Vanquished Scots given hope for Nashville clash

SCOTLAND lost 4-1 to the USA in Jacksonville at the weekend, but the second-half showing against the Olympic champions gives manager Anna Signeul grounds for optimism when the sides meet again in Nashville on Wednesday night.

A 54th minute, 18-yard strike from Kim Little gave the Scots confidence after going three goals behind. They came close to adding a second with five minutes remaining before the hosts scored a last minute goal through Sydney Leroux to give Tom Sermanni a winning start as US coach.

Nevertheless, it was a good recovery from a side who missed injured first choice central defenders Ifeoma Dieke and Rachel Corsie in an opening half hour when possession was given away cheaply.

The Scots, with Jenny Beattie converted to centre half alongside Rhonda Jones, eventually settled and were only two behind at half time with Little outstanding in the final hour.

“You can see that Kim can compete with players at this level,” said Signeul. “Her goal was absolutely brilliant.”

The main American threat was expected to come from world player of the year Abby Wambach and fellow striker Alex Morgan; however, Morgan was injured in the first half, while Wambach was poor and was substituted after 54 minutes.

The plaudits instead fell to debutant Christen Press, who scored both first half goals and set up the third for fellow midfielder Shannon Boxx.

Celtic goalkeeper Gemma Fay denied Press her hat-trick with a terrific save, while at the other end, substitute USA keeper Nicole Barnhart was kept busy throughout, excelling with an excellent block from a Ross flick that would have made the scoreline 3-2 with just five minutes to go.