Americans begin victory tour with laugher in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH — Former Stanford forward Christen Press scored three goals Sunday to power the United States to an 8-0 exhibition romp over Costa Rica in its first game since winning the Women’s World Cup in Canada last month.
The game marked the opening of a 10-game tour by the Americans and was played before a crowd of 44,028 at Heinz Field — the largest to see a soccer game Pittsburgh.
“I personally felt this victory tour was the beginning of a new journey,” Press said. “I think the World Cup, for me, was an eye-opener on how great our team can be, and also, that I need to get to the next level. That I need to keep pushing myself and not be satisfied with where I am.”
Meghan Klingenberg grew up in Pittsburgh and rewarded her hometown fans with a goal to the give the Americans a 5-0 lead in the 55th minute. She ran to the U.S. bench to grab a Terrible Towel — a more common sight at Steelers games — and waved it at midfield.
Heather O’Reilly added two goals, with the other scores coming from Julie Johnston of Santa Clara and Whitney Engen.
Press was one of Sunday’s six starters who did not start in the World Cup final July 5, when the U.S. beat Japan 5-2 for the title. Former Cal forward Alex Morgan did not play, having undergone minor knee surgery following the World Cup. Goalkeeper Hope Solo and forward Abby Wambach entered in the second half.