On Sunday, March 8th, I traveled to Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ to capture the 2020 SheBelieves Cup. It only seemed fitting that a tournament that embraces women in powerful roles, creating changes in their communities, would play on International Women’s Day.
It was an awesome experience to be surrounded by women and girls of all nationalities, supporting and cheering for each other, while others standing in a unique position of being pioneers in their industries representing the game. I had a great view to take in games and would like for you to join me on the sidelines through this pictorial.
The SheBelieves Cup stands on a podium for the players to view, while the crest for the US Women’s National Team creates the perfect backdrop.
Japan vs England:
Team England huddles before the game for last minute words from their Captain, Steph Houghton.
Keria Walsh (England) slides into the ball surrounded by a trifecta on players from Japan, Narumi Miura, Mina Tanaka, Mana Iwabuchi.
Jorob Nobbs (England), stays focused on the ball as Hina Sugita (Japan), applies pressure to her with her arm in her back.
Rachel Daly reacts to a missed block on Mana Iwabuchi (Japan) allowing her take take a shot on goal.
Ellie Roebuck makes a great save as she lands awkwardly on the pitch.
Hina Sugita, Emi Nakajima and Mana Tanaka chase down Nikita Parris (England) as she makes her way down the field towards the goal.
Chloe Kelly (England) blocks Shioti Shimizu (Japan) as she tried to keep the ball in bounds.
Ellen White (England) shows her frustration after taking a shot against Sakiko Ikeda (Japan) who holds the ball.
Perfect form on a strike, from Demi Stokes (England) sending the ball towards her teammates.
Yuka Momika(Japan) along with a teammate, try to stop Lauren Hemp (England) from connecting a pass on the sideline.
Emi Nakajima (Japan) watches Keira Walsh with the ball, Midfielder, Jordan Nobbs is between them.
Shiori Miyake from Japan tries to save the ball from going out of bounds with a slide tackle.
Ellen White celebrates her goal with her signature “goggles” before being hugged by her teammates. She does this to as a nod to her love of striker Anthony Modeste (Bundesliga and Cologne).
USA vs Spain:
Crystal Dunn waves to the crowd, saluting them for supporting her, while she is presented with her Jersey cementing her accomplishment of 100 Caps with the USWNT.
US Soccer President, Carlos Cordeiro, applauds Crystal Dunn upon the announcement of her 100th Cap with the USWNT. Crystal reacts as the crowd celebrates with her.
Crystal Dunn and her husband, Pierre Soubrier, celebrate her 100th Cap in the beginning of the game.
Spain looks to alert the referees of a penalty, Carli Lloyd plays to the whistle and keeps going towards the goal.
A strong challenge by Crystal Dunn (USA) towards Marta Corredera, trying to intercept her pass.
Julie Ertz reacts to the call by referee while Megan Rapinoe slows down her play to restart the game.
A battle in the air between Lindsey Horan (USA) and Alexia Putellas (Spain) to win the ball on the attacking side of the USA.
Carli Lloyd (USA), is tackled by Irene Paredes (Spain) as the tries to move the ball up the field.
Focus, concentration, skill are all highlighted with Megan Rapinoe’s a beautiful corner kick in the 2nd half.
Emily Sonnett (USA) takes a shot on goal with Ona Batlle (Spain) attempting to block her.
Jennifer Hermoso, Alexia Puttellas, Virginia Torrecilla, from Spain, surround Julie Ertz (USA) as she clears the ball with finesse and power.
Players from both teams had moments of frustration with the officials during the game.
Julie Ertz (USA) head the ball into the net for the only goal of the match again Spain.
Goalie, Sandra Panos, Spain’s goalkeeper stretches out to try and stop Julie Ert’s goal.
Crystal Dunn jumps into Julie Ertz’s arms celebrating Julie’s goal.
Julie Ertz celebrates her game winning goal with her teammates, bringing them closer to winning the cup.
Want to watch the final? Here is the information from the US Soccer webpage:
The final two games will be played on Wednesday, March 11 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, home of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, as England takes on Spain (4:15 p.m. CT) and the USA plays Japan (7 p.m. CT on ESPNews & TUDN).
What amazing shots!
+1
You got the game winner with both the stake and the ball still in the frame!
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Nicely done!
Great capture of Ertz’s goal!