CARSON, Calif. (September 23, 2007) — The U.S. Under-15 Girls’ National Team finished out the 2007 Women’s Nike Friendlies in style, winning 1-0 against Crossfire on the “Mooch” Field at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Natalie Ledezma put in a fine individual effort to score the game-winning goal in the 57th minute, ensuring that the U-15’s would finish the weekend with an unbeaten 1-0-2 record.

The U.S. dominated on the stat sheet, putting 16 shots on frame while goalkeeper Erin Dees had to turn aside only three to give the U-15’s their second shutout of the Friendlies.

The first half remained relatively even throughout, both teams displaying good organization and ball movement. While the U.S. was able to create more chances at goal, neither goalkeeper felt threatened before the first interval.

The U.S. attack turned up the heat in the second half, and 11 minutes Ledezman provided all the scoring the U-15’s would need. Collecting the ball 30 yards from goal, she embarked on a mazy solo run towards the area. Nicely cutting behind her marker, she let go a low strike that skidded under Crossfire goalkeeper Kenisha Macklin.

Keeping up the pressure, the U-15’s nearly doubled their lead two minutes later when a corner kick delivered into the penalty area found the foot of Kaitlyn Kerr. The Bensalem, Penn., native let loose a low volley that couldn’t find its way through traffic. Kerr had another good look at goal ten minutes later, this time denied by a diving save from Macklin.

The U.S. defense held firm throughout the second half, not surrendering a single shot on goal. The effort capped a fine performance for the weekend, the group having collected two shutouts from three matches.

Match-up: U.S. U-15 Girls’ National Team vs. U-17 Crossfire
Competition: 2007 Women’s Nike Friendlies
Venue: Home Depot Center - Carson, California
Date: Sept. 23, 2007; Kickoff – 8 a.m. PT
Weather: Sunny, 68 degrees

Scoring Summary:    1    2    F
USA U-15                     0    1    1
U-17 Crossfire            0    0    0

USA – Natalia Ledezma 52th minute.

Lineups:
USA: 1-Erin Dees; 2-Mia Bruno, 21-Megan Oyster, 13-Carrie Whigham, 25-Catherine Sessions; 9-Samantha Mewis, 16-Kaitlyn Kerr, 17-Natalia Ledezma, 11-Kylie Facinelli; 20-Kealia Ohai, 4-Devin Marshall
Reserves: 24-Emily Oliver, 18-Nichole Downing, GK-Anna Sieloff, 22-Mollie Pathman, 5-Kaley Blades, 10-Kaitlyn Fitzpatrick, 14-Briana Hovington

CRO: 24-Kenisha Macklin; 13-Erica DeJong, 36-Kiara Williams, 3-Diana Pollock, 9-Emma Levy; 7-Nicole Stanton, 19-Molly Lavin, 2-Jacqueline Conforto, 4-Heather Thomas, 38-Caroline Whiting, 10-Ashley Correa
Reserves: 40-Taylor Bolibol, 88-Madeline Mercier, 20-Karissa Thomas

Statistical Summary:   USA   CRO
Shots:                                 26      5
Shots on Goal:                  16     3
Saves:                                   3     12
Corner Kicks:                       5     1
Fouls:                                    3     6
Offside:                                 1     1

Misconduct Summary:
None.

Match Officials:
Referee: Mandy Love
AR1: Danielle Vernox
AR2: Jessica Huff
4th: Sonia Contreras