July 14, 2010
DRESDEN, Germany - Incoming freshman forward Maya Hayes (Livingston, N.J.) made the most of her debut FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup appearance as the reserve speedster assisted on the game-tying goal in a 1-1 draw with Ghana at Rudolf-Harbig Stadium on Wednesday.
The United States (0-0-1) went down early to the Ghanaians as Elizabeth Cudjoe's 25-yard rocket found the far post and the back of the net in the seventh minute. The U.S. took command of the first half from there, enjoying the majority of the ball and several opportunities at the opposite net, but an equalizer could not be made.
In the second half, the Americans attacked the net frequently, sparked by the inclusion of Hayes into the lineup, the first U.S. substitution. Sophomore midfielder Christine Nairn (Arnold, Md.) started the game in the central midfield for the Americans but was lifted in the 54th minute.
The U.S. led a counterattack in the 70th minute when a long ball served out of the back sent Hayes and fellow forward Sydney Leroux on a 2-on-1 break with Hayes holding possession on the right flank. Hayes drew her defender and slotted a ball over to the left to Leroux who tapped it in to the back of the net to equal the score.
The U.S. pressed late into the game trying to capitalize on a tiring Ghana (0-0-1) defense, but it was the African side that had the best chance late in the game. In the 82nd minute, Bianca Henninger was up to the task, deflecting a well-struck shot to the far right post to keep the game even at one apiece.
The American and Ghanaian squads are tied with one point apiece in Group D, which is good for second place. South Korea leads the group with three points after a decisive 4-0 win over Switzerland earlier on Wednesday. The U.S. takes on Switzerland at Noon on Saturday, as the game will be televised on ESPNU.
The United States team is the defending champions after its triumph in 2008 in Chile. Ghana was making its first appearance in the tournament.
Stay up to date with all the Nittany Lions' progress in Germany this July by following GoPSUsports.com. Frequent updates will be made about Nairn's and Hayes' experiences at the World Cup with full game reports.
For more information the Penn State Sport Camps 2010 visit Penn State Camps.
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--NITTANY LIONS--