States midfielder Carli Lloyd defends during the second half of a SheBelieves Cup women's soccer match Wednesday, March 7, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. The United States won 1-0. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

 

The Americans were without several key players for the three-city tournament, including veteran defender Becky Sauerbrunn, who is recovering from a foot injury, and midfielder Tobin Heath, who had ankle surgery. Defender Julie Ertz was rested for the final match by coach Jill Ellis. All three were on the 2015 World Cup-winning team.

The United States played to a 1-1 draw with sixth-ranked France at Red Bull Stadium on Sunday after a 1-0 victory over No. 2 Germany in the tournament opener in Columbus, Ohio, on Thursday.

United States forward Alex Morgan (13) heads the ball in front of England defender Demi Stokes (3) during the second half of a SheBelieves Cup women's soccer match Wednesday, March 7, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. The United States won 1-0. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

 

England won its opener over France 4-1 before playing to a 2-2 draw with Germany. U.S. England is coached by former Manchester United defender Phil Neville after the dismissal of coach Mark Sampson last year.

All four teams are preparing for next year's World Cup in France. France already qualified for the tournament as hosts, while the defending champion United States will attempt to qualify this fall.

 

France's goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi (16) grabs a ball in front of Germany's Alexandra Popp (11) as France's Amel Majri (7) and Laura Georges (4) help defend during the second half of a SheBelieves Cup women's soccer match Wednesday, March 7, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. France won 3-0. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

 

France wraps up SheBelieves Cup with 3-0 win over Germany

Amandine Henry, Eugenie Le Sommer and Valerie Gauvin scored and France wrapped up the SheBelieves Cup with a 3-0 victory over Germany on Wednesday.

The victory was the first for France in the tournament after falling 4-1 to England and drawing 1-1 with the U.S women. But it was costly, with defender Aissatou Tounkara stretchered off at the end of the first half with what appeared to be a serious leg injury.

France's Marion Torrent (17) blocks a kick by Germany's Sara Daebritz (13) in front of the net during the second half of a SheBelieves Cup women's soccer match Wednesday, March 7, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. France won 3-0. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

 

Henry scored in the 10th minute. Le Sommer scored her 66th international goal in the 55th minute to give France a 2-0 lead before Gauvin's goal in the 68th.

France, ranked No. 6 in the world, started veteran Sarah Bouhaddi for her 129th appearance in goal for the national team.

Germany's Verena Faisst (17) controls the ball in front of France's Kadidiatou Diani (20) during the second half of a SheBelieves Cup women's soccer match Wednesday, March 7, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. France won 3-0. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

 

The French are playing under coach Corinne Diacre, a former national team defender, as they prepare for the 2019 World Cup on home soil.

Germany fell 1-0 to the United States in the opening match of the She Believes Cup on Thursday in Columbus, Ohio, then played to a 2-2 draw with England in the second match at Red Bull Arena.

Ranked No. 2 in the world, Germany won gold at the 2016 Olympics. Afterward, longtime coach Silvia Neid stepped down and was replaced by former national team defender Steffi Jones.

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