Lloyd’s goal, another Solo shutout lift U.S. women

Associated Press

OTTAWA, Ontario

Carli Lloyd finally was able to express her creativity on field.

Aided by tweaks in the lineup, the 32-year-old midfielder was able to roam more Friday night, scoring for the United States in a 1-0 victory over China that sent the Americans to the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup against Germany.

“These are the moments I live for,” she said of her goal on a 51st-minute header. “Having the freedom to attack and do what I do best enabled me to create some chances. Just overall so happy we got the win — and on to the semifinal.”

Hope Solo had her fourth straight shutout for the second-ranked United States, which has reached the final four of all seven Women’s World Cups but has not won since beating China on penalty kicks for the 1999 title at the Rose Bowl.

Seeking their third world championship, the Americans have not allowed a goal in 423 minutes since this year’s tournament opener against Australia. Solo set a record for a U.S. goalkeeper with her 134th win, passing Briana Scurry.

The U.S. plays top-ranked Germany, the 2003 and ’07 champion, on Tuesday in Montreal.

Despite missing midfielders Megan Rapinoe and Lauren Holiday, who were suspended for yellow card accumulation, the U.S. managed a more attacking attitude and extended its unbeaten streak against China to 25 matches dating to 2003.

“I think it was a highly energized performance,” U.S. coach Jill Ellis said. “I thought we took care of the ball well, still created a lot of opportunities. So, yeah, we’re really pleased.”

Morgan Brian replaced Holiday in the middle with Lloyd, with Tobin Heath and Kelley O’Hara — making her first start since March — the flanks. Amy Rodriguez started up top with Alex Morgan, injecting more pace, while 35-year-old Abby Wambach, the record-holder for goals in women’s international soccer, did not enter until the 86th minute.

The move to put Morgan in the middle allowed Lloyd to move up, giving her more room to roam and be creative.

Wearing the captain’s armband, Lloyd got the breakthrough with her 65th goal in 200 international appearances. Julie Johnston lofted a long ball into the penalty area and Lloyd met it with her head 10 yards from the goal line and bounced the ball off the artificial turf and past goalkeeper Fei Wang.

Germany DEFEATS France

MONTREAL

Celia Sasic tied the score with an 84th minute, Nadine Angerer stopped Claire Lavogez in the final attempt of a shootout and Germany beat France 5-4 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 tie Friday night to reach the Women’s World Cup semifinals.