SANTA MONICA – The USWNT took on New Zealand for the first of two friendlies on Friday, defeating them 3-1. The big standout of the game was Julie Ertz. The 25-year-old midfielder who plays for the USWNT and the Chicago Red Stars, helped to get the US women started out on the right foot.
Just 16 minutes into the game, Ertz really got the ball rolling. After receiving the ball from down the field, Lindsey Horan headed the ball and Ertz easily redirected it into the back of the net, giving the USWNT a 1-0 lead over New Zealand.
However, that was just the beginning for Ertz. Just 8 minutes later, she slammed the ball into the goal once again, putting the USWNT up 2-0. New Zealand went on to score 1 goal in the second half. Alex Morgan answered for the USWNT, scoring a goal of her own and making the final score, 3-1.
However, the real story here is Ertz, who has continued to impress. Ertz played collegiate soccer at Santa Clara and has continually been proving herself. She was drafted third overall in 2014. Then, at 23 years of age, she then went on to play for the USWNT in the FIFA Woman’s World Cup tournament in 2015. Ertz was the second youngest player on the team and by the end of the tournament, she was named to the FIFA Woman’s World Cup All Star Team.
See Ertz in action on September 23rd when the Chicago Red Stars play Houston Dash.
Julie Ertz scored two goals for the USWNT within 8 minutes. Photo by: Brad Smith
Photos by ISI.
