International Friendly
Result: USA 1-0 Banyana Banyana
Date: 09 July 2016
Venue: Soldier Field
Banyana Banyana suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of World Champions, USA in an international friendly on Saturday evening.
Banyana survived an early scare after a defensive error in the box, while USA's Julie Johnston missed a sitter to hand the hosts the lead after 15 minutes.
Janine Van Wyk came to South Africa's rescue in the 20th minute, as she popped up with a last-ditch tackle to deny the Americans a certain goal.
USA eventually broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, as Mallory Pugh's cross from the left found Crystal Dunn, who converted from close range, 1-0.
The hosts pushed for a second goal and were nearly rewarded before the break, but Banyana goalkeeper Roxanne Barker produced a fine save to keep the deficit at one.
The second half continued in the same fashion with the Americans dominating, and they nearly extended their lead in the 48th minute, but Nothando Vilakazi came to Banyana's rescue with goal-line clearance.
Vera Pauw opted to make a change on the hour mark and introduce Amanda Dlamini for her 100th cap for the senior national side.
Banyana fashioned their first effort at goal in the 68th minute when Van Wyk unleashed an effort from distance, although USA goalkeeper Hope Solo was not troubled.
The South Africans failed to carve out any clear-cut openings as the half went on, as Pauw rang the changes in the closing stages of the encounter.
Nonetheless, the score remained 1-0 in favour of the World Champions at the full-time whistle, as Banyana now shift their focus to the Olympic Games.
