By Amelia Hirtle
The last dance for Carli Lloyd saw an electrifying 6-0 win for the USWNT over Korea Republic in St. Paul Minnesota. Although Lloyd didn’t make the scoresheet, she played just over an hour and had a memorable walk off the pitch as she shed her jersey to reveal another with the last name “Hollins” on the back, in reference to her husband’s name Brian Hollins.
In the previous meeting between these teams, the match ended in a 0-0 draw, with stellar play from Korea Republic keeper Younggeul Yoon. This second game started off quick for the home team. Lindsay Horan was able to get the US on the board first with a shot that was deflected into the net in the 9th minute. Towards the end of the first half, the WNT earned a corner taken by Catarina Macario. Andi Sullivan got her head on the ball first, but the goal was ultimately ruled an own goal as a South Korean player deflected it into the net.
The second half saw more goals for the home team. Megan Rapinoe sent a fantastic ball into Alex Morgan from the outside of her foot. Morgan nutmegged the keeper to put the US up 3-0. Shortly after that, Emily Sonnett, sent a cross in that found Rapinoe who launched a rocket off her left that hit the post and went into the goal to make it 4-0.
The USWNT continued to wreak havoc across the backline of South Korea and Rose Lavelle and Lynn Williams were able to tally a goal each to make the final score 6-0 in favor of the home team.
After the game, Carli Lloyd gave a speech in which she addressed all the fans, friends, family, teammates, and US Soccer staff who have been there for her and the team along the way. Her teammates also gathered in a big group hug, surrounding Lloyd.
USWNT players will now return to their club markets as teams continue to push for the remaining playoff spots.