USWNT beats Sweden, will face Spain in Round of 16 on Monday

The United States Women’s National Team passed their biggest test yet in the World Cup with a 2-0 win over Sweden on Thursday to finish top of the group with three wins out of three and set up a Monday Round of 16 showdown with Spain.

Lindsey Horan was sensational on the day, giving Team USA a lead in the third minute with a finish off a Sam Mewis near post flick and created countless chances with her passing through the midfield. She set up Carli Lloyd for what would have been her seventh straight World Cup game with a goal late but Lloyd’s chance was turned away by Swedish keeper Hedvig Lindahl.

Tobin Heath was up to Tobin Heath things as well and doubled the lead in the 50th minute with a tight angle strike that was ruled an own goal.

The U.S. finished group F play with a record-setting plus 18 goal differential and did not allow a goal in the the three games. Sweden finished second and will take on Canada on Monday. The U.S. play at 11 a.m.

Cameroon and Nigeria grabbed the last two third place spots, giving Africa two teams in the knockout stage for the first time.

Matthew Ralph

Matthew Ralph is the managing editor of Philadelphia Soccer Now. He's covered soccer at all levels for a decade in the Philadelphia region and has also written for TheCup.us, NPSL, PrepSoccer and other publications. He lives with his wife and two young children in Broomall, Pa., but grew up in South Jersey and is originally from Kansas.

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