Colorado’s Mallory Pugh & USWNT host England in must-win match of 2019 SheBelieves Cup

The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) is looking to redeem themselves in game two of the 2019 SheBelieves Cup Tournament against World Cup-bound England today at in Nashville, Tennessee. The U.S. is coming off of a painful tie against Japan, where they gave up two leads in the tourney opener in suburban Philadelphia.

The USWNT has never lost when playing at the home of the NFL Tennessee Titans; however, they are expecting another stiff match-up. Prior to the USA playing Japan, England beat Brazil 2-1 thanks to a highlight-worthy strike by winger Bethany Mead.

USWNT Head Coach Jill Ellis said: “Hopefully people will get behind us and that is a big part of what feeds a team in terms of performance. So I think I would credit, give the assist, to the fan base here in terms of our record here. But it’s a nice city, players had meals on their own last night and were all raving about the restaurants they ate at so it’s just a good feel and a good place to be.”

Team USA midfielder Megan Rapinoe added, “It’s fun just in general to have fans and it’s awesome to have that many people in the crowd but it does help to replicate what you’re going to see at a World Cup and at a world championship where it’s kind of crazy and maybe you can’t hear your coaches. I think it’s a good opportunity to sort of replicate something that has a little bit on the line and kind of a rowdy atmosphere.”

USA vs. England

According to U.S. Soccer, the Lady Yanks are 10-4-1 all-time against England. The last four meetings between the teams have been 1-0 results—three wins for the Lady Yanks and one for the Three Lionesses—including the 2018 SheBelieves Cup finale in Orlando City Stadium. The lone score came when a Megan Rapinoe cross hit off England’s defender Millie Bright. The ball then went off of off-balanced goalkeeper Karen Bardsley and tailed into the side of the net.

In this tournament, England is currently in first place with three points and the U.S is tied with Japan in second place with one point. The SheBelieves Cup will conclude in Tampa next Tuesday when the USA hosts Brazil.

Colorado’s Lindsey Horan and Mallory Pugh

Midfielder and former Colorado Rush star Lindsay Horan has been ruled out of the SheBelieves Cup due to a quadriceps injury. She was in last month’s Team USA camp in Tampa for rehabilitation and is expected to rejoin the team soon.

Ex-Real Colorado forward Mallory Pugh is available and expected to see minutes again in this match. She started the match against Japan and was subbed out in the 75th minute for Christen Press.

Pugh helped get the U.S on the scoreboard in the first half. Her long pass to the right flank found Tobin Health. The midfielder went right for the goal. Health edged past her defender just before the end line, then cut the ball the back to an oncoming Megan Rapinoe who was near the top of the six-yard box. Rapinoe followed through with a right-footed touch shot and scored.

How to Watch

Match Date/Time: Saturday, March 2nd at 2:30 p.m. MT

Venue: Nissan Stadium- Nashville, Tennessee

Live on TV: FS1

Check local viewing events hosted by your local @AmericanOutLaws chapters:

• @AOColorado (Denver)
• @AOSprings (Colorado Springs)

Denver’s Jordan Angeli will be at the match. Keep an eye on her Twitter @JordanAngeli for updates and behind-the-scenes looks.