Nairn’s goal gives US women 1-0 win over Canada; Americans sweep 3 games

Nairn’s goal lifts US women over Canada

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Christine Nairn’s first international goal in the dying minutes Wednesday night gave the U.S. women a 1-0 victory over Canada and a three-game sweep of their friendly series.

Nairn scored in the 89th minute after a perfect cross from Angela Hucles deep on the right wing. Abby Wambach tapped the ball to Lauren Cheney, whose shot was saved by goalkeeper Erin McLeod.

But the ball deflected off Nairn as she charged toward the net and went into the goal.

The 18-year-old Nairn, 18, from Penn State, became the youngest U.S. player to score since Heather O’Reilly against Italy in 2002 at the age of 17. Nairn had replaced Carli Lloyd in the 81st minute.

Before a crowd of 4,041 at Blackbaud Stadium, the Americans beat Canada for the third time in two months, with the United States outscoring the Canadians 6-0. The U.S. women have not lost to the Canadians since 2001 and are 40-3-4 all-time in the series.

The Canadians had their best scoring chance early in the second half after a turnover. Christine Sinclair, still seeking her 100th international goal, took a loose ball and passed to Jonelle Filigno just outside the penalty area. Filigno’s hard shot sailed high.

Sinclair came close to getting No. 100 later in the half, taking a pass from Diana Matheson behind the American defense. Sinclair’s shot from just inside the 18-yard box was stopped with a dive by goalkeeper Hope Solo, who had charged off her line.