England Women Under-20s Clinch Victory in the USA Tournament after a Penalty Shootout

England Women Under-20s clinched a mini-tournament title in the USA, edging past Colombia in a penalty shootout after an exciting goalless draw.

The result meant England clinched the mini-tournament after their 1-1 draw with the USA last week and Colombia’s 1-0 victory over the American hosts on Sunday.

At the US Soccer’s new national training center in Georgia, Princess Ademiluyi had her curling shot denied by Colombian goalkeeper Sophia Quiroga. Lucy Newell came close after pouncing on a loose ball, firing just wide, while Vera Jones nearly surprised the keeper with a dangerous corner kick.

Colombia’s best opportunity came midway through the opening half, but Katie Cox produced an impressive one-on-one save to preserve the deadlock.

In the second half Newell’s perfectly weighted pass released Ademiluyi, whose effort from a tight angle was tipped over the bar.

Rachel Maltby fired home from a clever free-kick routine, only for the referee to disallow the goal for a foul. Moments later, Lola Brown came within inches of a stunning opener as her long-range free-kick crashed back off the post.

Colombia managed to hold on and force a penalty shootout, but Cox stole the spotlight, saving the opening spot-kick before England scored through Laila Harbert, Lexi Potter, Rachel Maltby, Jessie Gale, and Eva Hendle. Cox then made her second save of the shootout to clinch a 5-4 win.

The Young Lionesses wrapped up a successful three-match camp in the USA, heading into the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup later this year full of confidence. England kicks off their campaign against Canada on Saturday, 5 September at 5pm BST in Bielsko-Biala.

Source – englandfootball.com