Horan celebrates 100th cap in USWNT’s goalless draw with Korea Republic

The U.S. Women’s National Team played to a scoreless draw against Korea Republic in Kansas City on Thursday. Lindsey Horan celebrated her 100th cap for the United States Women’s National Team in the U.S.’s... Horan made her 100th appearance during the Tokyo Olympics in a 6-1 victory over New Zealand. The Thorns midfielder scored against the Kiwis in that match. She made her 105th appearance tonight.

Carli Lloyd announced before the match on Instagram that she would pass the USWNT’s No. 10 shirt to Horan after Lloyd’s final international match on Oct. 26. Lloyd wrote, “Seems fitting as we celebrate your (100th) cap to also pass the (#10) to you @lindseyhoran. Could not be more proud of the player you have become and the player you continue to push yourself to be. You are an amazing human being. Never change.”

“I am so honored to pass the (10) to you when I say goodbye on 10/26,” Lloyd continued. “Wear it with pride every second you take the field. I will always be with you. I’ll be your biggest fan forever! Love ya my friend.”

The U.S. dominated the ball throughout the first half. In the early stages, the USWNT was able to find Alex Morgan in the final third but she was often isolated. The first real chance of the match came from the individual skill of Horan in the 13th minute. Tobin Heath passed it to Horan at the top of the 18-yard box. Horan cut inside on her left foot and curled it toward the bottom corner but it hit off the post.

Horan had another chance to open the scoring in the 19th minute. Kelley O’Hara crossed to Horan, who drifted in between two Korean defenders. She headed the ball down and the keeper dealt with it.

One minute later, Heath played Morgan through on goal. Yoon Young-Geul made a great save to deny the U.S. forward. Morgan won the ball back off a defender and the ball bounced to Megan Rapinoe. She shot from a tight angle and it was saved.

Korea Republic forced Adrianna Franch into a save in the 35th minute. The U.S. dominated and had the better chances but they were unable to break down the organized Korean defense in the first half.

Sophia Smith came in as part of a triple substitution to start the second half that saw Kristie Mewis and Mallory Pugh also enter the match. Rose Lavelle and Mewis combined for the first chance of the second half. Lavelle drove up the middle and spread it wide to Mewis, who cut in on her right foot and launched just over the bar.

In the 57th minute, Pugh swung a corner to the head of Lavelle, who drove it toward the bottom corner of the goal but the keeper made another impressive save. Smith was dangerous throughout the second half, displaying her delicate touch and her ability to turn out of pressure and run at defenders.

Substitute Carli Lloyd was the recipient after a wonderful move in the 77th minute. She shot but Yoon was able to make the save again. Smith continued to terrorize the Korean defense but the defenders were able to make crucial interventions to keep the U.S. off the score sheet.

The USWNT will take on Korea Republic again on Tuesday, Oct. 26. The match will kick off at 5 p.m. PST in St. Paul, MN.