Alumna scores go-ahead goal for US in 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup win
Senior forward Lauren Cheney dribbled the ball in UCLA’s 2-1 win against USC on Oct. 24, 2008, at the L.A. Coliseum. (Daily Bruin file photo)
By Tanner Walters
July 6, 2015 1:36 a.m.
The United States had already put the game out of reach by the time former UCLA women’s soccer player Lauren Holiday found the back of the net in the 14th minute.
In a rematch against Japan in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup final, the Americans dominated their way to a 5-2 victory, giving the U.S. its first championship since 1999 and its third title overall. The national team, led by former UCLA women’s soccer coach Jill Ellis, went 6-0-1 in the tournament, outscoring its opponents 14-3.
Holiday’s goal during the final match was her first of the World Cup, giving the U.S. a 3-0 lead after back-to-back goals by Carli Lloyd in the third and fifth minutes. Lloyd would follow Holiday’s goal just two minutes later to electrify the American-heavy crowd at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada.
The former Bruin midfielder has been on the national team since 2007, but made her presence known this summer by starting six games and striking her Sunday afternoon volley.
The early onslaught gave the U.S. a comfortable lead, even as Japan seemed to grow stronger as the first half drew to a close. Two goals, while breaking America’s 540 minute shutout streak, were far short of overcoming the deficit.
U.S. forward Sydney Leroux, who graduated from UCLA in 2012, did not play in the final. She made two starts and four total appearances over the course of the World Cup, contributing an assist in group play against Australia.
Compiled by Tanner Walters, Bruin Sports senior staff.
