Wambach guides U.S. to win over Iceland

RICHMOND, Va. – Abby Wambach scored her second goal 2 minutes into second-half injury time, giving the U.S. women’s team a 2-1 victory over Iceland in an exhibition game Sunday.

Wambach put the United States ahead in the 34th minute, taking a long pass from Aly Wagner, beating a defender, faking goalkeeper Thora Helgadottir and slotting the ball into the open net.

Margret Lara Vidarsdottir tied the score in the 89th minute, beating goalkeeper Hope Solo with a penalty kick after Heather Mitts was late with a challenge and brought down Greta Samuelsdottir on the left side of the penalty area.

Referee Sandra Serafini added 4 minutes of stoppage time. Wambach took Stephanie Lopez’s pass at the top of the penalty area on the left side, closed on the goal and sent a rolling shot off the right post and in for her 64th goal in 79 international appearances.

“I toe-poked it and it literally rolled and rolled and rolled and rolled,” Wambach said. “It was not the prettiest of goals, but some of them aren’t. And that’s what true strikers do, they just score. It’s not how. It’s how many.”

The United States, which outshot Iceland 26-3, is preparing for the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup. The Americans will play on Nov. 22 and 26.