A record-setting crowd for a soccer game in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania witnessed the United States Women's National Team beat Costa Rica
44,028 people was what organizers said to be the attendance to the game at Heinz Field, the home of the NFL Pittsburgh Steelers. Most fans brought the "terrible towels" to the game, an iconic piece used by the fans that support the football team in that stadium. The USWNT brought the goals and plenty of them.
The
Thanks to @SteelCityAO for being great hosts. Here's their tifo: "@meghankling - The New Steel Curtain". #USWNT pic.twitter.com/2kwTyFVX5X
— The American Outlaws (@AmericanOutlaws) August 16, 2015
Heather O'Reilly got things started in the fourth minute of the game. 25 minutes later, after a couple of missed opportunities by the home team, Christen Press scored her first out of three goals of the night. Julie Johnston opened the gap even more with the third goal for the USWNT in the 37th minute. Just before halftime, Press would score her second goal of the game pushing a header from Shannon Box.
A fan-favorite, Hope Solo, came in on the second half. In the first 45 minutes, Ellis had decided to give Ashlyn Harris a chance as a starter. Solo would keep a clean sheet just like she did in most of the World Cup games.
Carli Lloyd, mostly remembered for her hat-trick in the World Cup final, did play but could not find the back of the net throughout the game. She had three
The USWNT did not go easy on Costa Rica during the second half. They kept the pressure going and ten minutes into the second half, Megan Klingenberg scored the fifth goal as the terrible towels were waved around the stadium. O'Reilly got her second game of the match moments later. Abby Wambach, who got in during the second half assisted Whitney Engen for a 7-0 lead with almost 30 minutes still left to play.
This was one of the most memorable moments of the day
Pittsburgh native @ussoccer_wnt @meghankling scores a goal & celebrates in front of her hometown crowd at Heinz Field pic.twitter.com/o1qhpYQzS1
— Jared Wickerham (@WickPhoto) August 16, 2015
Thank you Pittsburgh for one of the best days ever
— Meghan Klingenberg (@meghankling) August 17, 2015
Lloyd's hat-trick was then replicated by Press who got the assist by O'Reilly in what was a masterful counter-attack by the home side. 67 minutes into the game, the score was settled to 8-0 and it would not move afterward.
Now, there will be a rematch in just a few days. Both teams will now travel to Chattanooga for the second game of the tour against the same rival on Wednesday.
Press and the USWNT showed no mercy
There is no mercy rule on the #VictoryTour To wit, Christen Press just completed her hat trick. #USWNT lead 8-0 http://t.co/dGa3DrLCOg
— Howler Magazine (@whatahowler) August 16, 2015