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The U.S. Women’s National Team concludes its three-game World Cup send-off series today when it takes on Korea Republic. The match—taking place at Red Bull Arena in front of what is expected to be a sellout crowd of over 25,000 fans—kicks off at 1:30 p.m. PT and will air on ESPN and WatchESPN.
The USWNT, currently sitting at second behind Germany in FIFA’s world rankings, has dominated the series against the Korea Republic, holding a 7-0-1 record and outscoring their opponents 31-3. This includes a 5-1 defeat in 2013 during which Abby Wambach scored four goals. The U.S. is also coming off a 5-0 win against Mexico. While they got a slow start in the first half, the USWNT powered in four second-half goals, including two for Sydney Leroux.
But don’t expect this match to be a walk in the park. Korea—currently 18th in the FIFA women’s rankings—is also preparing for World Cup action, as they will play in a tough Group E along with Brazil, Spain, and Costa Rica. This is a team that knows how to find the back of the net.
Keep an eye on forward Ji So-Yun, who has scored 38 international goals in her 74 national team caps. She also scored nine goals in 19 appearances with Chelsea this season, and was named the 2015 Players’ Player of the Year by the Professional Footballers’ Association, an award given to the player who is voted to have been the best of the year in English women's football. Kim Little won the award in 2013 when she played with Arsenal.
So-Yun’s partner up front, Park Eunsun, is also dangerous. She was the leading scorer during World Cup qualification, notching six goals. Both forwards are the team’s only players to play outside of South Korea.
This is the final USWNT match before they depart for Canada, where they face 10th-ranked Australia on June 8 in their first World Cup Group Stage match. Following this, the U.S. take on Sweden (ranked 5th) on June 12 and Nigeria (33rd) on June 16 in Vancouver.
How to Watch
WHO: USWNT vs Korea Republic
WHEN: 1:30 p.m. PT
WHERE: Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New Jersey
HOW: ESPN, WatchESPN, Univision Deportes (delayed, 6 p.m. PT start)
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