By Amelia Hirtle
The final match of the She Believes Cup had a trophy in the line for Iceland and the United States. Iceland sat at the top of the table and were looking to upset the home team.
On paper, this would be the weakest set of opponents for the home team in quite some time. With Andonovski calling up a younger team, there was bound to BE some hiccups along the way. However, players like Sophia Smith, Midge Purce, and Sofia Huerta are already considered to be some of the best in their position in the NWSL and while it may take time for them to gel, a tournament win was expected.
The Americans needed a win to take home the trophy and unfortunately for the visitors, once the home team took control, they did not let up. The goals began in the 37th minute when Catarina Macario fired a shot from outside the penalty box that hit off the pole and bounced into the net. All Sandra Sigurdardottir could do was watch as it went by her.
The goal in the 45th minute was a thing of beauty from Macario. She chipped the ball into the far post over the head of the goalkeeper.
With the scoring begun, the Americans didn’t stop there. In the second half, Mallory Pugh received the ball from Ashley Sanchez and slipped one past the keeper. Fifteen minutes later, a well-executed fast break that involved Macario and Pugh led to another Pugh goal. The final goal on the night came from Kristie Mewis in the 88th minute.
Iceland only needed a draw to win, but the home team were not going to allow that. Along with being SBC champions, Macario was also named MVP of the tournament.
Now, NWSL players will return to their home markets as they ramp up their preseason. Clubs will host and travel to tournaments ahead of the Challenge Cup, which is scheduled to start on Friday March 18th.
