May 16 (2019)

The U.S. Women’s National Team drubs New Zealand, 5-0, in an international friendly before another massive crowd for women’s soccer at Busch Stadium. Playing before 35,761 fans, St. Louis native Becky Sauerbrunn goes the distance at center back. The U.S. outshoots New Zealand 25-1, but it takes 35 minutes for the U.S. to break through on Tobin Heath’s goal on an assist by Megan Rapinoe. Rosie Lavelle makes it 2-0 in the 40th minute. Carli Lloyd notches the third goal on her first touch of the night in the 61st minute, then makes it 4-0 in the 83rd minute. Sam Mewis wraps up the scoring a minute later.  The match marks the second time in as many appearances that the USWNT draws more than 35,000 at Busch Stadium; the first was on April 4, 2015, before 35,817 in a 4-0 victory over New Zealand. “It’s a great atmosphere and that’s what the players love about it,” Coach Jill Ellis says about playing in St. Louis. “We’re excited to be here.” Adds Sauerbrunn, “It’s pretty rare to play in your hometown, so I’m glad I actually get to do this twice now.” As they did in 2015, the U.S. players go on to win the World Cup a few months later.