Nike Friendlies: U.S. U20 WNT tops China

by Travis Clark

December 10, 2018

A second-half goal from Isabella Cook led the U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Team to a 1-0 win against China at the Women’s Nike International Friendlies.

Cook tallied in the 51st minute, when a Rebecca Jarrett cross was deflected to the feet of Alexa Spaanstra in the box. Spaanstra showed quick thinking from just outside the six-yard box, slotting a quick ball to Cook, who lashed home from close range for what would be the game’s only goal.

There it is! Isabella Cook slams it home in the 51st minute! 🇺🇸 leads 🇨🇳 1-0. pic.twitter.com/WbLG4R6dOY
— U.S. Soccer YNT (@ussoccer_ynt) December 10, 2018

From the opening whistle, the U.S. started out on the front foot, creating early chances. Center back Maycee Bell missed from a corner kick to put the U.S. out in front. In the fifth minute, she followed up a blocked shot by firing just wide of the China goal. Two minutes later, Brianna Pinto hit the crossbar, and Alexa Spaanstra was unable to control the rebound.

China looked to capitalize off its chances towards the tail end of the first half. A sliding challenge from Bell denied China a good look in the 41st minute from the top of the penalty box.

Jarrett nearly put the U.S. up in first-half stoppage time. The Virginia winger was played into space down the right channel on a counter attack by Samantha Kroeger. She took a couple of touches and fired a shot that was parried away by China goalkeeper Shu Mengdi.

Chasing the game, China dialed up the pressure over the course of the final 10 minutes, but the U.S. defense held firm to secure the win.

U.S. lineup: Hensley Hancuff; Bri Martinez (Natalie Maurer), Tori Hansen, Maycee Bell, Elaine Rouse (Abby Allen); Brianna Pinto (Sydney Simmons), Emily Gray, Isabella Cook (Coriana Dyke), Alexa Spaanstra (Jaelyn Eisenhart); Rebecca Jarrett (Reilyn Turner), Sam Kroeger