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England beats U.S. women, 2-1, as both prepare for Women’s World Cup in Germany

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The U.S. women’s national team yielded two goals inside the first half an hour Saturday and was beaten, 2-1, by England in London.

It was the second loss of the year for Coach Pia Sundhage’s team as it prepares to play in the Women’s World Cup in Germany this summer. The U.S. also lost to Sweden in the first game of the Four Nations Tournament in China in January.

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England got off to the perfect start, with Jess Clarke scoring on a right-foot shot after only eight minutes. Rachel Yankey made it 2-0 in England’s favor in the 27th minute, scoring off a pass from Kelly Smith.

Megan Rapinoe cut the deficit in half with a goal six minutes before halftime, but the Americans could get no closer as Heather O’Reilly and Alex Morgan both squandered good chances.

The victory was England’s first over the U.S. in nine attempts since 1988.

The game also marked the first time in the 27-year history of the U.S. women’s team that it has played a match in England.

England also will be taking part in the June 26-July 17 Women’s World Cup and plays Mexico, New Zealand and Japan in the first round.

The U.S., a winner of the tournament in 1991 and 1999, plays North Korea, Colombia and Sweden in the first round.

-- Grahame L. Jones

(3) during their exhibition game Saturday in London. Credit: Suzanne Plunkett / Reuters

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