Rapinoe and Heath lead USWNT to second straight friendly win over China

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Rapinoe and Heath lead USWNT to second straight friendly win over China image

Tobin Heath returned to the U.S. women's national team for the first time since September of last year and had an immediate impact, scoring the winner in a 2-1 friendly victory over China on Tuesday. 

Coming off an Alex Morgan-inspired 1-0 win over the same opponent last Thursday , the USWNT once again found themselves in a tight match against the Chinese. 

A fine header from Megan Rapinoe put the U.S. in front 35 minutes in. 

Christen Press, in her 100th cap, drove a cross in from the right side, with Rapinoe getting on the end of it on the back post and heading it back across goal to open the scoring. 

But Chine proved to be a willing opponent and settled down considerably in the second half. 

Li Ying's goal 72 minutes even pulled the visitors level momentarily, but the returning Heath would not be denied. 

Having come on to replace Morgan in the 65th, Heath had the U.S. back in front just three minutes after being pegged back. 

The 30-year-old, who underwent surgery in January to correct and ankle injury, scored her first goal since 2016 to complete the sweep for the USWNT. 

The win keeps the U.S. unbeaten in 2018, having no gone 16 matches without a loss. 

Next up, the USWNT will take part in the 2018 Tournament of Nations starting in July with the 2018 CONCACAF Women's Championship, which also serves as qualifying for the 2019 World Cup, taking place in October. 

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