March 7, 2001
RIETI, Italy - [Associated Press]
Silvia Tagliacarne scored in the 87th minute Tuesday to lead the Italian women's team over the United States 1-0 in an exhibition game.
The world champion United States, which didn't take a shot in the first half and was outshot 13-6 overall, sent a roster filled with young players because most veterans are preparing for next month's start of the WUSA, the new U.S. women's league.
Italy is training for the European Women's Championships in June.
"In the first half, we played with fear. In the second half we played with courage and risk-taking with the ball at our feet," U.S. coach April Heinrichs said. "More players were willing to pass the ball forward. Everyone responded to this change and we created more chances in the second half."
Eight Americans made their first international appearances: defender Ally Marquand and forward Stephanie Rigamat started, along with midfielders Devvyn Hawkins, Joanna Lohman and Marcie Ward. Midfielders Lori Chalupny and Sara Randolph were substitutes along with forward Laura Schott.
Schott left the game in stoppage time after colliding with an Italian defender.
The U.S. team next goes to the Algarve Cup in Portugal for games against Canada (March 11), Portugal (March 13) and Sweden (March 15).