USWNT to host China PR in December friendlies

The US women’s national team will host two friendlies against China PR to close out the year, welcoming the opponent on December 2 at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale first before playing at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas two days later. 

The two countries first faced each other in 1986, with China becoming the US's second-most frequent opponent behind only Canada since then. There have been 58 meetings between two countries, including the 1996 Olympic gold medal game and the 1999 Women’s World Cup Final. 

The last confrontation saw the USWNT triumph 1-0 over China in a friendly on 7 July 2018. 

Before facing China, the United States will host Colombia on October 26 in Sandy, Utah and again on October 29 in San Diego.

Interim manager Twila Kilgore is set to lead the USWNT in the final friendlies of the year after taking over for Vlatko Andonovski, who resigned following the shocking World Cup round of 16 elimination against Sweden. 

The reigning champions originally entered the tournament as favorites to make history by clinching their third consecutive trophy - and fifth overall - but struggled throughout the group stage before losing 5-4 in penalties during the knockout match. 

Andonovski was subject of constant criticism throughout the World Cup, after failing to make substitutions when necessary and opting instead for a defensive take on the game. The coach chose not to utilize his talented bench, leaving several key figures without minutes at the World Cup. NWSL stars Ashley Sanchez and Alana Cook failed to make the field, while Kristie Mewis, Alyssa Thompson and Sofia Huerta saw extremely limited time.

His contract with US Soccer originally expired at the end of 2023, after signing a four-year contract in 2019. But his resignation, first reported by 90min, expedited the impending exit.