On Tuesday, July 2nd, 2019, fans from all across the world gathered in Lyon, France to witness the 2019 World Cup Semi Final game between the USA and England. 

As over 53,000 fans filled the stadium, they were shocked to find leading goal scorer, Megan Rapinoe, on the bench, sitting out of warm ups. Rapinoe’s reported hamstring injury left her out of the semi-final game, leaving Stanford grad Christen Press to take her place. 

Nearly 10 minutes into the match, Press made a strong starting debut with a scoring header off of Kelley O’Hara’s cross. Press proved a refreshing swap and has continued the USWNT’s streak of scoring within the first 15 minutes of every game. 

However, her goal was quickly countered by England’s Ellen White’s low finish, exposing some holes in the US’s central defense.

Alex Morgan celebrated more than just her 30th birthday during the match. Her beautiful, game-winning header marks her first goal since her incredible 5 goals in the team’s first game against Thailand, where they dominated the game 13-0. 

Aside from her goal, Morgan acted as more of a distraction attracting England’s defenders and allowing wingers Tobin Heath and Press to create space and opportunities at goal. However, Morgan did attract some attention with her post goal celebration, where she attempted to one-up Rapinoe’s celebratory moves and troll England by “sipping on tea”. 

With one minute left on the clock, US goalkeeper, Alyssa Naeher miraculously saved England’s Steph Houghton’s penalty kick. 

The game was everything you’d expect from these two amazing teams, with penalty kicks, red cards, recalled goals, and intense fans who brought the stadium to life.