Ottawa — Carli Lloyd sprinted toward the right sideline, her face contorted in joy, before aiming a flying kick at the corner flag. Her teammates, giving chase close behind, mobbed her in celebration, forming a jubilant tornado of white jerseys and neon green socks.
Fifty minutes had gone by in the United States’ World Cup quarterfinal match against China Friday, when Lloyd took flight near the penalty spot and drilled a powerful header into the lower corner of the goal, breaking a scoreless tie.
It was a cathartic moment, a crucial turning point in the game. Before Lloyd’s goal, the Americans had sent 12 fruitless shots and a continuous pattern of attacks toward China’s goal, the frustration mounting with each foray.