COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – It was a good night for former Santa Clara women's soccer players in the U.S. Women's National Team's 3-1 victory over New Zealand Friday night in a friendly.
Three-time First Team All-American Julie Ertz, who was named the Budweiser Woman of the Match, scored a pair of goals for the Americans in the first half and Sofia Huerta, a two-time Third Team All-American, picked up an assist in her first cap after being awarded a one-time change of national association earlier in the week.
Ertz's goals came in the 16th and 24th minutes and gave her 11 for her international career. The goal in the 16th came from close range after some nice passing from her teammates. In the 24th, a shot by Megan Rapinoe hit the post but Ertz was there for the rebound. It was the second time in her U.S. career she has scored two goals in a game. The other was April 6, 2016 against Colombia.
Ertz is also just the 54th American player to earn 50 or more caps. She earned her 52nd tonight.
Huerta entered in the 51st minute for Taylor Smith and became the 16th player from Santa Clara to earn a cap for the U.S. WNT and the first from the state of Idaho.
After New Zealand was able to get within 2-1 in the 75th and put the result in question, Huerta, playing right back, showed why the U.S. wanted her when she sent a long cross to the left side of the field for Alex Morgan who found the back of the net.
The U.S. plays another friendly against New Zealand Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. Pacific in Cincinnati.
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