About 9,000 fans were in Cleveland Browns Stadium Saturday to cheer for the U.S. women. The contest was the first of six warmup games the United States is hosting before heading to China for the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup.
While both teams appeared tentative in the first half, the game opened up in the remaining 45 minutes. The United States had more chances at the net. Captain Kristine Lilly set up the game's opening score as forward Abby Wambach headed in a shot in the 67th minute.
Wambach followed with a sliding header off a corner kick in the 88th minute. U.S. coach Greg Ryan was impressed with Wambach's effort.
"She's just solid. She is like, 'OK, I am going to find a way [to score]. And you could see that determination in her play tonight. In the end she found a way to put two away [score twice]. But I think that's what separates her from the other forwards in the world. It is just that passion, determination and commitment to drive into the box and score goals," said Wambach.
The U.S. women face four more teams that will be playing in the World Cup, including Brazil, North Korea, Japan and New Zealand. Finland will be the final opponent for the United States before the World Cup.
